K’en T’em undertakes research on forest ecosystem resilience
K’en T’em Limited Partnership (KTLP), in partnership with Stuwix Resources Joint Venture (Stuwix), is undertaking a research project to better understand how retaining intact patches of forest within harvested areas can support ecosystem health and resilience to a changing climate.
The project, Ecological Anchors for Climate Resilient Forestry, is taking place within the Merritt Timber Supply Area in British Columbia. It is supported by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) through its Climate Smart Forestry Initiative, funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
The research focuses on intact patches of forest, known as ecological anchors, that are retained within Stuwix’s harvested landscapes to promote biodiversity, maintain ecosystem functions, and protect culturally significant plant species.
“To protect and sustain tmixʷ (the land), and the resources that support our communities is central to everything that K’en T’em does. The research aims to better understand how these retained areas influence surrounding environmental conditions and contribute to climate resilience,” said KTLP’s environmental professional Jenna McKenna, PAg, RPBio.
The project uses a comparative study design to evaluate conditions within ecological anchor blocks, adjacent clearcut areas, and unharvested reference sites. Monitoring includes soil moisture and temperature, vegetation abundance and species composition, soil organic carbon and soil health, and carbon storage within retained trees.
“Through this collaboration, K’en T’em and Stuwix aim to establish baseline ecological information, evaluate the environmental outcomes of existing forest retention practices, and identify opportunities to improve climate-smart forest management. The findings will help inform future monitoring and land management decisions while supporting Indigenous-led stewardship, cultural values, and the long-term health and resilience of forest ecosystems,” said McKenna.
The project reflects a commitment to learning from the land, caring for the resources that sustain our communities, and making thoughtful decisions for the future.
"xʷiʔ y̓exekstmtem ʔe tmixʷ tuxʷe teʔyi teʔeks ƛ̓eks yiʔ" 'We're going to take care of the land for those that are not here yet.'
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