Characterizing Understory Attributes for Conservation: An Indigenous Operational Case Study

Project Title: Characterizing Understory Attributes for Conservation when Harvesting and Recruitment when Thinning: An Indigenous Operational Case Study

Recipient: Tano T’enneh Limited Partnership

Region: North Coast & Nechako Region

Theme(s): “Old-like in a new light”, “Thin it to win it”, “Training tomorrow’s forest innovators”, “Success, failure, learn & tailor”

Awarded Amount: $50,000

Project Period: 2025-2026

Description: Commercial thinning and variable retentions silviculture systems are gaining momentum in the Interior of BC as a method to both conserve and restore biodiversity. Based on existing operational trials, this study will aim to capture and communicate the ability of these techniques to both conserve and enhance understory and future old growth characteristics in managed stands. Using Drone and Terrestrial Lidar systems in complement with permanent sample plots, the project will characterize several understory attributes of mature/old growth stands. Lheidli T’enneh will extend learnings to evaluate the degree to which partial retention harvesting of primary forest and thinning of secondary forest conserves and/or enhances understory attributes. This will assist in prescriptions within the Indigenous forest tenure and extend the learnings inside and beyond Lheidli T’enneh Traditional Territory.