This project was undertaken to review the ecological role of woody debris in temperate forest eco-systems, with particular emphasis on methods of estimating amounts and turnover rates, and the effects of logging and silvicultural activities on the amounts and behaviour of woody debris; to identify proposed or ongoing research with the Ministry of Forests related to the role of woody debris in the forest of British Columbia; to determine what information is available for the forest types of B.C.; and to identify forest types for which information on quantities or functions of woody debris is lacking and to discuss the research required to fill these gaps.