Inadequate reforestation and poor conifer seedling survival and growth led to a national research and application program on vegetation management in young conifer plantations. Findings from the California part of this program, and more specifically on plantation release, are presented here. Results are from 32 study sites throughout northern and central California and reported in more than 60 publications over a 25-year timeframe. The study sites represent a wide variety of site qualities, soils, slopes, aspects, and vegetation types. Most of the planted conifer seedlings were ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws. var. ponderosa) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb.] Franco var. menziesii).