Indicators for sustaining biological diversity in Canada's most controversial forest type-coastal temperate rainforest

Canada's most controversial forest type is the coastal temperate rainforest. I summarize the use of indicators to assess effectiveness at sustaining biological diversity within a large managed forest in temperate rainforest of coastal British Columbia. Physical, biological, historical and social features have made the management area controversial. To avoid controversy and environmental boycotts, one forest company introduced novel planning and practices. Outcomes of the new practices were unknown but intended to sustain biological diversity in an area of unusual species richness. The criterion, indicators and feedback to management from these indicators is reviewed. Findings from indicators served to address major areas of uncertainty identified by managers. However, many recommendations emerging from the monitoring were not implemented for social and economic reasons. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.