This guide presents site identification and interpretation information for forest ecosystems of the Vancouver Forest Region. Site identification is based on the biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification. The guide was prepared to assist users in describing and identifying forest sites and to provide management interpretations to assist users in preparing stand-level forest management prescriptions. The guide covers procedures for site assessment, a description of the biogeoclimatic units and the site units of the Vancouver Forest Region, management interpretations of tree species selection, slashburning, site productivity, competing vegetation potential, ground-based harvesting, pest risks of major conifer species, and wildlife diversity and habitat relationships. Appendices list indicator species; humus forms; keys to bedrock, hand-texturing soil, relative soil moisture regime, soil nutrient regime, and site sensitivity to slashburning; correlation of old and new biogeoclimatic and site units; and a site assessment form.

This guidebook has been prepared to help forest resource managers plan, prescribe, and implement sound forest practices that comply with the British Columbia Forest Practices Code. The information provided is to help users exercise their professional judgment in developing site-specific management strategies and prescriptions to accommodate resource management objectives in the Vancouver Forest Region. The first section of the guidebook covers the legislative authority, background, definitions, and procedures for species selection, stocking (including maximum density for conifers), establishment, and free growing. It also includes a listing of the relevant sections of the Code. The second section includes criteria tables for regional forest establishment and information for determination of free growing. The third section contains background and support information, forest health charts, and free growing damage standards.

In March 23-25, 2005, an international symposium on red alder was held at the University of Washington Center for Urban Horticulture in Seattle, WA. The symposium was entitled S2Red alder: A State of KnowledgeS3 and brought together regional experts to critically examine the economic, ecological and social values of red alder. The primary goal of the symposium was to discuss new advances in the understanding of red alder biology and silviculture, changing market and nonmarket values, and the current regulatory climate for management of alder. This proceedings includes 14 papers based on oral presentations given at the symposium. These papers highlight some of the key findings from the history, ecology, biology, silviculture and economics sessions presented at the red alder symposium.