Station 1 : Measuring Height
To measure the height of the tree we use some simple mathematics. Read along as we go through the steps to measure the height of the tree.
- First using a tape measure in the units perimeter/pi we measure the diameter of the tree.
- We then use a tape measure and step back 20 meters.
- Using a clinometer we measure the angle from the bottom of the tree to the top.
- Then using TAN in trigonometry we can calculate the height by finding the tan of the degree and multiplying it by 20 meters.
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Station 2 : Calculating Age
In calculating the age of the tree we use an increment borer to drill half way into the tree. After you drill half way into the tree you twist backwards one full rotation and then pull out the borer. Inside the borer you will find a sample of the tree's wood in which you then count the rings that are present. The number of rings represents the age of the tree. This process does not harm the tree at all and is used in monitoring growth. To ensure that the tree does not acquire an infection, you should place the sample back into the hole from whence it came.
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Station 3 : Site Preparation
Site preparation is an important tool in the reforestation process. The seedlings have a better chance to survive after the site has been prepared due to the following enhancements.
- Soil Temperature
- Soil Moisture
- Soil Nutrients
- Competing Vegetation
- Increase of Light
- Absence of insects and diseases
Broadcast Burn : This method is used to get rid of the thick slash that may be covering the forest floor. This is done by lighting the entire block on fire.
Pile and Burn : This method is used to create space, and eliminate excess debris. This is done by making individual piles and burning them separately.
Drag Scarification : This method is used when foresters are planning to reforest the area naturally. Drag Scarification is preparing the soil to make the best soil possible. It is turning up the soil so it will be ready when the seed is dropped and can germinate immediately. It will remove surface organic layers, expose mineral soil, and distribute cones evenly. This method is commonly used in Lodgepole Pine areas.
Screefing : This warms the soil, and exposes the mineral soil. An excavator often does this.
Stumping : Stumping is a method where all the stumps in the particular block are up-rooted. This is to prevent or kill any existing diseases such as root rot.
Mounding : Mounding is often used on high elevation areas where the soil is very cold or wet. Mounding the soil will give the seedling more heat, and will also warm the soil. It also removes competing vegetation.
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Station 4 : Nursery
The nursery is where the seeds are planted and grown into seedlings. This is done by planting two seeds in one soil capsule and the weakest of the two will be pulled out of the capsule. This ensures the survival of the fittest. Rocks are placed on top of the soil capsule to prevent the growth of algae on the soil which would take away the nutrients needed for the tree to grow. Coldstream nursery and CBSS have come together to produce 4000 seedlings. They return monthly to the nursery to check on their seedlings and to nurture them.
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Station 5 : Planting
On average, 3 trees are planted for every tree that is cut down. BC plants more than 200 million trees each year. The survival rate is 90% or better and due to our sustainable forestry practices, we have more trees today then we had 50 years ago.
When the seedlings reach 20 cm, they are ready for planting.
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