From 1986 to 2000, a major ecological inventory program was carried out in the forests of southern Quebec in order to describe the diversity of forest ecosystems. In total, **28,425 ecological observation points (POE) ** were established on a territory covering 760,000 km2, located between 45° and 53° N latitude and 57° and 80° W longitude. The POE is a circular sampling unit that covers an area of 400 m². It collects data on the characteristics of forest stand (composition, structure), soil (texture, deposit, drainage), and topography, as well as location information. The coverage of each plant species in the plot is estimated visually. A detailed description of a soil profile is available in approximately 35% of POEs. The ecological classification elements of POEs (groups of indicator species, forest types, potential vegetation, ecological types, etc.) are determined using computerized identification keys using data on vegetation and the physical environment. The criteria used for this ecological classification are those presented in the guides for the recognition of ecological types. **The levels of the ecological classification system of the territory are also determined for each POE. ****This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

__The link: *Access the data directory* is available in the section*Dataset Description Sheets; Additional Information*__. The **Station Quality Index (PQS) plot ** is the sampling unit that made it possible to characterize the productivity of stations in the Quebec forest ecological classification system. These are circular plots where the physical and vegetation characteristics of the station have been recorded. Thus, the stems were counted, and the ecological type of the station was determined. In each plot, about ten study trees were selected, felled and cut at several heights along the trunk. A total of **1,644** plots were installed, and **12,215** plots were analyzed. The location of the plots was recorded using a GPS. This dataset covers most of the public forest in the territory of the ecoforest inventory of southern Quebec. __ ⚠️ Note that__ the sampling was carried out between 1999 and 2009, and the dataset will not be updated.**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

__The link: *Access the data directory* is available in the section*Dataset Description Sheets; Additional Information*__. The **permanent sample plot** is a circular sampling unit that covers an area of 400 m2. For each tree, the species, diameter, defoliation of softwoods and the quality of hardwoods are observed and measured. Some of these stems are the subject of further studies in order to know their height and age. Finally, other surveys make it possible to identify the ecological characteristics of the station where the plot is located, whether at ground level or undergrowth plants. Since 1970, **more than 12,000 permanent sample plots have been established ** and are monitored decennial. This data is an invaluable source of information on the growth and evolution of forests in Quebec, a source that is enriched each time additional measures are added. In particular, they are used to establish forest growth rates, describe past changes, and model forest evolution. This database covers almost all of the territory south of the 52nd parallel of Quebec's public and private forest. __ ⚠️ Note:__ Notice to people who wish to use the permanent sample plots for training needs or for samples of any kind. Please contact the Forest Inventory Directorate at 📩 Inventaires.Forestiers@mrnf.gouv.qc.ca**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**