Modem pollen spectra from west central British Columbia

1993 ◽  
Vol 71 (11) ◽  
pp. 1486-1495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard J. Hebda ◽  
Gregory B. Allen
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Tsuga Heterophylla ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Dominant Type ◽  
Subalpine Fir ◽  
Engelmann Spruce ◽  
Regional Background ◽  
Pollen Surface ◽  
Pollen Rain ◽  
Pollen And Spores

Sixty-four moss and organic litter samples were collected from five biogeoclimatic zones distributed from sea level on the central coast of British Columbia onto the western edge of the Interior Plateau at 1000 – 1900 m and analyzed for pollen and spores. Four of the five biogeoclimatic zones produced characteristic pollen and spore spectra. The coastal western hemlock biogeoclimatic zone is characterized by Tsuga heterophylla, Alnus, and Cupressaceae. Significant levels of nonarboreal pollen (NAP), mainly Lysichiton and fern spores, occur in some sites. Interior Douglas-fir zone samples are dominated by Pseudotsuga and Tsuga heterophylla with notable Betula, Cupressaceae, and Alnus. Pinus pollen becomes the dominant type at the eastern margins of the interior Douglas-fir zone and dominates the Engelmann spruce – subalpine fir, montane spruce, and sub-boreal pine–spruce biogeoclimatic zones at high and intermediate elevations to the east. In the Engelmann spruce – subalpine fir zone, Abies pollen is characteristically more abundant than Picea, and notable percentages of NAP, especially Artemisia, occur. In the transition from Engelmann spruce – subalpine fir zone to montane spruce zone, Abies and Picea percentages are about equal or Picea predominates slightly, whereas in the montane spruce zone and sub-boreal pine spruce zones, Picea values exceed Abies values often four to five times. Percent pollen and spore versus percent taxon cover diagrams, despite widely spread values, reveal general relationships and background pollen rain values for major taxa valuable to the interpretation of fossil pollen assemblages. Pinus is greatly overrepresented with a regional background of 10–15%. At low to intermediate cover values, Tsuga heterophylla, Pseudotsuga, and Cupressaceae are represented more or less as they occur in the vegetation, with regional backgrounds up to 5%. Picea and Abies are underrepresented, with regional background value of 0–3%. Key words: pollen, surface spectra, biogeoclimatic zones, species cover, British Columbia.

Palynology and paleoecology of postglacial sediments in an anoxic basin, Saanich Inlet, British Columbia

1983 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 873-885 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda E. Heusser
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Tsuga Heterophylla ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Western Hemlock ◽  
Thuja Plicata ◽  
Alnus Rubra ◽  
Red Cedar ◽  
Saanich Inlet ◽  
Anoxic Basin

Varved, black clayey silts deposited in the marine waters of Saanich Inlet yield unusually abundant and diverse pollen assemblages derived from the coastal Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) forests of southwestern British Columbia. The 12 000 year palynological record chronicles the development of vegetation since ice left Saanich Inlet: the succession of pine (Pinus contorta) and alder (Alnus rubra) woodlands by forests characterized by Douglas-fir and oak (Quercus) and later by western hemlock and red cedar (Thuja plicata). Rapid deposition of annual layers of pollen, charcoal, and other terrigenous particles provides detailed evidence of changes in land use during the past few hundred years: settlement, logging, farming, and urbanization. Vegetational and climatic changes inferred from pollen spectra in the marine sediments of Saanich Inlet compare favorably with changes inferred from correlative pollen assemblages previously described from adjacent parts of Vancouver Island and the Fraser River valley.

Holocene vegetation, climate, and lake-level changes in the Interior Douglas-fir Biogeoclimatic Zone, British Columbia

1989 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 1811-1825 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rolf W. Mathewes ◽  
Miriam King
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Tsuga Heterophylla ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Sediment Type ◽  
Stratigraphic Correlation ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
The Holocene ◽  
Pollen Influx

Chilhil, Phair, Fishblue, and Horseshoe lakes in the southern interior of British Columbia were cored and analyzed for pollen. Phair Lake was also examined for plant macrofossils and aquatic molluscs. Two dated volcanic tephras (Mazama and Bridge River) are present in three of the four lakes and, together with radiocarbon dates, provide an absolute chronology for pollen-influx calculations and stratigraphic correlation. Abrupt changes in sediment type at Phair Lake about 5650 and 2000 years ago correlate with Neoglacial advances near the coast–interior transition. Pollen changes suggestive of moister conditions and the presence of an aquatic mollusc (Valvata sincera helicoidea) at Phair and Chilhil lakes are consistent with the Neoglacial evidence of cooler and wetter conditions after about 2400 years ago. The driest part of the Holocene was the early, pre-Mazama (ca. 6600–6800 years ago) interval, when the vegetation was more open and herb rich and the lake levels were lower than at present. Wetter climatic conditions appear in post-Mazama time, indicated by regional increases in the pollen of Tsuga heterophylla and other coastal and subalpine trees. Pollen-influx values for the Interior Douglas-fir Zone are broadly consistent at all sites, with values of < 2000 –8000 grains cm−2 year−1. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) has been an important forest species in the study region throughout the Holocene.

scholarly journals Incidence of Heterobasidion annosum in Mixed-Conifer Natural Regeneration Surrounding Large True Fir Stumps 20–25 Years after Harvesting in Northeastern Oregon

2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 178-184
Author(s):  
Gregory M. Filip ◽  
Craig L. Schmitt ◽  
Kristen L. Chadwick
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Root Disease ◽  
Heterobasidion Annosum ◽  
Subalpine Fir ◽  
Federal Lands ◽  
Engelmann Spruce ◽  
History Of ◽  
Apparently Healthy

Abstract High-elevation true fir stands on federal lands have a long history of selective harvesting. In 1989 a high frequency (89%) of Heterobasidion annosum, the cause of annosus root disease, was found in residual true fir stumps (mean, 20-in. diameter) cut 5–9 years earlier in northeast Oregon. In 2004, H. annosum was found at the stump surface of 29% of the natural conifer regeneration (mean, 18 years) within 20 ft of infected residual stumps. A total of 16 of 122 (13%) live saplings had H. annosum–caused stain or decay. Only 3% of 126 sample trees, however, were dead and infected by H. annosum. Infection was confirmed in 62% of decayed trees, 33% of stained trees, and 22% of trees with no visible stain or decay at the stump surface. Only 3 of 122 living saplings showed typical root disease crown symptoms (chlorosis), but only one of these had H. annosum. Only 1 of 16 live saplings with H. annosum–caused stain or decay was chlorotic. Incidence of infection was 44% in Engelmann spruce (7 of 16 trees), 31% in Douglas-fir (5 of 16 trees), 31% in subalpine fir (4 of 13 trees), and 27% in grand fir (21 of 77 trees). The S-type of H. annosum was confirmed in a sampled grand fir. There were no significant differences between H. annosum–infected and apparently healthy trees regarding live crown ratio and distance from infected residual stumps. Infected trees, however, were significantly (P = 0.025) larger in diameter than apparently healthy trees. The dynamics of H. annosum infection in spruce and Douglas-fir in northeast Oregon are discussed as well as treating true fir stumps with boron-containing products to prevent stump infection by H. annosum. West. J. Appl. For. 21(4):178–184.

Height growth–elevation relationships in subalpine forests of interior British Columbia

1996 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Klinka ◽  
H. Y. H. Chen ◽  
Q. Wang ◽  
R. E. Carter
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Growth Curves ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Picea Engelmannii ◽  
Abies Lasiocarpa ◽  
Subalpine Fir ◽  
Engelmann Spruce ◽  
Study Species

Stem analysis data from even-aged Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.) and subalpine fir [Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.] stands on zonal sites in the Engelmann Spruce—Subalpine Fir biogeoclimatic zone of British Columbia were used to examine the relationships of site index and height growth and elevation, latitude, and longitude. Elevation and latitude were found to be strongly negatively correlated with site index of both study species. Spruce site index (bh age 50) was predicted to decrease 2.9 m and fir site index 2.5 m with every 100 m and 1° increase in elevation and latitude, respectively; however, (i) site index of both species appeared to decline faster with increasing latitude than elevation, and (ii) decrease appeared to be faster for spruce than for fir. Comparison of height growth curves for stands on zonal and azonal sites with similar site index from different elevations and latitudes suggested that there are probably inconsequential differences between the shape of curves for either species. These findings imply that (i) subalpine fir is better adapted to subalpine boreal climates than Engelmann spruce and (ii) development of polymorphic site index curves for estimating site index of both species may be appropriate. Key words: elevation, latitude, longitude, site index, height growth, Abies lasiocarpa, Picea engelmannii, Engelmann Spruce—Subalpine Fir zone

scholarly journals Mortality of Mixed-Conifer Regeneration Surrounding Stumps Infected by Heterobasidion annosum 15–19 Years after Harvesting in Northeastern Oregon

2000 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 189-194
Author(s):  
Gregory M. Filip ◽  
Craig L. Schmitt ◽  
Catherine G. Parks
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Root Disease ◽  
Heterobasidion Annosum ◽  
Mixed Conifer ◽  
Western Larch ◽  
Subalpine Fir ◽  
Engelmann Spruce ◽  
Tolerant Species

Abstract In 1989, a high frequency (89%) of Heterobasidion annosum, cause of annosus root disease, was found in true fir stumps cut 5 to 9 yr earlier in northeastern Oregon. Despite high stump infection levels, mortality of surrounding regeneration was very low (1.4%) in 1989 and even lower (0.7%) in 1999. High-elevation mixed-conifer stands in northeastern Oregon are often overstocked with regeneration. This regen-eration often includes H. annosum-susceptible species such as grand fir and subalpine fir and H. annosum-tolerant species such as Douglas-fir, Engelmann spruce, and western larch. The recommendation to treat true fir stumps with boron-containing products to prevent infection by H. annosum is discussed. West. J. Appl. For. 15(4):189–194.

Pathology of conifer seed and timing of germination in high-elevation subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce forests of the southern interior of British Columbia

1999 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianwen Zhong ◽  
Bart J van der Kamp
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Subalpine Fir ◽  
Engelmann Spruce ◽  
Black Mold ◽  
Nurse Logs

Unstratified seed of Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.) in nylon mesh bags was placed on various natural and disturbed forest floor seed beds in the Engelmann Spruce - Subalpine Fir Zone in the southern interior of British Columbia in September 1995 and recovered just before snow melt in June 1996. Fifty-two and 86% of the viable spruce and fir seed, respectively, had germinated before snowmelt. Germination under snow may be an adaptation of these high-elevation species to short cool growing seasons. Seed viability at recovery was significantly lower on undisturbed forest floor seed beds (spruce, 13%; fir, 12%) than on exposed mineral soil (spruce, 57%; fir, 42%). Viability of seed placed on nurse logs was 38 and 23% for spruce and fir, respectively. Isolation from ungerminated seed yielded a Rhizoctonia sp., an as yet unidentified black mold at high frequencies, and several other seed pathogens at low frequency. Multiple linear regression of the frequency of isolation of Rhizoctonia and black mold on seed viability was highly significant for both tree species. Seed pathogens appear to cause a major loss of seed and seedlings in these forests, and this may explain both the common occurrence of regeneration on nurse logs and the requirement of mineral soil seed beds for adequate regeneration.

scholarly journals Holocene Climatic Change and Landscape Response at Cathedral Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada

2006 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus L. Heinrichs ◽  
Martin G. Evans ◽  
Richard J. Hebda ◽  
Ian R. Walker ◽  
Samantha L. Palmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Sediment Yield ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Plant Macrofossils ◽  
Fire Frequency ◽  
Yield Data ◽  
Subalpine Fir ◽  
Engelmann Spruce ◽  
Landscape Response ◽  
Provincial Park

Abstract Environmental sensitivity to temperature change was established by comparing pollen, plant macrofossils, macroscopic charcoal, and sediment yield data from Lake of the Woods, Cathedral Provincial Park in the Cascade Mountains of southern British Columbia, Canada, to an independent record of midge-inferred paleotemperature. Steppe vegetation with some spruce and fir occurred initially, developing into pine forests in the warm early Holocene. These forests burned often, preventing spruce and fir succession. Once established, the forests retained an Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir character. After 8000 cal BP, in warm but wetter conditions, the forest contained less pine and fires burned less frequently. About 4000 cal BP, cooler temperatures resulted in closure of the Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir forests and a further reduction in fire frequency. Sediment yield results suggest a stable environment throughout the Holocene, likely due to sediment trapping in two upstream lakes. Midge-inferred temperatures correspond closely with a consensus reconstruction of temperatures from southern British Columbia, however Cathedral Provincial Park terrestrial ecosystems were not as sensitive to past climate change when compared to other nearby Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir sites.

scholarly journals Caribou in British Columbia: A 1996 status report

Rangifer ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas C. Heard ◽  
Kathryn L. Vagt
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Boreal Forests ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Forest Harvesting ◽  
Status Report ◽  
Population Estimates ◽  
Subalpine Fir ◽  
Engelmann Spruce ◽  
Abundance Estimates ◽  
The Difference

Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in British Columbia are classified into mountain, northern and boreal ecotypes based on behavioural and ecological characteristics. We recognized 12 mountain caribou herds, 27 northern caribou herds, and an area occupied by low density boreal caribou dispersed in the boreal forests of the northeast portion of the province. Abundance estimates were usually based on attempts at total counts made from the air. Trends were based on repeated population estimates or the difference between recruitment and mortality rates for each herd. In 1996 there were approximately 18 000 caribou in British Columbia; 2300 mountain and 15 600 northern and boreal. These estimates suggest a slight increase in the numbers of both ecotypes over the last 18 years. Fifteen percent of the herds were reportedly increasing, 10% were decreasing, 31% were stable, but for 44% of the herds the trend was unknown. Historically caribou were found throughout 8 of the 14 biogeoclimatic zones in B.C. Caribou are now rarely found in the Sub-Boreal Spruce zone, likely due to increased predation from wolves that increased in response to increasing moose numbers. Ranges of several herds in the Engelmann Spruce &mdash; Subalpine Fir and Alpine Tundra zones of south-eastern British Columbia are also reduced relative to historic conditions, probably because of habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, predation and hunting. Forest harvesting represents the greatest threat to caribou habitat and current research focuses on the mitigation of forest harvesting impacts.

scholarly journals Paleoecological Investigation of Vegetation, Climate and Fire History in, and Adjacent to, Kootenay National Park, Southeastern British Columbia, Canada

2022 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Rodengen ◽  
Marlow G. Pellatt ◽  
Karen E. Kohfeld
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
National Park ◽  
Fire History ◽  
Accumulation Rate ◽  
Fire Frequency ◽  
Tsuga Heterophylla ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Carbon Accumulation ◽  
Early Holocene ◽  
In Fire

Paleoecological investigation of two montane lakes in the Kootenay region of southeast British Columbia, Canada, reveal changes in vegetation in response to climate and fire throughout the Holocene. Pollen, charcoal, and lake sediment carbon accumulation rate analyses show seven distinct zones at Marion Lake, presently in the subalpine Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir (ESSF) biogeoclimatic (BEC) zone of Kootenay Valley, British Columbia. Comparison of these records to nearby Dog Lake of Kootenay National Park of Canada in the Montane Spruce (MS) BEC zone of Kootenay Valley, British Columbia reveals unique responses of ecosystems in topographically complex regions. The two most dramatic shifts in vegetation at Marion Lake occur firstly in the early Holocene/late Pleistocene in ML Zone 3 (11,010–10,180 cal. yr. B.P.) possibly reflecting Younger Dryas Chronozone cooling followed by early Holocene xerothermic warming noted by the increased presence of the dry adapted conifer, Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and increasing fire frequency. The second most prominent change occurred at the transition from ML Zone 5 through 6a (∼2,500 cal. yr. B.P.). This zone transitions from a warmer to a cooler/wetter climate as indicated by the increase in western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and subsequent drop in fire frequency. The overall cooling trend and reduction in fire frequency appears to have occurred ∼700 years later than at Dog Lake (∼43 km to the south and 80 m lower in elevation), resulting in a closed montane spruce forest, whereas Marion Lake developed into a subalpine ecosystem. The temporal and ecological differences between the two study sites likely reflects the particular climate threshold needed to move these ecosystems from developed forests to subalpine conditions, as well as local site climate and fire conditions. These paleoecological records indicate future warming may result in the MS transitioning into an Interior Douglas Fir (IDF) dominated landscape, while the ESSF may become more forested, similar to the modern MS, or develop into a grassland-like landscape dependent on fire frequency. These results indicate that climate and disturbance over a regional area can dictate very different localized vegetative states. Local management implications of these dynamic landscapes will need to understand how ecosystems respond to climate and disturbance at the local or ecosystem/habitat scale.

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