Regenerating British Columbia's Forests

Ken A. Armson, a former executive co-ordinator of the Ontario Ministry
of Natural Resources’ Forest Resources Group, is currently a forestry
consultant.

This comprehensive book brings together the knowledge and experience
that have been gained over the years on virtually all aspects of forest
renewal in British Columbia. As with any compendium—especially one
with 58 contributors—there is some unevenness, but the editors have
managed to produce an informative and readable volume that should appeal
to a wide audience of both professionals and lay persons.

The book’s five sections deal with the historical, financial,
physiological, and certain ecological aspects of reforestation. The
first section addresses planning and conducting reforestation programs,
starting with a brief history. Subsequent chapters describe the role of
professionals, forestry workers, and the public in the reforestation
process; financial methods for evaluating activities; physiological
principles of regeneration; and ecological principles, concepts, and
applications.

The second section covers planning, preharvest assessment and
prescription, and monitoring of programs. Section 3 details the methods
and equipment used in regeneration. The fourth section, starting with
seed and seed collection, describes the sequence through the production
of seedlings to their outplanting in the forest. Section 5 outlines in
some diagnostic detail the types of damage caused by competing
vegetation, insects, disease, and mammals.

Some chapters—for example, the one on physiological principles—are
more technical than others, and professional and scientific jargon show
up without explanation throughout. A glossary of technical terms would
have been useful, especially for the lay reader. Surprisingly, the
chapters on ecological principles do not mention fire, wind, and insects
as major factors in the regeneration of British Columbia’s natural
forests. Given the importance of preharvest planning and prescriptions,
an example of an actual prescription should have been included. The book
does, however, fill a need and serve as a model for similar efforts by
other provinces.