LAND BASED INVESTMENT STRATEGY Timber Supply Mitigation Assessment Fertilization Dennis B. Sabourin Silent Running Consultants

LBIS - Timber Supply Mitigation Assessment Fertilization Conclusions The interviews and the analysis of harvesting and fertilization showed that: All of the Interviewees were very positive in respect of the benefits of the Fertilization Program (FP) and dedicated in ensuring that it operates effectively and efficiently. The FP is important in addressing the mid-term timber supply issue within those areas in the Interior affected by the mountain pine beetle infestation. The FP is managed effectively and is contributing to the goals of the LBIS. The FP is managed efficiently, although there are improvements that could be made that would increase cost efficiencies. The benefits of the FP will help to address short-term (increased volume) and mid-term timber supply issues (reduced rotation age). There are a few areas where recommendations for improvement exist; however, on the whole the Fertilization Program continues and should continue to operate very well. 11/11/2018 LBIS - Timber Supply Mitigation Assessment Fertilization

Recommendations and Action Items The following recommendations are based on observations and results from the interviews and analysis. The nine recommendations are grouped into three categories: very high priority, high priority, and medium or low priority. Very High Priority: Develop and implement consistent provincial policy for storage, access to both “old” and “new” monitoring plot data and a system to inform resource managers on the results of the data collected. The current system does not provide easy access, knowledge of the location of the monitoring plot data or how to incorporate old plot parameters with the new parameters. This issue requires further examination, and planning. Action: Develop a provincial policy on locating, storing, accessing and reporting out on monitoring plot data. 11/11/2018 LBIS - Timber Supply Mitigation Assessment Fertilization

Recommendations and Action Items cont’d High Priority: Develop a method and implement consistent provincial policy on foliar analysis. The current system (i.e., lack of up to date foliar analysis in some areas) does not facilitate the ability to determine correct fertilizer formulation and rates as the fertilization program shifts in species and age classes. Action: Develop a provincial policy on collection of foliar analysis data. 11/11/2018 LBIS - Timber Supply Mitigation Assessment Fertilization

Recommendations and Action Items cont’d Medium or Low Priority: The interviewees commented on the lack of reliability in “older” data and the need for consistent submission of “current” data into RESULTS. Action: Discuss this finding with RESULTS team to determine if an update to the Results Information Submission Specifications - Government Funded Silviculture Activities is required to ensure consistency in reporting. Develop a RESULTS record for ROI that can be queried and updated for the effective management of the Fertilization Program. Discuss this finding with RESULTS team to determine cost. Exploration of this should also consider the future of deriving the ROI based on current data in RESULTS and running it as a batch through Fan$ier as well as alternate methods of recording such as specific keywords within the Comments field. 11/11/2018 LBIS - Timber Supply Mitigation Assessment Fertilization

Recommendations and Action Items cont’d Consider the use of a “Regional Coordinator” to help bridge the gap between investment leads, agencies and suppliers and take advantage of economies of scale. Action: Discuss this finding with the Fertilization Program Working Group to determine the merit and need of such a position. Review the fertilization standards to determine if they are adequately meeting the needs of the investment leads, both veterans and those new to the program. Resource Practices Branch to conduct review as indicated. 11/11/2018 LBIS - Timber Supply Mitigation Assessment Fertilization

Recommendations and Action Items cont’d Explore the options available to the program on the possibility of multi-year funding. Action: Discuss with Resource Stewardship Division and Resource Practices Managers the policy and options around multi-year funding. Look at issues around access to see if there are possible avenues to opening up areas currently not accessible to fertilization treatments. Discuss this finding with the Fertilization Program Working Group and determine if further action is needed. 11/11/2018 LBIS - Timber Supply Mitigation Assessment Fertilization

Recommendations and Action Items cont’d Consult clients before carrying out analysis and producing products for determining potential fertilization areas. Action: Ideas for creating tools and products for assessing fertilization areas should always be passed through the Fertilization Program Working Group first. Thank you everyone for your co-operation and assistance in completing this Assessment. 11/11/2018 LBIS - Timber Supply Mitigation Assessment Fertilization