A group of 28 knowledgeable Alberta forest managers, silviculture practitioners and forestry specialists met in 2013 to discuss results of a collaborative field trial and related studies of lodgepole pine regeneration, and their implications for reforestation practice in the Alberta Foothills region. Several areas of practice were discussed, including site preparation, plantation establishment, vegetation management and pest management. Observations and recommendations of the group are summarized. Recommendations for best management practices represent the consensus of the group, and provide a timely assessment of considerations and options for reforestation management in a changing environment.Keywords: lodgepole pine, best management practices, reforestation, silviculture, site preparation, plantation establishment, vegetation management, pest management RÉSUMÉ Un groupe de 28 éminents aménagistes forestiers et spécialistes en sylviculture et foresterie s' est réuni en 2013 pour discuter d'un essai sur le terrain et des études connexes sur la régénération du pin lodgepole et des implications sur les pratiques de reboisement dans la région des Foothills en Alberta. Plusieurs domaines de pratique ont été l' objet de discussions, dont la préparation du site, l' établissement des plantations, le contrôle de la végétation et des ravageurs. L'article résume les remarques et les recommandations du groupe. Les recommandations portant sur les meilleures pratiques d'aménagement découlent d'un consensus du groupe et constitue une évaluation en temps opportun des considérations et des options de gestion du reboisement dans un environnement en pleine évolution.

Changes in the structure and dynamics of lodgepole pine stands following the 2006 outbreak of mountain pine beetle in western Alberta were investigated by monitoring attacked permanent sample plots over the following decade and projecting future stand development with locally validated growth models. Results suggest that a wide range in growth and yield of attacked stands is likely, with projected impacts varying from minor and inconsequential modifications to full stand replacement. Severely disturbed stands are unlikely to naturally regenerate to pine. The degree to which timber production is naturally restored in such stands will depend to a large extent on the amount and composition of non-pine advance growth and regeneration. Variation in attack severity and tree species composition will, in the absence of clearcutting following disturbance, result in increased diversity in stand and forest structure. Recommendations are made for scheduling salvage and restoration operations to ameliorate losses in timber supply.