Bulkley Valley Research Centre - Science in the Public Interest

SORTIE as a Timber Analysis Tool

Project Reference Number: 2006-20

Project Status: Complete

Led by: Dave Coates, PhD, Research Silviculturist, Ministry of Forests and Range, Smithers

Rasmus Astrup, Bulkley Valley Research Centre; Don Sachs, Nelson

Funder: Ministry of Forests, Transfer Agreement

The purpose of this transfer payment is to provide funding to undertake the necessary simulations and validation tests required for SORTIE-ND to be accepted as a timber analysis management tool. This work will be undertaken in co-operation with Dr. Dave Coates and Erin Hall of the Northern Interior Forest Region.

The project will:

1) Creating and validating SORTIE-ND model simulations/yield curves for three broad forest types affected by the mountain pine beetle (a) unsalvaged stands, (b) managed partially salvaged stands with high levels of retention, and (c) edge effects after full salvage with retention.

2) Contrast SORTIE with VDYP7 and TASS for developing and evaluating growth and yield curves after natural disturbances in unmanaged stands and in managed mixed-species complex structured stands.

3) If needed, modify SORTIE to meet Timber Supply Review growth and yield standards.