Montane alternative silvicultural systems (MASS) introduction and objectives

The cooperative Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems (MASS) research project addresses regeneration, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic concerns in managing forests at higher elevations on Vancouver Island, A series of integrated studies are examining the biological and economic consequences of alternative silvicultural systems, The costs and feasibility of harvesting these old growth forests using small Patch Cuts, Green Tree Retention and Shelterwood systems are being documented, Many long-term studies will evaluate the impacts on forest dynamics, soils, microclimate and biological diversity.