The Dead Wood Cycle and Forest Restoration in Cuthbert Holmes Park, Victoria, British Columbia
Abstract
Urban parks provide us with many essential ecosystem services, including stormwater management, wildlife corridors and habitat, and protection of riparian areas. They also provide local residents with valuable recreational opportunities. However, the habitat in many urban parks has been degraded through historical logging and agricultural activities, trampling and soil compaction through off-‐trail use, and the spread of invasive species. Cuthbert Holmes Park, located in the District of Saanich, on Southern Vancouver Island, is no exception. In consultation with the Saanich Parks Department, an area of mature Douglas-‐fir forest, located near the Dysart Street footbridge, was selected as a site for an ecological restoration project. A restoration plan was developed in consultation with Saanich Parks staff, and public outreach activities were carried out. Soils on-‐site consist of well-‐drained clays belonging to the Saanichton soil series, which in some places have been worn away to the B horizon. The primary forest canopy consists primarily of Douglas-‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), while grand fir (Abies grandis) may be found in the sub-‐canopy and understory.
It is important to balance any future additions of organic materials to the site with the annual rate of decay, in order to avoid creating a nutrient "sink." The soil's physical condition and basic chemistry on-‐site should be periodically assessed. Ongoing tree health monitoring would also provide a good indicator of site soil conditions. The planting program should be carried out as soon as feasible, as this will help stabilize the site and discourage invasive species. Any invasive plants found growing on-‐site should be promptly removed. Educational and outreach activities should be expanded.
