Zvolen, 15. October 2003

Methods and Proceduresof Forest Management Planning

in Close to Nature Forestryand Its Ecological Impacts

Heinrich Spiecker, Institute of Forest Growth, Freiburg

International Seminar

Zvolen 2003

Zvolen, 15. October 2003

Three Principles of Close toNature Forest Management

Forest structure:ecological stability, biodiversity

Tree species composition: native and site adequate species

Management:application of self-regulating processes

Zvolen, 15. October 2003

Management Conditions

State of the ForestMany Forests have not been managed according to the principle of “close to nature forestry”!History: Forest devastation, afforestation…..not always site adequate species, even aged stands,low stability (snow, storm, drought, insects, fungi)

KnowledgeExperience and knowledge on “Close to NatureForestry” and its impacts on ecological values is limited

Conditions are changing:socio-economic conditions and ecological conditions

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Two types of “Close to Nature Forest Management”

B. Management of “Close to Nature Forests”

A. Many forests needed to be converted when applying the criteria of “Close to Nature Management”: A management of Conversion is needed.

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e.g. natural range of Norway spruce

Zvolen, 15. October 2003

0

20

40

60

80

100%

100

-10-20

20

Abies albaPicea abiesPinus sp.other broadleaved sp.Quercus sp.Fagus sylvatica

'natural' today source: Mayer 1984

Tree species distribution in Central Europe

Close to nature forestry: more broadleaved trees

Zvolen, 15. October 2003

S a lvag e cu t - an in d ica to r fo r“c lo se to n atu re ”?

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0

20

40

60

80

10 0

12 0

19 60 19 70 19 80 19 90 20 00

Storm

sa lva ge cut in % of a llo wa ble cu t inthe p ub lic fore st o f th e B la ck F o re st

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sa lva ge cut in % of a llo wa ble cu t inthe p ub lic fore st o f th e B la ck F o re st

0

20

1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

d es icca te d & k illed b y in se cts

sn o w

0

20

40

1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

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To provide a solid base for management planning related to close to nature management contributions

of various disciplines are needed:

Understanding of History

Silviculture

Inventory: sites, species, stand structure

Ecology: Ecological values such as ecological risk, soil fertility, biodiversity, water quality

Policy

Forest Operations

Economy

Zvolen, 15. October 2003

Where should close to nature forestry be applied?

- Site conditions

- political conditions: incentives, restrictions

- Stand/landscape conditions

- Special values: protection of habitats, erosion, water quality

- ecological risks

- economic expectations of the owner

Zvolen, 15. October 2003

What options for management towards close to nature forestry exist?

- clear cut

- shelter-wood cut

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- work and machinery input

Some prerequisites of close to nature forestry on management activities:

Zvolen, 15. October 2003

- work and machinery input

- quality of work

- information and education

Prerequisites of close to nature forestry on management activities:

Zvolen, 15. October 2003

Prerequisites of close to nature forestry on management activities:

- work and machinery input

- quality of work

- infrastructure

- education and information

- game density

Zvolen, 15. October 2003

What are the results of close to nature forestry:

- ecological riskEcological aspects

Zvolen, 15. October 2003

- ecological risk

- water quality- biodiversity- long-term site fertility (nutrient cycling etc.)

Ecological aspects

What are the results of close to nature forestry:

Zvolen, 15. October 2003

Ecological Impact of Close to Nature Forestry

Nutrient balance in conifer forests:often higher acidificationnutrient cycling is slowed downaccumulation of organic matter

In conifer Forests Susceptibility towindthrowsnow damagebark beetlesfungi is relatively high

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Biodiversity in conifer forests:less diversity in pure coniferous forestsis a generally accepted hypothesis

Water quality in conifer forests:higher acidity in surface water transpiration rate is lowerwhile interception is higher

Ecological Impact of Close to Nature Forestry

Zvolen, 15. October 2003

- ecological risk

- cost of managing (harvesting etc.)

- water quality- biodiversity- long-term site fertility (nutrient cycling etc.)

Ecological aspects

Economic aspects

- wood characteristics

What are the results of close to nature forestry:

Zvolen, 15. October 2003

Criteria:- net present value (profitability)- cash flow (liquidity)- risk- flexibility

Economic Impact of Close to Nature Forestry

Relevant impacts:- wood quantity- wood dimension and quality- length of the production period- establishment, tending and harvesting cost

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Conclusions IThe choice of the management option depends on:

- site conditions, stand conditions, etc.

- economic conditions

- ownership

- political conditions

No one single optimal management option!

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Conclusions II

- improvement of knowledge/technologies

- changing economic conditions

- changing values

- changing ecologic conditions

As management has long-termimpacts we have to deal with

- changing political conditions

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Conclusions III

Uncertainty:

Strategies should allow various options for the future

Management strategies need to be flexible!

Zvolen, 15. October 2003