Ecological silviculture for North American Pacific coastal temperate rainforests [Chapter 15]

Abstract

The Pacific coastal temperate rainforest of North America (“temperate rainforest”) includes the region adjacent to the Pacific Ocean along the west coast of the United States and Canada, including a narrow fog belt that stretches from northern California through Oregon and Washington, after which it widens to include most of coastal British Columbia (BC) and southeast Alaska, and tapers off in southcentral Alaska (Figure 15.1). The region is characterized by moderate temperatures and abundant precipitation throughout much of the year. In the north, a perhumid climate dominates where extended dry periods are rare. South of BC, seasonal dry periods occur; however, moisture delivery continues in summer via fog. In this unique high-productivity environment, abundant tree regeneration, high growth rates, and infrequent stand-replacing disturbances can lead to extensive forest tracts with large trees and high timber value.

Citation

Crotteau, Justin S.; Beese, William J.; Berrill, John-Pascal; Deal, Robert L.; Harrington, Constance A.; Nelson, Kellen N. 2024. Ecological silviculture for North American Pacific coastal temperate rainforests [Chapter 15]. In: Palik, Brian J.; D’Amato, Anthony W., eds. Ecological silvicultural systems: Exemplary models for sustainable forest management. John Wiley and Sons Ltd. p. 199-212.