Regeneration standards: What has the past to show us?

The historical development of regeneration surveys in Canada and the associated development of methodologies and standards are reviewed. The importance of sampling methodology and quadrat size in determining stocking values is stressed. The use of technically-based stocking data to inform the public about regeneration is questioned. It is argued that there is need for a new and imaginative measure that is both factual and can be readily comprehended by the public. This presents a challenge to foresters and the governments when reporting on the state of the public's forests. Key words: regeneration standards, stocking, quadrat size, survey methodology, terminology and presentation