Block Harvest
Definition
Even-aged management technique where new seedlings become established in fully exposed micro-environments after removal of >85% of existing trees. Regeneration can be planted or natural regeneration seedlings.
Eligibility Criteria
Covertypes eligible: White spruce, balsam fir, eastern larch, black spruce, white birch, trembling aspen, plantation-grown red pine, red maple in low lying areas that are mature or older.
Other stands considered on individual merit based on Department interpretation.
Guidelines and Assessment Procedures
Retention Requirements (on harvest sites >2 hectares):
- Minimum 10 living or partially living trees per hectare left standing
- Trees in same proportion by species as forest stand (prioritizing tolerant hardwood species if present)
- Trees as large as or larger in height and diameter than average (measured at 1.3 m from ground)
- Clumped together: each clump minimum 20 trees
- Singular clump for areas up to 8 hectares; larger areas can have multiple clumps (special approval needed if significant wind throw risk)
- One clump: situated at least 20 m but no more than 200 m from edge of forest stand being cut
- Multiple clumps: no more than 200 m apart and at least 20 m but no more than 200 m from edge
- No harvesting within any clump
- Trees required to be left standing shall not be removed before next harvest
- Minimum 200 coarse woody debris pieces/ha (each piece: average diameter ≥7.5 cm, minimum length 2 m)
- Unmarked areas prone to water accumulation (bottom of slopes, softer ground, vernal pools) should be prioritized for retention
- Minimize damage; maximum 5% damaged residual trees
- Extraction methods promoting scarification encouraged; goal of creating up to maximum 2500 micro-sites/ha adequately prepared and evenly distributed throughout block
- Slash broadcast throughout harvest block unless another treatment prescribed
Specialty Salvage
For natural events (hurricanes, wildfires, insect damage), salvage treatment held to same requirements except: when leaving standing timber not possible, retention patches of 15% of area must be preserved to facilitate natural processes and wildlife habitat congruent with disturbance event. Stump height requirements not applicable when harvesting blown down trees.