Western yew management in British Columbian forests : recommendations for conservation-based management strategies for species protection ...

• Main Author: Woods, Sarah
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: The University of British Columbia 2012
• Subjects: First Nations
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.14288/1.0075552; https://doi.library.ubc.ca/10.14288/1.0075552

Western yew or Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia Nutt.) is an ancient conifer that has been a component of British Columbian Coastal and Interior forests for millions of years. Yew is not uncommon within its range, with distribution patterns ranging from scattered to dense patches depending on the site. However, the species is fairly sensitive as it is slow growing with a narrow ecological range. Past lessons of overexploitation for the species’ anticarcinogen properties have shown how easily it is to virtually eliminate yew from stands where it naturally occurs. Harvesting practices continue to be a serious threat to Western yew and with limited species conservation forest legislation in the province, there appears to be little consideration for this tree’s ecological services and importance to First Nations groups. The essay provides a literature review on Western yew, describing its major characteristics, ecological and social significance, and threats to its health and sustainability. The report then ...