1. Aboveground standing biomass of white spruce in mature stands ranged from 0.92 to 23.28 kg/m2 and current annual production ranged from 89 to 2853 g

2. However, the nutrient content of aboveground current biomass was greater in all regenerating communities than in mature white spruce stands, except on regenerating sites where the forest floor was absent.

3. Succession begins with the invasion of newly deposited alluvium by willows (Salix spp.) and develops through a willow–alder (Alnustenuifolia Nutt.) stage to forest stands of balsam poplar (Populusbalsamifera L.), followed by white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss), and finally black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.)