Experimental Project 1077 – The Siphon Creek Mixedwood Trial: The Use of a Simple Height-to-Diameter Ratio to Predict the Growth Success of Planted White Spruce Seedlings beneath Aspen Canopies

Many forests in British Columbia are composed of mixtures of coniferous and deciduous species, known collectively as “mixedwoods”. In BC, stands that contain less than 80% net merchantable volume of a single species are considered to be mixedwoods (Anonymous 1998a). Approximately 35% of the productive forests of BC are either dominated by broadleaf species or are mixedwoods (Comeau 1996). In the Prince George Forest Region, and more specifically the Fort Nelson and Peace Timber Supply Areas of the Peace River, more than 3.8 million hectares of productive forest land are mixedwoods (Peterson et al. 1989). These stands are composed primarily of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) with various admixtures of understorey and co-dominant white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss). by Dave Coopersmith and Erin Hall