Abstract Forest managers have access to large format resource photography but lack the capacity to produce timely aerial photography if the need arises. Of the several photographic system available, 35-mm aerial photography has been used successfully in geologic exploration and shows promise as having application in forestry. Good 3-dimensional color imagery can be obtained from a light aircraft with a standard 35-mm camera. The stereo pairs can then be viewed and interpreted in the office or the field. This system has the advantages of being simple, inexpensive and extremely versatile. Its most serious short-coming is its small format and corresponding small scale.