The perception of, and interest in, the boreal mixedwood forests has changed dramatically over the last two decades. This is particularly true of British Columbia, as shown by the recent wave of biodiversity-related legislation. The static notion of the boreal mixedwoods as a collection of low-yield, competition-prone, mixed-species stands is being replaced by that of a diverse, shifting landscape mosaic containing a wide array of resources. As this change in perception continues, it will be necessary to formulate a new conceptual framework within which to manage the boreal mixedwoods to meet a much broader range of objectives. This review argues that the traditional stand-level model of mixedwood management is inadequate as a management paradigm for the future. A more holistic view of mixedwood management is required that considers processes at all scales, and takes into account the wide temporal and spatial variability that occurs naturally in this type of disturbance-driven forest.Key words: boreal mixedwoods, landscape-level, succession, disturbance, variability.