Introduction

Read Island is a small island off the east coast of Vancouver Island, a short 20 minute boat ride from Campbell River.  Read is about four kilometers wide along its narrow southern length, widening to twice that in the north, and is about 20 kilometers long.  The climate of Read is very similar to that of Vancouver.  The year-round population on Read Island is fewer than 600 people.  The island is remote by most people's standards and has no telephones or paved roads.  The only facilities that I am aware of on the island is a small schoolhouse and a store.  Most inhabitants live on the northwest end of the island, closest to Campbell River.

The diversity of the forests of Read Island is a reflection of both diverse natural conditions and human influences.  There is a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and other plant species on the island, from moist, moss covered hemlock forest in low lying areas to open areas of grass and stunted Arbutus located in areas of poor soils and sunny exposure.  The extent and types of logging have also influenced the island landscape.  Commercial logging on Read has taken place since the 1880s.  While the island is largely forested, like most easily accessible coastal areas, much of the old growth has already been logged.  Some forested areas contain only old forest remnants, a result of selective logging  Other areas contain homogenous forests of trees of the same species and age, a result of clear cutting practices.

This project attempts to determine the forest areas with the highest potential commercial value on Read Island using the tools available in the GIS software package IDRISI along with forestry data specific to Read Island.  

ONTO BACKGROUND

Back to Top

Next

For problems or questions regarding this web contact Stephen Sutherland.

Last updated: November 27, 2000.