Principles Used in Selecting Tree Species for Regeneration of Forest Sites in Southwestern British Columbia

Abstract

Selecting the best tree species for reforesting a forest site is a critical decision in forest management. Ideally, this decision requires that the ecological characteristics of forest trees, sites and ecosystems are known, and that the intent, goal, strategy and objective of forest management are defined. This knowledge can then be used to develop criteria for selecting the most suitable tree species or combination of tree species for a given site. The criteria used in the tree species selection guidelines for southwestern British Columbia are: maximum sustainable productivity, crop reliability and silvicultural feasibility.