To support your understanding of silvicultural systems, we will first provide an overview in this chapter of the major categories of the systems. Once the subtle differences between the major categories are clear, the following chapter will delve further into the variations of these systems.

Even-aged systems

• clearcut
• patch cut
• seed tree
• shelterwood
• coppice
• retention system

Note: The BC Ministry of Forests record-keeping system separates the various silvicultural systems into major types which include patch cuts and clearcut with reserves. However, both patch cuts and clearcut with reserves are in fact variations of the clearcut system.

Uneven-aged systems

• selection

Even-aged and uneven-aged silvicultural systems are defined by the number of age classes. Even-aged systems consist of one or two age classes, whereas uneven-aged systems consist of three or more age classes.

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