British Columbia’s forest lands abound with streams. Scattered across the Province are numerous small private woodlot owners who manage forests associated with streams. These riparian corridors are rarely utilized, yet can provide multiple benefits when managed with care.
Agroforestry is a concept that can be easily applied to riparian areas. It’s a management approach that integrates familiar and new agriculture and forestry practices into land management systems which contribute to diversification and sustainability of production. Riparian zones can generate products for extra income while being carefully managed to protect these biodiverse habitats.
Integrated Riparian Management is an agroforestry system that relies on a steady source of production while caretaking unique sensitive and remarkable ecological attributes. Because riparian areas are prone to soil and surface water impacts, the land owner must choose crops and harvesting systems which will not cause significant impacts. Example of products that may be cultivated without adverse soil and vegetation disturbance include florals, wreaths, Christmas trees, berries, nuts, timber, and bee products. Another consideration is which of these products have a good market demand. Thus, a source of income is gained.
To gain enhanced benefits, a well-designed and implemented riparian management scheme will integrate more than one component. For example, partial shade provided from tree canopies are a preferred sunlight condition for huckleberries. By selectively harvesting trees and maintaining perpetual tree cover, huckleberry production is enhanced while limiting soil and forest disturbance which can impact streams.
Design and Establishment
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| Oregon grape |
Currently, there are market demands for many naturally grown products in BC such as berries, bark, evergreen boughs, and honey. It’s useful to consult experts such as agroforestry specialists (e.g. within the BC Ministry of Agriculture), purchasers of products (e.g. grocery co-ops), farm market coordinators, or even local cultivators about what is in demand. Particular plants that aren’t widely regarded as valuable for cultivation may actually have uses which are in-demand. Once marketable species are identified, you should make sure they are a good match for the soil, sunlight, moisture, and temperature conditions of your property. Although riparian zones can be assumed to have ample water availability, the amount of water can vary widely based on distance to stream, or during the course of the growing season. Perennials are usually a better choice due to lower maintenance needs than annuals, as well as less frequent soil disturbance. Although not imperative, by choosing plants that are native to the region, certain risks are lessened. For example, native species will typically be better adapted to the climate and pests in the region. When integrating with honey bees, it’s also useful to research which plants may be of higher value to bees. Long-time beekeepers and various published forage guides can better ensure a good match.
A Kootenay Demonstration
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| Cascara seeding ready for planting |
With funding from the
BC Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative, a demonstration site was recently established in the Slocan Valley where there is a substantial demand for locally grown products. The shrub species selected for this system have markets both within and outside the region. Cascara (
Rhamnus purshiana) is a tree which grows to about 10 meters tall. Its bark is in demand as a natural laxative ingredient. High bush cranberry (
Viburnum opulus var. americanum) is needed for a variety of medicinal uses as well as for its berries. Demand for tall Oregon-grape (
Mahonia aquifolium) is also rising. It is used as a substitute for goldenseal which has international trade restrictions due to conservation concerns. Its berries are increasingly used in food products and the foliage is a popular landscaping product. These three native species were planted on about 1.5 acres of riparian habitat during 2012-13. The three species vary in habitat requirements and were planted accordingly. This has resulted in greater than 90% survivorship at the end of their first growing season.
In 2013 an existing bee yard was expanded to a capacity of 10 hives during the riparian shrub plantings. The back side of the bee yard abuts a forested riparian zone which serves as a useful windbreak. The bee yard meets a large forest opening on its south margin with full sun exposure – this creates a favorable microclimate for bee survival during the cold months. During berry season, it’s necessary to temporarily extend the bee yard’s electric bear fencing to encircle the berry plants. This is done mostly with temporary step-in fence posts and a lighter grade of wire.
Integration
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| Streamside shrubs deliver many integrated benefits |
One of the greatest virtues of this agroforestry system is how the different components are blended to interact and complement each other. Water associated with the streams can ensure good productivity of the cultivated plants. Their canopies help shade the streams keeping the water temperatures from overheating to the detriment of aquatic life while stabilizing soil. The cool clean water is maintained for wildlife and drinking water. Honey bees drink directly from streams and often transport it back to hives for use in evaporative cooling. The taller vegetation associated with riparian zones serves as a windbreak for hives – especially valuable during the cold winter months. The carefully chosen cultivated plants will be frequented by bees. The pollination that results may lead to enhanced berry production and reproduction of new plants. In return, the pollen and nectar provided to honey bees will enhance yields of honey. In fact, by choosing bee-valued plants, lessor-known native bees can benefit. Both imported honey bees and native bees are critical for plant production, yet their numbers are declining worldwide.
Plan
- Investigate the demand for herbal products and whether the particular species are a good match for your riparian area site conditions.
- If you’re not familiar with beekeeping, take a course or contact your local beekeeping group for a mentor to help decide if it’s right for you.
- Consider travel time from your home. Bees need to be tended nearly every week during the spring.
- Sketch a layout of your area for cultivation. Calculate the number of plants to acquire based on spacing requirements.
Prepare
- Prepare planting area by pruning lower tree branches and carefully thinning competing woody species.
- Order plants and bees during the winter for spring arrival. Having a registered business with Revenue Canada will significantly reduce prices (wholesale) with nurseries.
- Ensure vehicle access to the bee yard and install electric fencing before hives are established.
Planting and Tending
- Planting during the dormant season (early spring or fall) often results in better survivorship of seedlings.
- Monitor plants and bees for pest damage and respond as needed.
