Sitka spruce, the largest of the world's spruces, is an important component of British Columbia's coastal forests. Its ecology gives it a special place in the sustainable management of the province's forests. However, in west coast forestry it is poorly known in comparison with its main coniferous companions -- Douglas-fir, western redcedar, and western hemlock. As an important international forestry resource, it is crucial that Sitka spruce -- its ecology and the ecosystems in which it occurs -- be clearly understood by those who are involved with its management.

This book is the most recent major work on the ecology and management of Sitka spruce. The authors describe how this fascinating tree reproduces, grows, and functions in its natural geographic range. They discuss both the ecology of Sitka spruce and silvicultural questions such as original plantation spacing, juvenile spacing, and fertilization to accelerate the harvestability of second-growth coastal spruce stands.

Sitka spruce derives its importance not only from its prominence as an international transportable genetic resource but also from its role in riparian systems and its biodiversity values. Here in North America's west coast rainforest, this magnificent tree illustrates the ecology of complex forest ecosystems and their cultural, wilderness, historic, and economic values.

N. Merle Peterson's profile page

Patrick Martin's profile page

E.B. Peterson is a forest ecologist and president of Western Ecological Services Ltd. in Victoria, B.C. N.M. Peterson is vice president and research associate at Western Ecological Services Ltd. G.F. Weetman is a professor in the Forest Sciences Department at the University of British Columbia. P.J. Martin is a stand development specialist in the Silviculture Practices Branch, B.C. Ministry of Forests.

The book is a comprehensive treatment of the basic biology and management issues of Sitka spruce, placed in geographic, ecological and economic context ... the book is full of detailed and worthwhile information. It is certain to be of great practical value to anyone concerned with management of Sitka spruce within its natural range.

Northwest Science, Vol. 72, No. 1 1998

... a comprehensive reference book full of facts.... The figures.... show a good range of subjects and illustrate the points well... most readable... I think that the book should be read by all Sitka spruce growers and should be on the reference bookshelf of every organisation which deals with Sitka spruce on a regular basis. Although aimed at North American readers, it contains a wealth of information relevant to us too.

Quarterly Journal of Forestry 92 (4), 1998

What a treat .... I considered suggesting that not only should every British and Irish forestry practitioner and student purchase a copy of this book but that it should be liberally placed on hotel bedside tables....every forester should at least have a look at it at some time.

Forestry, Vol. 72:1, 1999