Projects

Mountain Pine Beetle Habitat Supply

  • Cumulative Effects Analysis
  • Ecological Analysis
Project Number
3.264
Sub-project Number
34.020, 88.004, 88.005, 115.002
Project Leader
Glenn Sutherland
Client Code
3
Client
BC Ministry of Forests
Interests
Government, Industry, First Nations, NGO
Duration
2007–2008
Type
Biodiversity Mgmt
Region
British Columbia
Outcomes
  • produced occupancy maps for thirteen species in the Central Interior Ecoregion of BC
  • forecasted timber supply including MPB losses and harvests
  • issued a peer-reviewed paper
Cumulative Effects Analysis
10
Carbon Management
0
Ecological Analysis
90

Project Description

Habitat for many forest-dependent species in British Columbia is being affected by an unprecedented epidemic of the mountain pine beetle (MPB) and changing ecological conditions caused by climate change. Fine-resolution spatial habitat supply models for multiple species are one tool that can help managers and researchers understand how forest management decisions may need to adjust and account for the effects of broad ecological changes in order to sustain multiple habitat values into the future. Working with Wildlife Infometrics Ltd.'s biologists and modellers, as well as with research scientists, and both government and non-government agencies, Cortex has co-developed causal models of habitat conditions and species occupancy probabilities, then linked these habitat dynamics to spatial projections of disturbances and landscape dynamics. In addition, Cortex developed the conceptual basis for incorporating climate change interactions within these habitat models and led their technical documentation.3.264 MPB BBN

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