Ecology and Management of Sitka Spruce: Emphasizing Its Natural Range in British Columbia

Sitka spruce, the largest of the world’s spruces, is animportant component of British Columbia’s coastal forests. Itsecology gives it a special place in the sustainable management of theprovince’s forests. However, in west coast forestry it is poorlyknown in comparison with its main coniferous companions — Douglas-fir,western redcedar, and western hemlock. As an important internationalforestry resource, it is crucial that Sitka spruce — its ecology andthe ecosystems in which it occurs — be clearly understood by those whoare involved with its management. This book is the most recent major work on the ecology andmanagement of Sitka spruce. The authors describe how this fascinatingtree reproduces, grows, and functions in its natural geographic range.They discuss both the ecology of Sitka spruce and silviculturalquestions such as original plantation spacing, juvenile spacing, andfertilization to accelerate the harvestability of second-growth coastalspruce stands. Sitka spruce derives its importance not only from its prominence asan international transportable genetic resource but also from its rolein riparian systems and its biodiversity values. Here in NorthAmerica’s west coast rainforest, this magnificent tree illustratesthe ecology of complex forest ecosystems and their cultural,wilderness, historic, and economic values.