Perspectives on development of definitions and values related to old-growth forests

2003 ◽  
Vol 11 (S1) ◽  
pp. S9-S22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee E Frelich ◽  
Peter B Reich
Keyword(s):  
Tree Height ◽  
Natural Disturbance ◽  
Primary Forest ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Biological Resources ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Old Growth Forests ◽  
Primary Forests

Old-growth forests are those that meet some threshold(s) determined by a scientific and political process. The main issue is what criteria to use to determine these thresholds; they must be practical enough to allow managers to delimit and manage old-growth stands in the field. People value forests with old and (or) big trees and primary forests that have a continuous heritage of natural disturbance and regeneration, even though the latter may include all stages of stand development and succession. We advocate uniting these two and using "primary forest", also called "natural heritage forest", as the criterion for delimiting old growth in regions where primary forest still exists. This criterion recognizes that the stage of development with big, old trees is part of a cycle of development, and it is necessary to have all the parts to continue to produce new examples of the older stages. The best available second-growth stands can be used in regions where primary forests are not available. Alternatively, threshold criteria for delimiting old growth can be based on tree size and age, but arbitrary criteria based on human size and age scales should be avoided in favour of criteria that specify stands dominated by trees relatively large and old for the species and site. Such criteria allow for old growth to occur across a variety of levels of site productivity, with trees of widely varying stature and with varying life-history characteristics, such as longevity, shade tolerance, and successional status. In any case, managers and scientists should work together to make sure that definitions work in the field but also include the ecological processes necessary to maintain the unique biological resources of old growth. The biological resources present in old growth may help to restore the second-growth landscape and allow reconstitution of forests in new places after global warming. Old-growth forests provide a baseline for comparison of effects of logging and natural disturbance, with respect to resilience to climatic change and disturbance, maintenance of species richness, and natural genetic structure of tree populations, which respond to different selective regimes in old growth and harvested forests. The species in old-growth remnants, their interactions and the resilience of the system after disturbance are as important or perhaps more so than the age and size of the trees at a given point in time. Key words: dwarf forest, Minnesota, old-growth processes, tree height.

scholarly journals Compared to Wildfire, Management Practices Reduced Old-Growth Forest Diversity and Functionality in Primary Boreal Landscapes of Eastern Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxence Martin ◽  
Pierre Grondin ◽  
Marie-Claude Lambert ◽  
Yves Bergeron ◽  
Hubert Morin
Keyword(s):  
Boreal Forests ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Industrial Scale ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Ecosystem Based Management ◽  
Old Growth Forest ◽  
Old Growth Forests ◽  
Boreal Landscapes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Primary Forests

Large primary forest residuals can still be found in boreal landscapes. Their areas are however shrinking rapidly due to anthropogenic activities, in particular industrial-scale forestry. The impacts of logging activities on primary boreal forests may also strongly differ from those of wildfires, the dominant stand-replacing natural disturbance in these forests. Since industrial-scale forestry is driven by economic motives, there is a risk that stands of higher economic value will be primarily harvested, thus threatening habitats, and functions related to these forests. Hence, the objective of this study was to identify the main attributes differentiating burned and logged stands prior to disturbance in boreal forests. The study territory lies in the coniferous and closed-canopy boreal forest in Québec, Canada, where industrial-scale logging and wildfire are the two main stand-replacing disturbances. Based on Québec government inventories of primary forests, we identified 427 transects containing about 5.5 circular field plots/transect that were burned or logged shortly after being surveyed, between 1985 and 2016. Comparative analysis of the main structural and environmental attributes of these transects highlighted the strong divergence in the impact of fire and harvesting on primary boreal forests. Overall, logging activities mainly harvested forests with the highest economic value, while most burned stands were low to moderately productive or recently disturbed. These results raise concerns about the resistance and resilience of remnant primary forests within managed areas, particularly in a context of disturbance amplification due to climate change. Moreover, the majority of the stands studied were old-growth forests, characterized by a high ecological value but also highly threatened by anthropogenic disturbances. A loss in the diversity and functionality of primary forests, and particularly the old-growth forests, therefore adds to the current issues related to these ecosystems. Since 2013, the study area is under ecosystem-based management, which implies that there have been marked changes in forestry practices. Complementary research will be necessary to assess the capacity of ecosystem-based management to address the challenges identified in our study.

Conservation of Dry Forest Old Growth in Eastern Oregon

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
James D Johnston ◽  
Skye M Greenler ◽  
Matthew J Reilly ◽  
Mark R Webb ◽  
Andrew G Merschel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Local Level ◽  
Forest Service ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Conservation Policies ◽  
Old Growth Forests ◽  
The Face ◽  
Good For

Abstract Conservation of old-growth forests has become an increasingly important objective of Forest Service managers over the last three decades. The US Forest Service recently made changes to policies that prohibit cutting of live trees >53 cm (the “21-inch rule”). We review the disturbance ecology of dry and mesic old-growth forests of Oregon and contrast conservation policies for these two forest types. We describe the development of age-based alternatives to the 21-inch rule on the Klamath Reservation and in the Malheur National Forest in eastern Oregon. We conclude by outlining an adaptive management strategy to conserve dry forest old growth that seeks to restore the ecological processes that perpetuate old tree populations over time. We argue that what is good for dry forest ecosystems is good for dry forest old growth, especially in the face of changing climate and disturbance regimes. Study Implications: Age-based limits are a viable alternative to the size-based limits that the U.S. Forest Service has been using to conserve old growth in dry, fire-prone forests of eastern Oregon. Another alternative is a process-based approach that emphasizes restoring processes, including frequent fire that make old-growth trees resistant to a warmer and more fiery future. Multiscale inventories that track the abundance and distribution of trees of different species, sizes, and ages can inform tree conservation priorities and assess progress towards desired outcomes. Robust monitoring programs can facilitate collaborative data-driven adaptation at the local level and improve dry forest old-growth conservation outcomes.

The eastern boreal old-growth balsam fir forest: a distinct ecosystem

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (6) ◽  
pp. 830-849 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mireille Desponts ◽  
Geneviève Brunet ◽  
Louis Bélanger ◽  
Mathieu Bouchard
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Saprophytic Fungi ◽  
Old Growth Forest ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Old Growth Forests ◽  
Gaspe Peninsula ◽  
Pristine Forest ◽  
Gaspé Peninsula

The objective of this project was to assess the importance of pristine forests in maintaining the botanical biodiversity of the humid boreal balsam fir forest of eastern Canada. The study was based on a comparative analysis of silviculturally mature second-growth stands and pristine forest stands at two stages of development (senescent and old growth) in the Gaspé Peninsula. The structure and composition of the stands was described, and the abundance of structural attributes evaluated. The communities of nonvascular plant species (mosses, liverworts), lichens, and saprophytic fungi were compared. The study demonstrated that the pristine forest landscape studied was composed largely of old-growth and senescent stands. Old-growth forests are differentiated by their irregular structure. The results regarding nonvascular plant species, lichens, and saprophytic fungi show higher species diversity in old-growth forests, corresponding to higher habitat diversity. Species assemblages were comparable between the pristine forests, but different from those of second-growth stands. Rare species are found more frequently in the old-growth forests. The results indicate that the old-growth balsam fir stands of the Gaspé Peninsula constitute critical habitats for maintaining a large number of species threatened by the gradual disappearance of primeval stands.Key words: forest management, biodiversity, old-growth forest, humid boreal fir forest, nonvascular plants.

Microtopography and ecology of pit-mound structures in second-growth versus old-growth forests

2017 ◽  
Vol 404 ◽  
pp. 14-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Audrey Barker Plotkin ◽  
Peter Schoonmaker ◽  
Bennet Leon ◽  
David Foster
Keyword(s):  
Old Growth ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Old Growth Forests

Are the old-growth forests of the Clay Belt part of a fire-regulated mosaic?

2005 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Cyr ◽  
Yves Bergeron ◽  
Sylvie Gauthier ◽  
Alayn C Larouche
Keyword(s):  
Fire Hazard ◽  
Natural Disturbance ◽  
Great Variability ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Fire Cycle ◽  
Old Growth Forests ◽  
Ring Method ◽  
Forest Mosaic ◽  
Macroscopic Charcoal

Old-growth forests make up a substantial proportion of the forest mosaic in the Clay Belt region of Ontario and Quebec, Canada, despite fire cycles that are presumed to be relatively short. Two hypotheses have been suggested as explanations for this phenomenon: (1) the old-growth forests in question are located on sites that are protected from fire or (2) the fire hazard is just as great there as elsewhere, and that part of the mosaic is simply the tail of the distribution, having been spared from fire merely by chance. The tree-ring method has proven inadequate as a means of determining the date of the most recent fire in these old-growth forests, as the time that has elapsed since that date probably exceeds the age of the oldest trees. Accordingly, a paleoecological study was conducted with a view to determining the date of the last fire in these forests. Charcoal horizons were located and radiocarbon dated in six old-growth forests. The possibility that these forests have never burned at all is ruled out by the fact that macroscopic charcoal fragments were found at all sites. The proximity of potential firebreaks has a significant influence in the survival model, suggesting fire-cycle heterogeneity throughout the landscape. However, the proportion of old-growth forests observed is in agreement with what would be expected assuming that fire hazard is independent of stand age. Old-growth stands could thus be incorporated into natural disturbance based management, although the great variability of the intervals between catastrophic disturbances should be carefully considered.

Adapting forestry practices to address old-growth concerns in the Great Lakes–St.Lawrence forests of Ontario

2003 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 613-620 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Great Lakes ◽  
Populus Tremuloides ◽  
Pinus Banksiana ◽  
Natural Disturbance ◽  
Red Pine ◽  
Forest Composition ◽  
White Birch ◽  
Site Factors ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Old Growth Forests

The Great Lakes–St. Lawrence forest, particularly the eastern white (Pinus strobus L.) and red pine (P. resinosa Ait.) forests around Temagami and Sault Ste. Marie, was the centre of controversy regarding the treatment of old-growth forests in Ontario in the 1980s and 1990s. The controversy stemmed from changes in forest composition and structure occurring in the forest. For example, the Ontario public was concerned with the obvious reduction in numbers of large eastern white and red pine trees and their replacement with small, often poor quality, white birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.), aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) trees. Over the past two decades, changes in legislation, forest planning and stand prescriptions have been made in Ontario and practices at the forest and stand levels have also changed significantly. The new practices are based on linking forest activities to a better understanding of ecological processes in the forest; in particular, linking harvest and regeneration activities to our current understanding of natural disturbances and plant adaptations. These practices attempt to match more closely the conditions found in forests with a heritage of natural disturbance and reproduction, i.e., old-growth forests. For example, stand-initiating disturbances result in some trees being killed, some being damaged, and some surviving. The new harvest practices consider tree adaptations and site factors when deciding whether a tree will be cut or not. This paper provides examples of how this ecosystem-based forestry is being applied in Ontario. Key words: old growth in Ontario, conservation of old growth, application of old growth conservation practices, stand practices for old growth, landscape practices for old growth

Effects of experimental harvesting on spider (Araneae) assemblages in boreal deciduous forests

2008 ◽  
Vol 140 (4) ◽  
pp. 437-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher M. Buddle ◽  
David P. Shorthouse
Keyword(s):  
Indicator Species ◽  
Boreal Forests ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Wolf Spider ◽  
Natural Disturbance ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Partial Cutting ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Old Growth Forests ◽  
Geographic Separation

AbstractTwo large-scale forestry experiments, in Quebec (Sylviculture et aménagement forestiers écosystémique (SAFE)) and Alberta (Ecosystem Management by Emulating Natural Disturbance (EMEND)), were established in the late 1990s to test the effects of alternative silvicultural strategies (e.g., partial cutting) on biodiversity in northern boreal forests. We collected spiders in pitfall traps 2 years after the application of partial-cutting treatments in deciduous stands at EMEND and 6 years after similar treatments in deciduous stands at SAFE. Although we are aware of the challenges imposed by disparate locations and whole-scale experimental methods, our objective was to compare the effects of partial cutting on spider assemblages (diversity and community composition), and in doing so, to formulate a few general statements. Overall, 98 species (6107 individuals) were collected from Alberta and 86 species (3414 individuals) from Quebec. Of these, 44 species were common to both regions. Ordination and indicator-species analyses revealed a distinct effect of geographic separation: the spider assemblages in deciduous stands within the boreal plains ecoregion of Alberta and the boreal shield in Quebec were distinct. However, the effects of partial cutting on spider assemblages within each project were similar: removal of 25%–33% of trees shifted a characteristic old-growth fauna toward one more typical of clearcuts. Indicator-species analysis also revealed the dominance of wolf spider (Lycosidae) species in clearcuts within both experiments and we present evidence that clear-cutting homogenizes spider assemblages. Old-growth forests contain spider faunas that are easily disrupted by moderate partial cutting. In the face of intense harvesting practices, managing for the maintenance of biodiversity and conservation of spider faunas in northern forests will require retention of old-growth forests.

Recruitment of wood to streams in old-growth and second-growth redwood forests, northern California, U.S.A.

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 1460-1477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee E Benda ◽  
Paul Bigelow ◽  
Thomas M Worsley
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Bank Erosion ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Northern California ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Forest Mortality ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Old Growth Forests ◽  
Growth System ◽  
Balance Analysis

From an ecological perspective, one aim of forest management is to supply wood to streams to protect and enhance aquatic habitats. An analysis was made of the mass balance of in-stream wood along 9 km of channels in old-growth and 50-year-old second-growth redwood (Sequoia sempervirens (D. Don) Endl.) forests in northern California, U.S.A. High volumes of wood storage in streams in old-growth forests were due primarily to streamside landsliding and bank erosion. Logging-related debris and high forest mortality rates in conifer and deciduous forests contributed to high wood storage in second-growth forests. Volumes of in-stream wood in second-growth forests were similar to volumes in one old-growth system and less than another. Diameters of wood were significantly greater in older forests. Wood recruitment from forest mortality in old-growth forests was low compared with second-growth sites, driven by differences in conifer mortality rates of approximately 0.04 and 0.9%·year–1, respectively. Contrasting old-growth redwood mortality with values reported for unmanaged Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) forests in Washington State (0.5%·year–1) and unmanaged Sitka spruce (Picea stichensis (Bong.) Carrière) forests in southeastern Alaska (1.2%·year–1) point to a strong latitudinal gradient of forest mortality reflected in tree size. The mass balance analysis of in-stream wood also allowed an estimation of bank erosion along large channels and soil creep along small, steep streams.

scholarly journals Bird Assemblages in Second-Growth and Old-Growth Forests, Costa Rica: Perspectives From Mist Nets and Point Counts

The Auk ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 118 (2) ◽  
pp. 304-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
John G. Blake ◽  
Bette A. Loiselle
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Community Composition ◽  
Threatened Species ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
La Selva ◽  
Point Counts ◽  
Old Growth Forest ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Old Growth Forests

Abstract Second growth has replaced lowland forest in many parts of the Neotropics, providing valuable habitat for many resident and migrant bird species. Given the prevalence of such habitats and the potential benefit for conservation of biodiversity, it is important to understand patterns of diversity in second growth and old growth. Descriptions of species-distribution patterns may depend, however, on method(s) used to sample birds. We used data from mist nets and point counts to (1) describe species diversity and community composition in second-growth (young and old) and old-growth forests at La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica; and (2) to evaluate perspectives on community composition provided by the two methods. We recorded 249 species from 39 families, including 196 species captured in mist nets (10,019 captures) and 215 recorded during point counts (15,577 observations), which represents ∼78% of the terrestrial avifauna known from La Selva (excluding accidentals and birds characteristic of aquatic or aerial habitats). There were 32 threatened species, 22 elevational migrants, and 40 latitudinal migrants. Species richness (based on rarefaction analyses of capture and count data) was greatest in the youngest site. Latitudinal migrants were particularly common in second growth; elevational migrants were present in both young and old forest, but were more important in old-growth forest. Several threatened species common in second growth were not found in old-growth forests. Trophic composition varied less among sites than did species composition. Mist nets and point counts differed in numbers and types of species detected. Counts detected more species than nets in old-growth forest, but not in young second growth. Mist nets detected 62% of the terrestrial avifauna, and point counts detected 68%. Fifty-three species were observed but not captured, and 34 species were captured but not observed. Six families were not represented by mist-net captures. Data from mist nets and point counts both support the conclusion that second-growth vegetation provides habitat for many species.

scholarly journals Managing second-growth forests as caribou habitat

Rangifer ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan K. Stevenson
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Habitat Management ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus Caribou ◽  
Woodland Caribou ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Stand Management ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Old Growth Forests

Habitat management for woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in southeastern British Columbia has generally focussed on protecting old-growth forests from logging. As that strategy becomes more difficult to maintain, biologists are beginning to explore opportunities to manage second-growth stands to provide arboreal lichens and other habitat resources important to caribou. Special harvesting and stand management practices are being developed and formulated into strategies for maintaining caribou populations in managed stands.

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