2019

ABSTRACT

Understanding the growth   dynamics of large cultural cedar (LCC) within Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw territory is   crucial for developing effective conservation and retention strategies. This   study explores the intricate relationships between mature western redcedar (WRC)   growth and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), utilizing annual   Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Indices (SPEI) as proxy. Through   extensive growth correlation analysis of mature WRC to climate variables   which contribute to SPEI, alongside the annual drought indices, my findings   reveal a compelling narrative of WRC’s response to a changing climate. Contrary   to my initial hypothesis that warm dry periods would limit WRC growth, the   influence of warm climate regimes on northeastern Vancouver Island were shown   to have significantly positive influence on WRC, attributed to an increased   growing season supported by adequate seasonal precipitation. Additionally, I explore   a unique dynamic between the sensitivity in growth responses between dry and   wet sites, pointing to the potential acclimatization of WRC on dry sites to   varying moisture availability. These insights can inform retention policies   by emphasizing the need to consider site-specific resilience when managing inventories   of LCC for current and future cultural use. Through interdisciplinary   collaboration, I highlight the relationship between WRC and broadscale   climate variation in an effort to inform ongoing Indigenous stewardship programs   focused on conserving LCCs within the Coastal Western Hemlock zone.

Keywords: western redcedar; cultural inventory; dendrochronology; climate-growth analysis; site sensitivity; climate change; standardized evapotranspiration index; SPEI; pacific decadal oscillation; PDO

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In the summer of 2019 I joined the Tree Ring Lab as a field research assistant in collaboration with Julie Nielsen from the SFU school of REM. Myself, and my colleague from the Nanwakolas Council, Alexandra Thomas, preformed a new method of sample collection for post-harvest old growth western redcedar (Thuja plicata). It was an incredible experience, which you can learn more about through the poster in fulfillment of the Forestry Co-op placement, which includes a QR code to a short methods video!

In addition to studying the affects of climate on western redcedar, I also had the opportunity to redesign and rebrand the UBC Tree Ring Lab website! My background in graphic design, visual arts, and illustration has provided me with many advantages in science communication, to help create platforms, material, or presentations that are accessible to all audiances.