Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems (MASS): Establishing and managing a multi-disciplinary, multi-partner research site

The Montane Alternative Silvicultural Systems (MASS) study was established on Vancouver Island, B.C. to develop operationally feasible and ecologically sustainable silvicultural systems in old-growth forests. The project addresses regeneration, biodiversity and aesthetic concerns over clearcutting at high elevations. Over twenty integrated studies are examining the biological and economic consequences of shelterwood, small patch clearcut, dispersed green tree retention and clearcut alternatives. Planning and preharvest studies began two years before the 1993 harvesting. The Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC) documented the cost and feasibility of harvesting. Post-harvest studies have been underway for five years with funding by the Canada-B.C. Forest Resource Development Agreement (FRDA II), Forest Renewal BC (FRBC), Industry Canada and project cooperators. There are numerous challenges associated with establishing and managing a multi-disciplinary, long-term research site with multiple partners. This paper discusses the administrative aspects of integrated research based on our experience with the MASS project.