Advanced regeneration and seedling establishment in small cutblocks in high-elevation spruce-fir forest at Sicamous Creek, southern British Columbia

We examined the potential of natural regeneration for stocking 1-ha patch cuts in high-elevation Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry) - subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.) forests. Using the Sicamous Creek Silvicultural Systems site, which was harvested during winter 1994-1995, we established 1-m(2) plots in patch cuts, forest edge, and untreated control forest. We marked and recorded microsite characteristics for all advanced regeneration and new recruits for up to 5 years; over 12 000 individuals were included. Advanced regeneration was abundant and was about one-quarter spruce. Spruce and fir germinants occurred in all years, but numbers varied greatly, with a very large cohort in 1998. Both advanced regeneration and new recruits were concentrated on decaying logs. Mortality of advanced regeneration was high in the patch cuts following harvest, but subsequent survival was good, approaching rates in the untreated forest within 4 years. Survival rates were higher for spruce than fir, but differed little among surface types and microtopographic positions. Survival of new recruits was high, approximately 50% the first year and 70% during the second, and was similar between spruce and fir. If the 1998 cohort has similar survival, the patch cuts could be adequately stocked. Use of natural regeneration, in combination with infill planting, is a viable option for stocking small openings in wet high-elevation forests in southern British Columbia.