Online Karst Management Handbook training

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On this page

• What is the purpose of the course?
• Who should take this course?
• Why is it important to be aware of karst?
• What is the primary goal of the course?

What is the purpose of the course?

This web-based forest practices course will help you understand the contents of the Karst Management Handbook for British Columbia. The handbook is intended to assist in the development of appropriate management practices when conducting forest operations on karst terrain.

• Karst Management Handbook for British Columbia (PDF, 987 KB)

Who should take this course?

The course is intended for foresters, forest managers and technical staff who need to understand best management practices for karst resources and integrate them into land management plans.

Why is it important to be aware of karst?

Karst management in British Columbia has traditionally focused on the management of caves, particularly with regard to recreational use. In recent years, however, the focus has expanded to consider the entire karst ecosystem – both surface and subsurface components. Karst is now recognized as a valuable, non-renewable resource that can be highly sensitive to disturbances.

In response to increasing concerns over the impacts of forestry on karst terrain in British Columbia, the Chief Forester initiated the development of best management practices for forestry operations on karst. The intent of these best management practices is to provide recommendations for protecting natural karst systems and processes, while integrating the management of karst resources with the management of forest lands.

The recommended best management practices contained in the handbook are designed to effectively manage both surface and subsurface karst resources, primarily through appropriate management activities on the surface.

What is the primary goal of the course?

To help you understand how to use the Karst Management Handbook for British Columbia for integrating the management of karst resources with the management of forest lands.