Ecosystem Based Management
Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) is a process that integrates biological, social and economic factors into a comprehensive strategy aimed at protecting and enhancing sustainability, diversity and productivity of natural resources.
The following reports provide the necessary scientific data that we need to make decisions and develop a holistic operating plan. They allow us to better understand and appreciate the complexity of our Community Forest.
Northern Goshawk: 2023 Assessments in Halfmoon Bay and East Wilson Tenure areas of Sunshine Coast Community Forest
This field assessment conducted on July 7th and 8th, 2023, by Anna Yuill and Laurie Kremsater covered Halfmoon Bay and Wilson Creek tenure areas.
It involved 44 survey stations accessed by 4x4 and on foot, but no nests or detections were found. A lone pluck site was seen in Halfmoon Bay with an unknown species responsible.
Old Forest and At-Risk-Ecological-Communities: Interpretations and TEM Analysis for the Sunshine Coast Community Forest 2022
This tenure-wide, comprehensive assessment aimed to identify and characterize mature and old forest areas in specific biogeoclimatic units for potential use in adaptive Ecosystem Based Management (EBM). It involved assessing ecosystems with old forest attributes using the Forest Attribute Score (FAS) and documenting mature forests with adequate old structural attributes.
This assessment provided valuable information for potentially creating reserves, capturing 10% of specific biogeoclimatic units. However, not all potential stands were visited, and future assessments may identify more. The document guides strategic planning, supporting a 10% minimum target, but recommends higher protection levels (20-30% min) or lower biodiversity risk levels. Reserves are one tool for biodiversity, and stand retention should also be considered for sustainable forest management.
Ecosystem Based Management: EW24 Block Assessment
The primary goal of this assessment was to evaluate the current ecological community within the block, with a specific focus on identifying old forests and listed plant communities. This assessment occurred alongside a broader project aimed at identifying mature and old forest areas within SCCF tenure areas. The objectives included assessing terrestrial ecosystems, documenting their ecological condition, and identifying habitats for species of concern.
Block EW24 is located near the Wilson Creek area, next to the Powerline Right of Way, north of Sechelt Airport. You can reach it via Sechelt Airport Road and a forest service road. The planned layout for EW24, shown in Figure 2, changed based on the results of the Environmental Block Assessment.
Ecosystem Based Management: HM50 Block Assessment
Madrone Environmental Services conducted an ecosystem assessment for a proposed cut block, HM50, within the Sunshine Coast Community Forest (SCCF). This assessment aimed to evaluate the current ecological community, identify old forests, and discuss listed plant communities.
The assessment was conducted alongside a tenure-wide assessment of old forests in SCCF, which focuses on specific biogeoclimatic units. The main objectives were to assess terrestrial ecosystems' status and ecological condition and identify ecologically valuable resources and habitats for at-risk species.
HM50 is located in the Halfmoon Bay area, accessible by an existing forest service road and bike trail. A portion of the block is set for 100% retention and not to be harvested.
