The response of subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) growth along topographically-controlled climate gradients in interior British Columbia

Forests of BC are under stress due to changing climates. This introduces uncertainty in the wood properties and resulting wood products that will be derived from these forests. Subalpine fir trees contribute to a significant portion of wood that is manufactured into pulp in Canada, and little is known about how these trees respond to climate pressures. With climate dynamics changing, wood properties of subalpine trees may become unstable resulting in tree dieback and changes to wood quality. A better understanding of subalpine fir resilience to extreme climate events, and of the growth–climate relationship in general, is needed.
The goal of this study is to better understand how growth of subalpine fir in interior BC is related to climate parameters along elevation gradients and between changes in slope aspect, and to identify under what conditions subalpine trees show the highest and lowest levels of resilience. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Lisa Wood;Scott Green

Student:

Partner:

Canfor Pulp Ltd

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Manufacturing

University:

University of Northern British Columbia

Program: