Extended Rotation with Commercial Thinning

Last updated on June 26, 2019

Extended rotation with commercial thinning is not a silvicultural system, but it provides baseline data for comparing silvicultural systems. Thinning allows the remaining trees enough space to maintain high growth rates for an extended period. This process produces old-growth attributes within a relatively short time frame. The long-term replacement of old-growth forest attributes through active silvicultural measures is part of the Vancouver Island Land Use Plan for the Sayward Forest.

For photo of extended rotation with commercial thinning see Tour Stop 12.

Immediately after first entry:

simulated image of extended rotation with commercial thinning immediately after first entry

After 30 years:

simulated image of extended rotation with commercial thinning after 30 years

A view of the extended rotation with commercial thinning treatment:

Summary Description of Key Features

Silvicultural System: Extended Rotation with Commercial Thinning
Treatment Unit Size: 18.6 ha
Opening Size: Single trees
Deferred Areas: 350 overstory and 150 understory trees per ha over 80 years
Retention Structures Objective: 5 ha of adjacent wildlife tree patches
Age Structure: Even-aged

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Extended Rotation with Commercial Thinning

Immediately after first entry:

After 30 years:

A view of the extended rotation with commercial thinning treatment:

Summary Description of Key Features