Forested plant associations of the Colville National Forest

A classification of forest vegetation is presented for the Colville National Forest in northeastern Washington State. It is based on potential vegetation with the plant association as the basic unit. The classification is based on a sample of approximately 229 intensive plots and 282 reconnaisance plots distributed across the forest from 1980 to 1983. The hierarchical classification includes 5 forest tree series and 39 plant associations or community types. Diagnostic keys are presented for each tree series and plant association or community type. Descriptions include information about plant association or community species composition, occurrences, distribution, environment, soils, forest productivity, management implications and relations to other vegetation classifications. Background information is also presented on the ecology, geology, soils, climate, and fire history of the Colville National Forest.Keywords: Vegetation classification, climax plant communities, potential vegetation, plant association, vegetation series, forest ecology, fire, wildife, range, northeastern Washington

Terry R. Lillybridge, Bernard L. Kovalchik,

Lillybridge,T.R.; Kovalchik, B.L.; Williams C.K.; Smith, B.G. 1995. Field guide for forested plant associations of the Wenatchee National Forest. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR359. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 335 p. In cooperation with: Pacific Northwest Region, Wenatchee National Forest