Black Locust Distribution and Management Recommendations for the Lower Columbia River Valley near Trail, BC

Vegetation in the Lower Columbia Valley in the West Kootenays of BC has been affected by historical emissions from the smelter in Trail, BC. Following logging of the valley for fuel and building materials, metal and SO2 emissions impaired forest regeneration on low valley slopes. A hardy tree species in the legume family native to Southeastern North America, black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), was planted in disturbed sites along the valley to support revegetation. Black locust has now invaded habitats outside of its planting zones and is a threat to biodiversity and further ecological restoration. My research will map and field survey black locust stands to assess natural habitat and human disturbance conditions associated with black locust invasion. I will identify sites at risk of invasion and suggest management strategies for modifying and restoring forests to be more resilient to black locust colonization.

Faculty Supervisor:

Anayansi Cohen-Fernandez

Student:

Partner:

Teck Metals Ltd

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Manufacturing; Mining

University:

British Columbia Institute of Technology

Program: