Abstract:
A potential vegetation classification system is presented for the Olympic National Forest. It is
based on a sample of 1046 Reconnaissance and 408 Intensive plots. The hierarchical classification
includes sixvegetation series and 64 plant associations. Diagnostickeys are presented to aid
in the identification of series and associations. Descriptions are presented for each series and
association which are oriented toward the application of this classification for land management
objectives. Association descriptions include information about plant species occurrences,
including mosses and lichens, mammals, birds, insect pests and diseases. Most descriptions
include information on timber productivity and soils. Background information is also presented
on the ecology, geology, soils and history of the Olympic Mountains.
Key words: vegetation classification, climax vegetation, climax plant communities, plant association,
vegetation series, plant community ecology, forest ecology, mosses, lichens, birds, mammals,
forest diseases, timber productivity, soil, Olympic Mountains.
