Our study objective was to develop a better understanding of the ecological
significance of unburned forest remnants in successional sub-boreal landsc
apes created by fire. We characterized remnant forest patches and compared
them to matrix forest in young, mature and old age classes. Remnant patches
could be discriminated from matrix forest types based on variables relatin
g to tree overstory and snag density. Some remnants displayed a unique unev
en-aged pattern of lodgepole pine regeneration. Differences between remnant
patches and matrix forest stands, and high variation among patches, may re
flect the variable influence of the wildfires through which the patches sur
vived. Remnants share many ecological characteristics with old forest and m
ay provide 'bridging habitats' in landscapes recovering from large-scale di
sturbance. patches of mature forest retained in logged landscapes may have
potential to substitute for wildfire remnants. However, selection and manag
ement criteria should be developed to guide the design of habitat retention
and to monitor effects. The unusual regeneration dynamics demonstrated by
some remnants may suggest an alternative silvicultural model for regenerati
ng stands dominated by lodgepole pine within the boreal forest. (C) 2000 El
sevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.