Old-growth forests: what do we know about their ecology and management in the Southwest and Rocky Mountain Regions?

Kaufmann, M.R. and Moir, W.H. and Covington, W.W. (1992) Old-growth forests: what do we know about their ecology and management in the Southwest and Rocky Mountain Regions? In: Old-growth forests in the Southwest and Rocky Mountain Regions - Proceedings of a workshop (Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-GTR-213), March 9-13, 1992, Portal, Arizona.

Preview

Text KaufmannEtal.1992.OldGrowthForestsWhatDo.pdf Download (460kB) | Preview

Abstract

This paper reviews the science and management of old-growth forests and summarizes discussions among 30 participants at a workshop in Portal, Arizona, March 9-13, 1992. Concepts of old-growth forests -- the perceptions, values, definitions, characteristic features, ecological functions, and landscape importance -- vary widely. Because concepts are complex, scientists, resource managers, and the public will continue to bring old growth into clearer focus as knowledge is gained. Regardless of the concepts chosen for viewing old growth, on an ecological basis old-growth forests represent a stage in forest development characterized by certain structural, functional, and compositional features. Managers are concerned with how much old growth exists, where it is, and what condition it is in. Improved inventory procedures are needed, including both remote-sensing technology and conventional on-the-ground procedures. Where will tomorrows old growth be found, and how soon will younger stands attain old-growth conditions? Pathways of forest succession into old growth are poorly known for most forest types. We need better knowledge about how disturbances such as fire, insects, forest diseases, exotic organisms, pollution, and changing climate affect old growth and forest succession. Allocation is another problem for planners. How much old growth is enough? How many stands should be old growth at any given time, what are the sizes and shapes of the stands, and how should they be distributed over various forest habitat types? How should old-growth stands be connected by forest corridors, and how are their functions modified by their setting? These are difficult but researchable questions. Lacking clear answers to these questions, should managers find clues from pre-European settlement forests? Is it reasonable to attempt to restore forests to their natural conditions? Or have changes since settlement precluded returning to earlier conditions? In this paper, we review our knowledge of the influence old-growth stands on biogeochemical cycles and the roles of wildlife, decomposer organisms, cryptozoans of logs and snags, and other kinds of hidden diversity. To what extent are the legacy of old trees and other genetic reserves in old-growth forests carried into the future? We know little about how present old-growth influences the development of future forest generations. We conclude by looking at some tools for old-growth management. How can managers use fire or silviculture to assure future old-growth supplies, while at the same time meeting present and future extractive demands? Can younger stands be treated to hasten their development into old growth, or can existing old growth be altered without seriously compromising old-growth value?

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Publisher’s Statement:	Published by US Forest Service.
Keywords:	Forest management; Old-growth; Ecology; ERI Library
Subjects:	S Agriculture > SD Forestry
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Faculty/Staff
Department/Unit:	Research Centers > Ecological Restoration Institute
Date Deposited:	08 Jun 2017 20:49
URI:	http://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/2828

Actions (login required)

IR Staff Record View

Downloads