A

Access

(verb) To enter an area, by land, water or air.
(noun)

1. Physical entry into an area.
2. A physical feature, such as a road, track, trail, aircraft landing site or boat launch, that makes entry into an area easier.

Access management

Steps taken to make entry into an area either easier or harder, depending on the desired management goal (e.g., enhancing resource development; protecting wildlife). Can be limited to defined areas, certain periods of time, or specific uses. Ways to manage access include public education, signs, regulations, or physical barriers such as gates.

Aggregate

Earth materials used for construction purposes (e.g., sand, gravel, crushed rock).

Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR)

Land dedicated for agricultural use and regulated by the Agricultural Land Commission Act. The reserve covers about 5% of the province and includes most of BC’s highest quality agricultural land. The reserve includes private and public lands, land that is currently being farmed, and land that has agricultural potential. Some non-agricultural uses of the ALR are also allowed, subject to regulations.

Alienation

The transfer of a right to use land from the Crown to a third party by means of a grant, lease or permit. It also includes the designation of public land for a special interest (e.g., a Land Act reserve). The term only applies to Crown land or resources. May be temporary or permanent.

Allowable annual cut (AAC)

The average volume of wood that may be harvested each year under sustained yield management. It is usually expressed as “cubic metres of wood per year.” The Chief Forester sets the AAC for timber supply areas (Sub Regions) and tree farm licences (TFLs) in accordance with Section 8 of the Forest Act.

Alpine

(geography) Of or relating to mountains.
(biology) Living or growing on mountains above tree line.

Animal unit month (AUM)

The amount of forage required for one month by an average cow (genus Bos) aged 6 months or older. The term is used in range management and grazing tenures for ranching operations.

Aquatic ecosystem

A functioning natural system that includes a body of water, such as a stream, lake or wetland, and all living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components within it.

Arable

Land that can be cultivated for growing crops.

Archaeological site

An area that contains physical evidence of past human activity and which is explored or interpreted using archaeological research techniques. Sites may have been used either before or after European contact, but may not have a direct link with the communities that now live near them.

Avoid

To refrain from or prevent the occurrence of an event, taking into consideration technical and economic feasibility, as well as economic and environmental costs of alternative actions.

B

Back country

An informal term used in recreation or tourism planning to identify areas that are in a mostly natural state. Back country areas usually do not have road access. Their appeal is a relative lack of development. Synonyms: wilderness; primitive.

Basal area per hectare

The total area of the cross-section of trees, measured near their base (generally at breast height including bark), that occur within one hectare of land. Commonly shortened to “basal area”.

Biodiversity

The diversity of plants, animals and other living organisms in all their forms and levels of organization. It includes the diversity of genes, species and ecosystems as well as the functional and evolutionary processes that link them. Synonym: biological diversity.

Biodiversity emphasis options

A range of three options for emphasizing biodiversity at the landscape or watershed level. Each option is designed to provide a different level of natural biodiversity and a different risk of losing elements of biological diversity. The term is used in forestry management.

Blue-listed species

Species that are considered vulnerable to decline because they are particularly sensitive to disturbance from human activities or natural events.

Buffer

A strip of land next to roads, trails, watercourses and recreation sites where disturbance is not allowed, or is closely monitored, in order to preserve or enhance aesthetic and other qualities. Short for “buffer strip” or “buffer zone”. The zone often includes undisturbed vegetation.

C

Carrying capacity

The average number within a population that can be sustained on a management unit, compatible with management objectives for the unit. It is a function of site characteristics, management goals, and management intensity.

Clearcutting

The process of removing all trees, large and small, in a stand in one cutting operation. The stand is replaced with an even-aged crop of new trees through planting or natural regeneration.

Clearcuts with reserves

A variation on clearcutting in which some trees are retained, either uniformly or in small groups, for purposes other than regeneration (e.g., wildlife habitat; aesthetics; erosion control; cost reduction).

Community watershed

1. An area designated as a community watershed under the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act.
2. A drainage area that is managed to provide domestic water, licensed under the Water Act, to a defined community of users.

Compensate

To offset an error, a defect or an undesired effect; to make up for; to counterbalance; to make payment or reparation for.

Connectivity

A qualitative term describing the degree to which late-successional ecosystems are linked to form an interconnected network. The degree of interconnectedness and the characteristics of the links vary in natural landscapes due to topography and types of natural disturbance. Breaking these links results in fragmentation.

Consider

To give serious thought to; to think carefully about; to take into account. Synonym: ponder, weigh.

Corridor

A band of vegetation, usually older forest, which serves to connect distinct patches on the landscape. By providing connectivity, corridors permit the movement of plant and animal species between what would otherwise be isolated patches.

Critical grizzly bear habitat

Areas that are well suited for food, bedding or denning, especially where these are in short supply. They include avalanche tracks, meadows and wetlands that are rich in herbs, glacier lilies, white bark pine, skunk cabbage and berries. Salmon spawning areas are also important. Most critical habitats are relatively small areas (1 to 5 hectares) but they contribute disproportionately to forage requirements.

Critical wildlife habitat

Part or all of a place occupied by a wildlife species and recognized as being essential for their maintenance.

Culturally modified tree (CMT)

A tree that has been altered by native people as part of their traditional use of the forest.

D

Disposition

The transfer of ownership from Crown (i.e., public) to private. Term applies to Crown land or resources.

E

Ecosystem

An ecological community together with its environment, that functions as a unit. It includes all living organisms (plants, animals, microbes) and all non-living physical and chemical components (nutrients, energy). An ecosystem can be any size - a log, pond, field, forest, or the earth’s biosphere - that functions as a whole unit.

Encroachment

A natural process that converts grasslands to forest.

Endangered species

Endangered species face imminent extirpation or extinction. One of three designations (extirpated, threatened, endangered) used by the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection for species that are on the province’s “red list”.

Enhance

To make greater, more attractive, more valuable.

Environmentally sensitive area (ESA)

Areas requiring special management attention to protect important scenic values, fish and wildlife resources, historical and cultural values, and other natural systems or processes. Environmentally sensitive areas can include fragile or unstable soils that may deteriorate unacceptably after forest harvesting, and areas of high value to non-timber resources such as fisheries, wildlife, water, and recreation.

F

Forest resources

Defined in the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act as resources and values associated with forests and range including, without limitation, timber, water, wildlife, fisheries, recreation, botanical forest products, forage and biological diversity.

Forage

Grasses, herbs and small shrubs that livestock or wildlife eat.

Forest Practices Code (FPC)

A shortened term for the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act, and all associated regulations and technical guidebooks that, together, govern forest and range practices in British Columbia.

Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA)

New, results-based legislation, passed in January 31, 2004, intended to completely replace the Forest Practices Code by 2006

Fragmentation

The process of transforming large areas of continuous forest into smaller patches surrounded by disturbed areas. In nature this results from fire, landslides, windthrow and insect attack. In managed forests the main cause of disturbance is timber harvesting.

Front country

An informal term used in recreation or tourism planning to identify areas that are easily reached by paved or maintained roads. Front country areas provide a wide range of recreational opportunities (e.g., sight-seeing, visiting cultural and historical attractions, entertainment, shopping) and ready access to food and accommodation.

G

Goal

A term used in resource planning to describe a future vision for the land, its resources or their use. A goal expresses intent, or broad aims, without limitations in time.

Green-up

The length of time after harvesting needed for trees to reach a desired height (usually 3 metres) in order to maintain water quality, wildlife habitat, soil stability or aesthetics before harvesting is permitted in adjacent areas.

H

Highway

Roads that are the responsibility of the Ministry of Transportation. In this plan they are excluded from access management direction.

Historic and traditional access

Roads, tracks or trails constructed for various reasons and used by a variety of people over a long period of time (at least 20 - 30 years, but may vary). The term includes access built or maintained by First Nations, settlers, ranchers, miners or loggers.

I

Industrial / commercial access

Access infrastructure intended mainly for industrial or commercial purposes (e.g., energy, mining, ranching, timber harvesting, tourism). Public use may be restricted. Industrial or commercial use may be subject to conditions in order to meet LRMP objectives.

Issues

A term used in resource planning to describe problems and unrealized opportunities with respect to the land, its resources and their use. Identifying and documenting issues is an important first step that helps define the problems to be addressed or solved. It also helps gather relevant information and develop appropriate goals and objectives.

L

Livestock

This plan uses the term in its broadest sense, meaning all domesticated animals. The Range Act, however, applies only to cattle, goats, horses, mules, asses, llamas and sheep. It does not apply to buffalo, swine, poultry, exotic game animals or animals designated under the Wildlife Act.

Long term activity centre (LTAC)

An area capable of sustaining a breeding pair of spotted owls, either immediately or in the future, after habitat recruitment or restoration.

M

Maintain

To carry on; to continue; to keep in a certain state; to preserve from failure or decline.

Manage

To direct the use of or maintain control over; to gain influence; to carry on; to treat with care.

Mid country

An informal term used in recreation or tourism planning to identify areas that lie between front country and back country. Mid country areas are relatively easily reached by roads, although road quality can vary greatly (paved or rough; maintained or unmaintained). Mid country attractions include rural communities, stand-alone lodges, farms, guest ranches, and road-accessible campsites.

Migration corridors

An informal term that refers to bands of vegetation used by larger ungulates for migration between different ranges (e.g., summer range; winter range, kidding range).

Mine

An area that is mechanically disturbed or excavated in order to explore for, or produce, ore, rock or minerals.

Mineral

Any natural earth or rock substance, whether organic or inorganic, that can be extracted or obtained from the ground or water and used in economic activities. Examples in Lillooet include gold, silver, copper, lead, mercury, uranium, stone, sand and gravel.

Minimize

To reduce to the smallest possible amount, size, extent or degree, taking into consideration technical and economic feasibility, as well as economic and environmental costs of alternative actions.

Mitigate

To make or become less severe, harsh or intense.

Mitigation

The act of mitigating, or the state of being mitigated; reduction of anything painful, harsh or severe. In resource management this includes taking action to reduce the impact of one resource on another.

Moose Management Units (MMUs)

Small areas (from 1 to 500 hectares) that are especially suitable for moose wintering and/or foraging. Consist of a wetlands or riparian habitat surrounded by a ~200 metre forested buffer. The surrounding buffer can incorporate old burns, deciduous stands and non productive brush. Usually located within drier biogeoclimatic variants (e.g., IDFdk1, IDFdk2, IDFdk3, IDFunk, MSxv, MSxk, MSdm2, MSdc, ESSFdv, ESSFxc, ESSFxv) and some sub-alpine parkland areas.

N

Natural

As found in nature and not involving anything made or done by people.

Natural disturbance type (NDT)

A classification system, used in forest management, based on historic patterns of fire, insects, wind, landslides and other natural agents.

Natural disturbance type 4 (NDT4)

NDT4 is subdivided into three types. Two of them (NDT4a and NDT4b) are characterized by frequent, low-intensity fires. They are described as firemaintained ecosystems. NDT4a comprises grassland site series while NDT4b is comprised of dry forested ecosystems. The ideal or “classical” NDT4b system consists of large diameter, widely spaced trees, a well-developed grass/shrub understorey, and a mosaic of thickets and openings interspersed over the landscape. The third type (NDT4c) consists of higher elevation, wetter sites in which stands of forests are replaced by fire.

Noxious weed

Any plant so designated by the Weed Control Regulations and identified on a regional or district noxious weed control list.

O

Objective

A concise (and preferably measurable) statement of a desired future condition for a resource or resource use which is to be attained through management action. Objectives usually indicate the time and the parties involved in achieving them. Under forestry legislation some objectives can become legally binding.

Old-growth management areas (OGMAs)

Areas that contain or are managed to replace specific structural old-growth attributes.

Open road

A road which is open year-round to vehicular traffic for all types of use. It includes all major travel routes (highways, secondary roads and main haul roads). Open roads may not always be passable by all types of vehicles, depending on road conditions and maintenance standards.

Operational plans

Operational plans describe on-the-ground resource use and management for a specified area. Examples include forest development plans, logging plans, silviculture plans, range-use plans and access management plans.

Optimize

To make as perfect, effective, or functional as possible.

P

Patch

A stand of similar-aged forest that differs in age from adjacent patches by more than 20 years. When used in landscape design, the term refers either a natural opening that led to even-aged forests or an opening created by logging.

Patch cuts

A silvicultural system that creates openings less than one hectare in size and is designed to manage each opening as an even-aged stand.

Potential natural community (PNC)

The plant community that would be established if succession was allowed to runs its natural course.

Predictive ecosystem mapping (PEM)

A computer-based method of mapping ecosystems using available information, lower-cost field sampling, and known relationships between ecology and landscapes.

Protect

To keep from harm, attack, or injury; to keep safe or defend.

Protected area

A designation of areas of land and water set aside to protect natural heritage, cultural heritage or recreational values (may include national park, provincial park or ecological reserve designations.)

Protected Areas Strategy (PAS)

British Columbia’s official strategy to protect 12 per cent of the provincial land base by the year 2000. The goals of the strategy are to protect viable, representative examples of natural diversity in the province, and special, natural, recreational and cultural heritage features.

R

Rangelands

These include natural grasslands, forests, shrub lands, alpine areas, wet meadows, cutblocks and other areas on which there is vegetation suitable for grazing or browsing by domestic livestock and wildlife.

Reasonable

Governed in accordance with reason or sound thinking, within the bounds of common sense; not extreme or excessive; fair.

Recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS)

A mix of outdoor settings based on remoteness, size of area, and evidence of humans, which allows for a variety of recreation activities and experiences. Settings form a continuum. Categories include: rural, roaded resource, semiprimitive motorized, semi-primitive non-motorized, and primitive.

Red-listed species

Includes any indigenous (native) species or subspecies (“taxa”) considered to be extirpated, threatened or endangered in British Columbia. Extirpated taxa no longer exist in the wild in BC, but do occur elsewhere. Threatened taxa are likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed. Endangered taxa face imminent extirpation or extinction.

Referral

A notification and request for input regarding potential resource development.

Regulated hunting

Hunting of wildlife species that is consistent with provincial hunting regulations and licensing.

Rehabilitation

Activities intended to return roads, trails or other disturbances to their original state. Rehabilitation of roads can include re-contouring, resloping the road prism, returning soil to the road surface and replanting it. In a general the term includes any remedy for environmental damage.

Reserve

An area of Crown land that, by law or policy, is not available for a particular type of resource use or development. Different reserves apply to different resources or uses (e.g., minerals, timber, land, agriculture, range).

Restore

To bring back into existence or use, to bring back to an original state.

Restoration

The return of an ecosystem or habitat to its original community structure, natural complement of species and natural functions.

Riparian

An area of land adjacent to a stream, river, lake or wetland that contains vegetation that is distinctly different from adjacent upland areas, due to the presence of water.

S

Scenic area

Any scenic landscape or visually-sensitive area that has been identified through a visual landscape inventory or planning process carried out or approved by a district manager in the Ministry of Forests.

Seasonal access

Access that is managed on a seasonal basis to achieve certain defined objectives. This plan defines three seasons: spring (May 1 to June 30); summer (July 1 to November 30); and winter (December 1 to April 30) and a variety of areas (see maps in Section 3.5). All areas remain open to non-motorized use at all times. Motorized access by industrial and commercial users is allowed in all seasons but may have conditions to meet LRMP objectives. Motorized access by non-industrial or non-commercial users is limited or restricted.

Seral stage

Any stage of development of an ecosystem from a disturbed, unvegetated state to a climax plant community.

Silvicultural systems

A planned cycle of activities by which a forest stand, or group of trees, is harvested, regenerated, and tended over time. Silvicultural systems used in British Columbia include clearcutting, seed tree, shelterwood, and selection. Each name reflects the type of stand structure created by harvesting.

Site Index

An expression of the quality of a stand of trees at a defined site and age (based on tree height).

Stand-level biodiversity

Term applies to the management of biodiversity at a stand or cutblock scale. Includes making provision for wildlife tree patches, certain types of vegetation and coarse woody debris.

Stream classification

A formal method of classifying all or part of a stream based on its physical and biological attributes (e.g., presence or absence of fish, width, gradient, bed material, etc.) and used in managing forestry activities under the Forest Practices Code.

Sustainable

A state or process that can be maintained indefinitely. The principles of sustainability integrate three closely interlinked elements—the environment, the economy and the social system—into a system that can be maintained in a healthy state indefinitely.

T

Tenure

The act, fact, or condition of holding something in one's possession. In resource management the term refers to a wide variety of rights to occupy, control or use land or resources that are managed by the Crown (e.g., timber, minerals, fish, range, wildlife, commercial recreation, etc.).

Temporal

Of or relating to time.

Threatened species

Threatened species are likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed. One of three designations (extirpated, threatened, endangered) used by the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection for species that are on the province’s “red list”.

Timber harvesting land base (THLB)

Crown forest land within the plan area that is currently considered economical and feasible for timber harvesting.

Traditional use

Beliefs, customs, and practices pertaining to the use of land by a living community of people that have been passed down through the generations.

Traditional and historic access

Roads, tracks or trails constructed for various reasons and used by a variety of people over a long period of time (at least 20 - 30 years, but may vary). The term includes access built or maintained by First Nations, settlers, ranchers, miners or loggers.

Trails

A marked or established path or route, especially through a forest or mountainous region (e.g., Gun Creek trail; Spruce Lake trail). Generally they are a single-track and not passable to four-wheeled vehicles. They often overlap with historic and traditional trails. They are generally not maintained and usually do not appear on all maps.

U

Undercutting

Under the Forest Act, holders of specific licence agreements must ensure that the volume of timber they harvest are within certain limits. Undercutting refers to levels of harvest below these limits.

Ungulate

Generally, any hoofed mammal (e.g., cow, horse, deer, moose, goat, sheep).

Unregulated hunting

Hunting of wildlife species without a license (e.g., poaching) or hunting that is not sanctioned by government.

V

Viable population

A self-sustaining population with a very good chance of surviving over the longterm.

Visual impact assessment (VIA)

A method of evaluating the visual effects of logging and road building activities in a scenic area.

Visual quality

The character, condition and quality of a scenic landscape and how it is perceived, preferred or valued by the public.

Visual quality class (VQC)

A specialist’s recommendation describing the level of alteration that would be appropriate for a scenic landscape. The recommendation considers visual and other values.

Visual quality objective (VQO)

A resource management objective established by government that reflects the desired level of visual quality for an area, based on physical characteristics and social concern. The five categories in common use (preservation, retention, partial retention, modification, maximum modification) range from no visible change to large-scale or highly visible change.

W

Watershed

An area of land that collects and discharges water into a single main stream through a series of smaller tributaries. A large watershed may contain several smaller watersheds.

Wilderness

An area of land (usually more than 1000 hectares) that, on the whole, retains its natural character and on which human impact is temporary and little noticed in the long run.

Wildlife habitat area (WHA)

A mapped area of land that government has determined is necessary to meet the habitat requirements of certain species of wildlife.

Wildlife tree

A standing, live or dead tree (or group of trees) with special characteristics that provide valuable habitat for wildlife conservation or enhancement.

Wildlife tree patch (WTP)

An area specifically identified for the retention and recruitment of suitable wildlife trees. It can contain a single wildlife tree or many. Synonym: group reserve.

Z

Zone A (Visual Management)

Areas of high visual importance, for example, along paved travel corridors and adjacent to communities. Management intent is that lands within Zone A will be designated as known scenic areas and will have visual quality objectives.

Zone B (Visual Management)

Areas of moderate visual importance or areas where visual inventories are incomplete. Management intent is to attempt to achieve visual quality classes.