Phil Burton recently said that : >>Rob Bennett proposes establishing a number of eastern hardwoods in >>southern British Columbia, and enquires about seed sources. >> >>My primary response to this proposal and others like it is "Why?" >>There are so many examples of plantations of non-indigenous species >>having unforseen negative effects, that one really has to question >>their adviseability anywhere. >> >>I'd be curious to hear different perspectives about the costs and >>benefits of exotic introductions: Eucalyptus in southern Africa, >>Pinus radiata in New Zealand, P. contorta in Sweden, Sitka spruce >>in Scotland, and Douglas-fir throughout Europe....has it been >>worthwhile? I'll let the South Africans, New Zealanders, Scots and Swedes specifically answer the above question! However, I would like to point out that Abies procera (Noble fir) has been introduced to southwestern British Columbia (B.C.) from the adjoining states of Washington and Oregon with a reasonable measure of success. This species grows significantly faster than the native Abies amabilis in the montane ecosystems of Southwestern B.C. and, with better wood qualities, has the potential of increasing the value of these second growth forests. I realise that I am not talking about wide transcontinental or continental transfer of tree species here but exotics, in my mind, do have a place in the fabric of forestry. For more information on Noble fir introduction in B.C., I refer you to: Arnott, J.T. and F. Pendl. 1994. Field performance of several tree species and stock types planted in montane forests of coastal British Columbia. Pacific Forestry Centre, Can. For. Serv., Victoria, B.C. Information Rept. BC-X-347. Ying, C. 1992. Effect of sites and proveances on 6-th year performance of noble fir in coastal British Columbia. B.C. Min. Forests, Victoria, B.C. Res. Note No. 112. Regards: Jim Arnott Research Scientist, Pacific Forestry Centre, 506 West Burnside Road, Victoria, B.C. V8Z 1M5 Canada Tel: +1 (604) 363-0701 Fax: +1 (604) 363-0775 Internet: jarnott@A1.PFC.Forestry.CA
Mail converted by
MHonArc 1.1.0