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Learning to use the clinometer
General News · 27th December 2018
Carrie Saxifrage -CCFC
At the Cortes Community Forest Co-op AGM last spring, members said they wanted better and more public data for ecosystem-based forestry operational decisions. Cortes is ahead of the curve due to mapping work completed over decades. Logging to date is within the preliminary estimates for EBF made years ago. But information gaps remain. Ecosystem-based forestry is evidence based and we plan to fill those gaps as best as we are able as we move forward.

For this purpose, ten of us went out on six occasions during the fall for a total of 120 person hours. We learned new technologies – Avenza, prisms, and the clinometer. We used three different methodologies to collect data: 1) tree sampling at 300 random points throughout the land base; 2) tracking creeks with Avenza, a free smart phone app; and 3) walking a transect – eight abreast, 15 meters apart for a close look at a given area to note tree species, ground cover, canopy cover, growth potential and unique features such as listed ecosystems and species.

We plan to continue sampling in the spring. Meanwhile, if you would like to help map ephemeral wetlands and creeks this winter, Sonya will be doing this in the next few months. You can reach her at 935-6954. To get on the email list for these activities, open the attachment to learn more about what we have done so far and find contact info.

Many thanks to Sonya Friesen, Andy Ellingsen, Aaron Ellingsen, Ralph Garrison, David Shipway, Miranda Glover-Cross, Corry Dow, Sam Mayer and Wayne Roberts. Special thanks to Sonya and Andy.
Forester Ione Brown recommended Avenza
Forester Ione Brown recommended Avenza
Great info
Comment by Bruce Ellingsen on 1st January 2019
Thanks, Carrie, for your report on the ground trotting activities that you have organized. I will be joining your group in the New Year.
Happy New Year to all.