An ecological classification system is developed for west-central Alberta through the analysis of vegetation, soil, site, and forest productivity information. The hierarchical classification system has three levels - ecosite, ecosite phase and plant community type. Forty-four ecosites are described with further detail provided by above-mentioned subdivision. A soil type classification system that describes 17 soil atypes is also developed. Management interpretations are made for drought, excess moisture, soil rutting hazard, soil compaction hazard, puddling hazard, soil erosion hazard, frost heave hazard, soil temperature limitations, vegetation competition, and windthrow hazard. Colour photos and drawings for 106 common plants of west-central Alberta are presented. At the end of the book the reader can find an index listing common and scientific names of illustrated plants, keys to ecological variables, definitions of soil horizon designations, and a glossary.