This document is a summary of the survey methods used by the Ministry of Forests of British Columbia and by Forestry Canada to monitor the health of forest stands throughout the province. A number of potential weaknesses are identified and some general recommendations for improvement are made. Special emphasis is placed on an evaluation of the methods used in Pests of Young Stands (POYS) surveys, conducted by Forestry Canada as part of the Forest insect and Disease Survey (FIDS) program.