This original work makes unprecedented use of some of the most important research to date in plant ecology. It is a guide for assessing site quality, that is, the climate and soil of particular forest and non-forest ecosystems. Foresters have long been interested in using plants as indicators in predicting the growth performance of reforestation sites, but the data have not been readily available. Indicator Plants of Coastal British Columbia fully discusses how indicator plants are recognized and demonstrates how indicator plants can be used in site diagnosis. The book presents colour illustrations and descriptions of 419 selected vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens of coastal British Columbia. Indicators with similar values are grouped into indicator species groups which are used to evaluate site quality. These data are supplemented by information on geographic distribution, life-form, shade tolerance, and other ecological characteristics of the species. Three methods are given on how to use indicator plants for the purpose of site diagnosis. Indicator Plants of Coastal British Columbia summarizes original research in a format which both students and practitioners will find easy to use.

Understand the current concept of wetland and methods for identifying, describing, classifying, and delineating wetlands in the United States with Wetland Indicators - capturing the current state of science's role in wetland recognition and mapping. Environmental scientists and others involved with wetland regulations can strengthen their knowledge about wetlands, and the use of various indicators, to support their decisions on difficult wetland determinations. Professor Tiner primarily focuses on plants, soils, and other signs of wetland hydrology in the soil, or on the surface of wetlands in his discussion of Wetland Indicators. Practicing - and aspiring - wetland delineators alike will appreciate Wetland Indicators' critical insight into the development and significance of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and other factors. Features Shows 55 color plates, documenting wetland indicators throughout the nation - with more than 34 soil plates and aerial photos Illustrates other wetland properties with more than 50 figures Provides over 60 tables, including extensive tables of U.S. wetland plant communities and examples for determining hydrophytic vegetation Contents Wetland Definitions Wetland Concepts for Identification and Delineation Plant Indicators of Wetlands and Their Characteristics Vegetation Sampling and Analysis for Wetlands Soil Indicators of Wetlands Wetland Identification and Boundary Delineation Methods Problem Wetlands and Field Situations for Delineation Wetland Classification Wetlands of the United States: An Introduction, With Emphasis on Their Plant Communities Wetland Mapping and Photointerpretation

The guide looks at how plants may be used to 'read the environment', essentially treating them as indicators of the state of the habitat where they are found. It was written with three sets of people in mind: 1. Junior ecological consultants who want to improve their Phase 1 Habitat Surveys with botanical target notes useful in ecological assessment. 2. Students of ecology who need to use plants to interpret the landscape around them and understand habitats in greater detail. 3. Amateur naturalists and walkers who seek to enrich their experience of the countryside through a knowledge of plants. Compiled from a range of published sources and from the author's personal experience, it is intended for use primarily in the lowland English countryside.