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Title: Susceptibility of subalpine fir to western balsam bark beetle.
Contributors: Katherine Patricia Bleiker (author), B. Staffan (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2001

Title: Towards an air quality management strategy for the Prince George Region
Contributors: Gina-Anne Margaret Layte (author), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate and evaluate air quality management strategies and plans in existence today and compare them to the ongoing air quality management planning process in Prince George. The study was conducted by reviewing the literature related to management and control of air pollution, and air quality legislation in Canada, documenting a variety of approaches to air quality management in other regions and administering questionnaires to people involved with air quality. An in-depth case study was completed documenting the attempts taken in Prince George to produce an air quality management plan (AQMP).--Page ii.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 1999

Title: The ectomycorrhizal associations of Larix laricina (Du Roi) (tamarack) K. Koch and Betula glandulosa Michaux (scrub birch) seedlings in peatlands of central British Columbia.
Contributors: Jennifer M. Catherall (author), Hugues Massicotte (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Peatlands are habitats where peat accumulation exceeds decomposition, resulting in poorly drained, nutrient-poor and acidic soils. Tamarack (Larix laricina, family Pinaceae), a deciduous conifer, and scrub birch (Betula glandulosa, family Betulaceae), a low-lying deciduous shrub, are two plant species well adapted to the cold climates and short growing seasons of Central British Columbia and generally able to tolerate the wet, poorly drained soils of peatlands. Ectomycorrhizas are mutualistic associations formed between plant roots and symbiotic fungi ectomycorrhizal fungi that facilitate nutrient acquisition and water uptake in exchange for host carbon, may play an important role in the survival of these species. This study characterized tamarack and scrub birch ectomycorrhizas in three different peatland habitats using morphological (light microscopy) and molecular analysis (PCR-RFLP) methods. Ectomycorrhizal morphotypes and corresponding genotypes (fragment patterns) are described and ideas of host and peatland site specificity are explored. Results suggest that ectomycorrhizal colonization in peatland habitats may be similar to that for other hosts in other habitat types. Both morphology and molecular results indicate a high potential for ectomycorrhizal fungal linkages between hosts. This study presents the first published information on ectomycorrhizal associations of scrub birch.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2004

Title: Kakwa Provincial Park BC: description and recreation potential of the new provincial park
Contributors: Jean-Guy Bergeron (author), Roger Wheate (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The purpose of this project was to gain a better understanding of the Kakwa Park area and to examine the recreational potential. A literature review provided information about the geology and the human history of the area. Official BC Parks reports were an important source of information to situate Kakwa in the context of other protected areas. Personal communications with visitors and field notes were used to describe the trails and routes of the area. Kakwa Park is at the northern end of a network of protected areas along the Canadian Rocky Mountains beginning at the U.S. border. Although its spectacular scenery is comparable to that found in the southern part of the Rockies, it has received much fewer visitors than the other Rocky Mountain parks. The main reasons have been its distance from large population centres and the lack of road access. The complexity of its geological structures and the diversity of its rock formation, which are described in this project, have helped to forge the unique character of the area. The deep valleys carved by the passage of the glaciers and separated by high mountain ridges form natural barriers between the different management units of the park. Located along the Continental Divide and mostly buffered from surrounding resource activities, Kakwa plays a major conservation role in a regional context. The recreation potential of the area has still to be developed. The route and trail system described in the project may contribute to a world-class destination if the area is made more accessible to the public. The two multi-day loop trips listed in the trail and route system traverse all the main natural features of the Main and Front Ranges of the Central Rockies. This project provides insight on the important conservation role of Kakwa Park in its regional context and in the BC Parks system. The area also has all the attributes for a destination of a high quality wilderness experience.--Page i.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2001

Title: Physical stream feature assessments using aerial videographic surveys
Contributors: Ian C. Ramsay (author), Alex Hawley (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The accuracy of aerial videographic surveys to identify and locate physical stream features was compared to ground-identified physical stream features. A portion of the Mackenzie Timber Supply Area, in northern British Columbia, was surveyed using aerial videographic survey techniques to identify selected stream features. The features were identified visually and recorded on a computer with their corresponding GPS locational positions. In addition, a super VHS video recording was made using a camera mounted to the undercarriage of the helicopter. A Watershed Restoration Program Levell fish habitat assessment was developed using this video recording to investigate the information that may be collected using a video-only approach. The accuracy of identification and location of both the visual and video-only survey data were determined by conducting ground stream assessments on a stratified random sampling of aerial ~ - surveyed stream segments. The visual aerial stream feature information had an overall accuracy of less than eight percent with an average locational error of~ 3 7 metres for each stream feature. Aerial identification accuracy was affected significantly by the type of stream feature identified and the order of the stream surveyed. Larger, easily interpreted features such as "Bridges" or "Culverts" that were associated with openings in the crown closure were successfully identified with 100% accuracy, while smaller, more complex features such as "Backwater Channels" were not successfully identified during the course of the aerial survey. The identification of detailed stream features from the air was not possible on any size of stream using the current aerial video graphic methodology and therefore the technique should not be used for gathering detailed stream habitat information. However, aerial videographic surveys appear to be a cost-effective tool for assessing overview information such as large, easily interpreted features and general stream descriptions. The preliminary investigation of a video-only approach indicated that qualitative stream habitat assessments may be performed with a high success rate on streams larger than 4thorder. However, the successful identification of quantitative stream parameters might decrease as stream complexity increases. Detailed physical information on larger streams might be obtainable visually and recorded with higher resolution video with changes to the aerial videographic survey technique.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2000

Title: Carbon sequestration in British Columbian sub-boreal cut blocks
Contributors: Thomas Grant Pypker (author), Arthur Fredeen (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: During the summers of 1999 and 2000 measurments of component and ecosystem-level C02 fluxes were taken in seven cut blocks aged 0, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9 and 10years since harvest in the Aleza Lake Research Forest, near Prince George, British Columbia. A Bowen ratio energy balance (BREB) system was placed within a 5 to 6 year-old planted interior spruce (Picea glauca x Picea engelmanniz) clearcut to measure the ecosystem C02 flux during the 1999 and 2000 growing seasons. To substantiate the BREB measures of the ecosystem C02 flux a second method, called the component model, was established based on instantaneous measurements of component C02 fluxes (conifer, herbaceous plant, woody shrub and below ground) scaled up to the ecosystem-level. Both approaches indicated inter-annual variation in the growing season C02 fluxes. The 1999 growing season ecosystem C02 flux measurements estimated the clearcut to be a sink of -20 ~ 43 g C m~2 and -86 g C m~2 from 27 June to 3 September, using the BREB method and component model respectively. In contrast, in 2000 the growing season C02 flux during the same time period was a source of 43 g C m~2 (BREB method) and 66 ~44 g C m~2 (component model) during the same period. In 2000, an additional 50 days of measurement, from 24 May to 20 September, indicated an even larger source of C02 totaling 143 ~57 and 103 g C m~2 using the BREB method and component model, respectively. However, regardless of the approach used, both years would have been sources of C02 if additional measures were taken for the entire year. The component fluxes were dominated by the C02 source from below ground (338 and 466 g C m~2 in 1999 and 2000, respectively) and the C02 sink provided by the deciduous plants (-382 and -365 g C m~2 in 1999 and 2000 respectively). The conifer photosynthetic C02 uptake for the 5 to 6 year-old clearcut was meager in comparison (-47 and -57 g C m~2 in 1999 and 2000, respectively). During the 2000 growing season, the below ground C02 flux and above ground biomass was measured in 7 cut blocks aged 0, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9 and 10 years and one mature stand. All sites were in the SBS wkl 08 or 07 except the 0 and 9 year-old sites that were of the sub series 01. The growing season below ground C02 flux was similar for all cut blocks, including the mature forest. Furthermore, there was little change in above ground biomass carbon uptake between the different aged cut blocks. Hence, when biomass was incorporated with the below ground C02 fluxes all cut blocks were sources for C02\u2022 Therefore, cut blocks within the Aleza Lake region (SBS wk1 07 or 08) are sources of C02 for at least 10 years after harvest because the conifer component of the C02 flux is incapable of surmounting the loss of C02 from below ground.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2001

Title: Effect of aspen (Populus tremuloides (Michx.)) overstory removal on productivity of an aspen and white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) mixedwood stand.
Contributors: Chris P. Maundrell (author), Chris Hawkins (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2003

Title: Integrating harvesting values with community: planning for mineral aggregate extraction in the City of Prince George
Contributors: Brian J. Bowman (author), Doug Baker (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This thesis describes a conceptual model wherein the environmental impact of mineral aggregrate extraction on an urban area can be researched, managed, and mitigated.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 1996

Title: Public involvement in the development of a management plan for the Moose River Route region of Mount Robson Provincial Park
Contributors: Edward Curtis Stafford (author), D. Robinson (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Recent expansion of the British Columbia provincial park system, combined with static agency funding and increased demand for public involvement, has made it extremely difficult for BC Parks to meet their commitment to a comprehensive public involvement program. To resolve this issue, 3 cost-effective public involvement techniques were selected and applied, using a case study approach, towards development of a management plan for the Moose River Route region of Mount Robson Provincial Park. The 3 techniques selected for use were semistandardized interviews, opinion questionnaires and a Delphi advisory group. The semistandardized interviews and opinion questionnaires were used to obtain visitor use data and stakeholder opinion on appropriate management of the Moose River Route region. The Delphi advisory group used this information to create management objectives and associated action statements for the study area. BC Parks has used both semistandardized interviews and opinion questionnaires in previous planning initiatives- the uniqueness of the Moose River Route study came from the use of the Delphi technique to facilitate interaction between members of the advisory group. Rather than meeting face-to-face, advisory group members used a series of three mailout questionnaires to create, prioritize and reach consensus on management objectives and associated action statements for the Moose River Route region. Results from the semistandardized interviews and opinion questionnaires indicate that stakeholders are concerned with conservation of the Moose River Route region. Interest was expressed in completing wildlife-related studies, developing facilities to protect park resources and regulating visitor use. Delphi advisory group members created management objectives and associated action statements to address these concerns. Specifically, advisory group members proposed (a) the completion of comprehensive habitat assessments and wildlife movement studies, (b) the development of toilets and bear poles, and (c) the placement of restrictions on campsite location and party size. A cursory evaluation of the Delphi advisory group process identified both strengths and weaknesses to this technique. The major strengths include fairness and cost-effectiveness, whereas the major weaknesses include limited opportunity for participant social learning, creation of statements with potential for misinterpretation and lack of resolution on particularly contentious issues. Recommendations to resolve these weaknesses are discussed.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 1999

Title: Toward a conceptual framework for integrated resource management on electric utility transmission rights-of-way
Contributors: Jill Arlene Elizabeth Harriman (author), Doug C. Baker (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: In the electric utility industry, transmission rights-of-way have traditionally been managed to facilitate the existence of a single resource: electricity. However, many other resource values are present upon this vast land base and are profoundly affected by the management activities taking place there. In this thesis, a conceptual framework for resource management on electric utility transmission rights-of-way that accounts for a variety of local land-based resource values is developed. The conceptual framework is derived primarily from two bodies of information: (i) the normative planning concept of integrated resource management; and (ii) an empirical investigation of right-of-way management in Northern British Columbia. A case study investigation of wildlife habitat management on transmission rights-of-way in northern British Columbia reveals that traditional methods of vegetation management are being altered in order to address the needs of a variety of wildlife species and local human user groups. Telephone interviews with local stakeholders in land and resource management indicate that non-electric resource values such as aesthetics, subsistence, and access are important to local users, and that stakeholders are interested in contributing to land use management planning and decision-making processes. In summary, while wildlife habitat management has been relied on as an integrative strategy, especially in areas that are rich in flora and fauna, it alone cannot ensure an integrated approach to resource management. For example, to achieve the principles of integrated resource management in practice, a conceptual management framework must assure stakeholders of their role in resource planning. Recommendations to electric utilities that wish to implement an integrated approach to resource management on transmission rights-of way include: (i) taking stock of current management goals and objectives and identifying opportunities for policy change; (ii) assessing current right-of-way maintenance programs for their potential to address a multiplicity of resource values; (iii) developing a strategy for interaction with the public; and (iv) establishing a system of review in order that new initiatives may be evaluated and improved upon. Recommendations to British Columbia Hydro right-of-way maintenance personnel include: (i) continuing to develop new wildlife habitat management techniques and test those already in use; (ii) shifting from short-term to long-term budgetary planning horizons; (iii) communicating successes and failures with industry peers; (iv) establishing lines of communication with local stakeholders; and (v) initiating a study to establish the cost-efficiency of integrating wildlife habitat management strategies into right-of-way maintenance programs.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 1999

Title: Characterization and seasonal ecology of ectomycorrhizae associated with Sitka alder and lodgepole pine from naturally regeneraing young and mature spruce forests in the sub-boreal spruce zone of British Columbia
Contributors: Aniko Marie Varga (author), Hugues B. Massicotte (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Prior to this thesis project, our understanding of the influence of stand age and season on in vivo ectomycorrhizal communities of Sitka alder growing with Lodgepole pine within the Sub-Boreal Spruce biogeoclimatic zone was limited. The magnitude of ectomycorrhizal associates present on Sitka alder and Lodgepole pine was not known. In addition, it was of ecological interest to assess if the two host species, common to early-successional, post-harvest forest communities, were directly linked via common ectomycorrhizal fungi with reference to ecosystem interactions and possible nutrient translocation. Stemming from this general lack of knowledge, the purpose of this thesis project was to strengthen our ecological understanding of these two ectomycorrhizal communities. Two complementary methodologies were implemented in order to assess the ectomycorrhizal communities. Traditional morphological assessments offered one perspective of the mycorrhizal associates and permitted morphological description and mycobiont identification when possible, as well as richness, abundance, diversity, and evenness comparisons with respect to host, stand age, and season. It was found that mycorrhizal richness was greatest for Lodgepole pine. Seral and seasonal effects were shown to significantly impact certain Sitka alder and Lodgepole pine ectomycorrhizae. Seral and seasonal effects also significantly impacted alder ectomycorrhizal diversity and evenness assessments, however, no similar impact was observed for pine. Several possible genera of fungal symbionts were identified that may link Sitka alder and Lodgepole pine. The resolution of ectomycorrhizal taxa comprising the belowground communities were improved over morphological assessments through the use of molecular techniques, specifically PCR-RFLP analyses, the second technique applied. Molecular datasets further confirmed some morpholog_ical assessments and defined morphological descriptions allowing for identification of some mycobionts mostly to the genus level, but also to the species level, as well as determining inter- and intraspecific variation of the int!'lrnal transcribed spacer region of rONA within certain morphotypes. Two mycobiont genera (Cortinarius and Lactarius) were identified on both hosts which suggest the possibility of direct mycorrhizal linkage. In this study, molecular diversity assessments, when used in conjunction with defined morphological techniques (such as morphotyping), offered a complementary synopsis of the diversity and dynamics of ectomycorrhizal communities. Taxa were distinguished to a finer taxonomic level and could be identified using PCR-RFLP analysis while the abundance of ectomycorrhizal morphotypes was best described using morphological techniques. The research indicated that stand age and season can significantly influence alder and pine ectomycorrhizae.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 1998

Title: The impact of human activities on habitat effectiveness for grizzly bears in Jasper National Park
Contributors: Glynnis Anne Hood (author), Katherine L. Parker (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Grizzly bear ( Ursus arctos horribilis) populations are subject to increasing human encroachment into their habitats. Data were gathered on levels of human activity over seven months (April - October 1997) to link with data on habitat suitability for grizzly bears in the Maligne Valley of Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. We used electronic trail counters, direct counting by observers, and self-counting methods to quantify and compare human use in linear (e.g. trails), point (e.g. campgrounds), and dispersed (e.g. water bodies) landscape features. The data were then combined with habitat data in a Geographic Information System to determine habitat effectiveness to support bears (the capability of an area to support bears, as influenced by human activities, in relation to the area's inherent ability without human use) and the availability of security areas (useable bear habitat that is >9 km2 and >500 m from human activity). To minimize the dilution of the effects of human activities on grizzly bear habitat due to large area size, we divided the Maligne Valley into three bear management units. Weekly averages of the amount of human use rose markedly during the first week of July and declined after the first weekend of September. Increasing recreational activity in habitats with high or very high value for grizzly bears resulted in a decrease in the habitat effectiveness values. The three bear management units in July and August and one bear management unit in September did not meet Parks Canada's threshold for protected areas of having >80% habitat effectiveness levels. One bear management unit in August failed to meet the recommended >60% threshold value for secure I usable. The use of the grizzly bear habitat effectiveness model and security area analysis offers a predictive tool for more detailed planning of current and proposed developments in areas containing bear habitat.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 1998

Title: Women's participation in land use planning: A case study of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land Use Plan (CCLUP).
Contributors: Tracy Marie Thornton (author), Annie Booth (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2002

Title: Open and sectoral models of public participation: does model type make a difference in land use planning
Contributors: Leslie John Hawkins (author), Winifred Kesser (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Two methods, "open" and "sectoral;" of including citizens as partners in land use decision making in British Columbia were examined for their ability to achieve social and environmental goals of government. The "open" model allows participation of any citizen where as members of the "sectoral" model are chosen based on the interest they represent. Two "open cases" (Prince George and Vanderhoof) and two "sectoral" cases (Robson Valley and Dawson Creek) representing land and resource management planning processes (LRMP) in north central British Columbia were used in this study. Social criteria (inclusion, empowerment, communication, and understanding) were measured using a four point Likert scale in a mail survey of LRMP table members and interview responses were coded using a four point agreement scale. A mail survey (using a percent scale), interviews (using a four point agreement scale), and a document review were used to assess how well environmental criteria (impacts, connective corridors, monitoring criteria, disturbance ecology, and biodiversity conservation) at four levels (general within the plan; by individual resource management zone (RMZ); between RMZs; or with respect to adjacent planning areas) were considered in the four cases. The mail survey and interviews were also used to gain an assessment of how well prepared the participants were to discuss environmental issues. I used the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance, with a significance level of 5%, and a multiple comparison test and found differences for 14 of32 comparisons of the social criteria from the mail survey and interview data which indicated the open model may be more effective in achieving the social objectives of the LRMP process. Lack of differences for the environmental criteria do not allow rejection of the null hypothesis.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 1999

Title: The effect of the Ontario Ranger Programme on the participants' self-esteem and self-concept levels
Contributors: Melanie J. Thompson (author), Alan Ewert (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an outdoor education residential camping programme on participants' levels of self-esteem and self-concept. During the summer of 1996, participants from Ontario Ranger Programme (ORP) camps completed the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES) and the Tennessee Self-concept Scale (TSCS) on five occasions: Time 1 - upon their arrival at camp, Time 2 - halfway through the programme, Time 3- at the completion of the eight week programme, Time 4 - four weeks after the camp experience and Time 5 - eight weeks after the camp experience. The findings demonstrated no differences with regard to Gender and Gender by Time interaction, though there were minimal differences. Significant increases were found in the participants' global self-esteem and self-concept levels while at camp. The self-esteem results significantly increased between Time 1 and Time 3. While the self-concept scores demonstrated a significant increase between Time 1 and Time 2, in addition to a significant increase demonstrated between Time 1 and Time 3. Upon completion of the programme, the respondents' self-esteem and self-concept levels decreased slightly, although these decreases were not significant. Both the self-esteem scores and the self-concept scores demonstrated no significant decrease between Time 3 and Time 5. The self-concept scores demonstrated a significant difference between Time 1 and Times 5, the second follow-up test remained significantly higher than that first test.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 1997

Title: Ecological characteristics of forest remnants left by wildfire
Contributors: Stephen Craig DeLong (author), W Kessler (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Increased awareness of the key ecological role of natural disturbance in maintaining ecological integrity and function coupled with forest harvesting becoming a dominant disturbance process has lead to an increasing desire to study natural disturbance at multiple scales. The eventual goal is to design harvesting regimes that achieve the ecological conditions that are maintained in nature by natural disturbance. Legacies of natural disturbance such as unburned forest remnants left by wildfire commonly occur scattered throughout large wildfires. The objective of this dissertation is to develop a better understanding of the role of unburned forest remnants in providing ecological diversity and sources of natural conifer regeneration. Two separate studies were undertaken. The first study characterized remnant habitats and compared them to large contiguous patches of remnant free young, mature and old forest. The second study examined post-fire recruitment surrounding remnant patches of Douglas-fir. Remnants could be discriminated from other stand types based on measures of tree and snag density. Some remnants displayed a unique unevenaged lodgepole pine regeneration structure compared to other stand types. Differences between remnants and other stand types appear to stem from the influence of the wildfire through which they survived. Remnants displayed high variability in all ecological variables examined which appears to relate to the variable influence of wildfire on them. Remnants share many ecological characteristics with old forest and thus could provide some of the same functions. Douglas-fir remnants provide a positive influence on Douglas-fir recruitment in the post fire regenerating forest. Patches of mature forest left in managed cutovers could serve similar functions as wildfire remnants. However, selection and management criteria must be developed to ensure that the ecological characteristics of wildfire remnants are duplicated within these reserves. The alternate regeneration dynamics demonstrated by some remnants could provide a model for the development of an alternate silviculture system for lodgepole pine dominated stands. There are many limitations to our ability to incorporate characteristics of natural disturbance into managed forests. For instance, removal of the trees to make wood products restricts our ability to leave large numbers of standing snags. However, leaving patches of trees behind which emulate the ecological characteristics of island remnants is achievable and can bring us closer towards achieving ecological sustainability in the managed forest.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 1997

Title: Mineral weathering and ectomycorrhizae of Picea glauca x engelmannii (Moench.) Voss with emphasis on Piloderma
Contributors: Kevin Ronald Glowa (author), Joselito M. Arocena (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Piloderma is one of the most recognizable ectomycorrhizal fungi in many forest ecosystems in North America. It is a broad host range fungus commonly observed in many economically important coniferous and deciduous trees in central interior British Columbia. Piloderma may benefit these forests through increased soil mineral weathering and nutrient availability. This thesis investigates the role of Piloderma in the weathering of common soil minerals to supply K and/or Mg in the rhizosphere soils of Picea glauca. I also documented the changes in the physical, chemical and mineralogical properties of rhizosphere soils influenced by Pilodermaand other common ectomycorrhizal fungi. In the first study, I investigated the role of Piloderma in weathering and extracting K and/or Mg from biotite, microcline, and chlorite. Specifically, I compared the in vitro growth, morphology, and chemical properties of Piloderma growing within three K and/or Mg-containing minerals that are commonly found in soils of central interior British Columbia. Piloderma cultures were grown for 110 days in medium enriched with K and/or Mg from biotite, microcline, and chlorite, in K and Mg poor media and in medium optimized for proper fungal growth. Chemical analysis indicated that Piloderma more efficiently weathered biotite to obtain K over microcline. The different growth, morphologies, and small amounts ofMg found in all treatments indicated that chlorite and biotite provide a sufficient supply ofMg. Piloderma grown in treatments with insufficient K showed distinct fibrillar growths, hypha! swellings, and hyphae devoid of ornamentation and could be indicative of nutrient deficiency. This study indicated that considerable amounts of K and minor amounts of Mg are essential for !"roper Piloderma growth and, perhaps more that Piloderma could provide sufficient amounts of K from the weathering of biotite. In the second study, the pH, total C and N, cation exchange capacity, and the contents of mica, chlorite, kaolinite, 2:1 type expandable clays, and amorphous materials were compared between two ectomycorrhizosphere soils (soils containing considerable ectomycorrhizal colonization) and non-ectomycorrhizosphere soils (bulk) of Picea glauca x engelmannii (Moench.) Voss) to elucidate the role of ectomycorrhizae on the chemical and mineralogical properties of soils in the field. The two ectomycorrhizosphere soils were characterized by colonization dominated by (1) Piloderma, and (2) Inocybe lacera-like and ~ Hebeloma-like morphotypes or where Piloderma colonization was <1 %. Results showed that pH was one unit lower in ectomycorrhizosphere compared to nonectomycorrhizosphere soils. Total C and N were significantly higher in ectomycorrhizosphere soils where C was three times higher and N was two times higher than non-ectomycorrhizosphere soils. Cation exchange capacity as well as exchangeable K+, and Na+ were higher in ectomycorrhizosphere soils compared to bulk soils where K+ >Na+. Base saturation was significantly lower in non-ectomycorrhizal soils compared to both ectomycorrhizosphere soils. Compared to bulk soils X-ray diffraction did suggest the transformation of mica and chlorite to 2:1 type expandable clays in ectomycorrhizosphere soils.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2000

Title: Sustaining biological diversity in managed sub-boreal spruce landscapes: Residual habitat strategies for cavity nesting species.
Contributors: Kathryn Leanne Zimmerman (author), Winifred Kessler (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 1999

Title: The role of fluorescent pseudomonad bacteria in the resistance of paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) to armillaria ostoyae in the southern interior of British Columbia
Contributors: Rhonda Lynn DeLong (author), Kathy Lewis (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The overall goal of this study was to investigate the role of fluorescent pseudomonad bacteria in the resistance of paper birch to infection by the root rot fungus Armillaria ostoyae in the southern interior of British Columbia. The objectives of this study were to compare the population sizes of pseudomonads in the rhizosphere of pure birch, pure Douglas-fir and mixed stands of the two species and investigate the incidence and strength of antagonism exhibited by fluorescent pseudomonad bacteria isolated from these different stand types toward Armillaria ostoyae in dual culture in vitro experiments. The pseudomonad populations were determined by growing paper birch and Douglas-fir seedlings in soils collected from young and mature birch, Douglas-fir and mixed stands and isolating the pseudomonads from the roots of these seedlings. The birch stands supported an average of 4 times more pseudomonads than the Douglas-fir stands and the mixed stands had intermediate populations. The young stands had twice as many rhizosphere pseudomonads as the mature stands. There was no difference in the populations of pseudomonads isolated from the paper birch and Douglas-fir seedlings grown in the same soil types on a per seedling basis. Th
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 1999

Title: Participation equality in the public policy process: The Clayoquot Land Use Decision.
Contributors: Christine Ann Callihoo (author), Annie Booth (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2001