The influence of the form of tenure on reforestation in British Columbia

Abstract

This paper describes the results of an empirical investigation of the variation in reforestation among different types of forest tenure in British Columbia. Indicators of management, based on available statistical information about not satisfactorily restocked (NSR) lands and artificial reforestation on cutover lands, are compared across four major forms of tenure, ranging from relatively secure private holdings to relatively short-term volume licenses. Data on a large number of cutblocks under each form of tenure are analyzed to examine the extent to which differences in reforestation are attributable to the form of tenure, natural attributes of the land and other factors. The results indicate that, on private lands, NSR land occurs less frequently and comprises a smaller portion of cutover lands, and planting is done more often and more promptly, than on licensed Crown lands. Generally, the findings support the proposition that reforestation is significantly influenced by the form of forest tenure, and that more intensive resource management is fostered by more secure forms of tenure.