Broadleaves in the Interior of British Columbia: Their extent, use, management and prospects for investment in genetic conservation and improvement

The principal broadleaves in Interior British Columbia (trembling aspen, paper birch, balsam poplar and black cottonwood) are well distributed across all of the major Interior ecological zones but their occurrence is greatest in the northern areas. Their utilization has gradually increased over the last 20 years, especially in the north. Economic values are low compared to conifer species but shortage of conifer timber as a result of the mountain pine beetle epidemic could drive demand for broadleaves higher. The ecological and non-timber values of broadleaves are very high; however, management practices still favour conifer species. Retention of broadleaves in harvesting and reforestation programs is widely implemented, but at a very low intensity and with little attention to broadleaf silvics. Future management of broadleaves is likely to be based largely on natural regeneration of broadleaves and not nursery production. Investments in genetic research should focus on genecology and gene conservation, as well as facilitated migration studies and investigation of pest resistance. Key words: broadleaves, trembling aspen, paper birch, black cottonwood, balsam poplar, management, genetic conservation, genetic improvement