NRSC 3201: Silviculture
Students explore silvicultural concepts as they apply to forest stand and landscape level management, as well as silviculture systems as they relate to economics, wildlife, biodiversity, and sustainability. Topics include principles of forest tree improvement, seed handling, nursery practices and artificial regeneration, and natural regeneration and stand tending practices. Self-directed field experiences provide students with the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of silvicultural practices.
Learning outcomes
- Outline the reproduction of tree species from seed to seedling (includes nursery practices).
Describe basic tree physiology. - Outline the growth of individual tree species as a function of site quality (i.e. climate, soil moisture and soil nutrient regimes).
- Describe forest establishment (i.e. species selection, site preparation, planting, tending).
- Describe stand management (i.e. thinning, spacing, fertilization, cutting, protection).
- Apply course concepts in the development of various management plans which may include timber management, range management, wildlife management, recreation and watershed management, to name just a few.
- Strengthen knowledge of silvicultural systems and practices through self-directed field experiences.
Course topics
- Unit 1: History of Silviculture in BC
- Unit 2: Current Legal Framework of Silviculture in BC
- Unit 3: Principles of Forest Ecology and Silvics
- Unit 4: Silvicultural Systems
- Unit 5: Site Preparation
- Unit 6: Seedling Establishment and Growth
- Unit 7: Growth and Yield
- Unit 8: Stand Density, Thinning, and Alternative Harvesting Strategies
- Unit 9: Soil Chemistry and Fertilization
- Unit 10: Forest Management and Planning
Required text and materials
There is no required textbook for this course.
Additional requirements
Students will be consulting a variety of resources throughout the course, including selected web resources, files linked to individual lessons, and various media. As such, a computer with Internet access is required.
There are three (3) self-directed field exercises, for which students will require:
- Transportation to and from your self-selected sites (according to instructions).
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or adequate clothing and footwear to safely visit the site.
- Camera (cell phone camera works)
- Compass (only if students own or can borrow, not necessary to purchase)
- Tape measure (basic 30-ft construction tape will work); line tape if available.
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.
| Unit 1: Quiz | 5% |
| Unit 2: Quiz | 5% |
| Assignment 1: BEC Site Series | 10% |
| Units 3 and 4: Quiz | 5% |
| Unit 5: Quiz | 5% |
| Assignment 2: Stocking Survey | 10% |
| Units 6 and 7: Quiz | 5% |
| Assignment 3: Paper Review | 5% |
| Units 8 and 9: Quiz | 5% |
| Assignment 4: Silviculture and Site Plan | 15% |
| Final Exam (mandatory) | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
