scholarly journals Implications of Selective Harvesting of Natural Forests for Forest Product Recovery and Forest Carbon Emissions: Cases from Tarai Nepal and Queensland Australia

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bishnu Hari Poudyal ◽  
Tek Narayan Maraseni ◽  
Geoff Cockfield
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Emissions ◽  
Sustainable Forest Management ◽  
Forest Degradation ◽  
Forest Harvesting ◽  
Product Recovery ◽  
Selective Logging ◽  
Natural Forest ◽  
Forest Product ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Production Chain

Selective logging is one of the main natural forest harvesting approaches worldwide and contributes nearly 15% of global timber needs. However, there are increasing concerns that ongoing selective logging practices have led to decreased forest product supply, increased forest degradation, and contributed to forest based carbon emissions. Taking cases of natural forest harvesting practices from the Tarai region of Nepal and Queensland Australia, this study assesses forest product recovery and associated carbon emissions along the timber production chain. Field measurements and product flow analysis of 127 commercially harvested trees up to the exit gate of sawmills and interaction with sawmill owners and forest managers reveal that: (1) Queensland selective logging has less volume recovery (52.8%) compared to Nepal (94.5%) leaving significant utilizable volume in the forest, (2) Stump volume represents 5.5% of total timber volume in Nepal and 3.9% in Queensland with an average stump height of 43.3 cm and 40.1 cm in Nepal and Queensland respectively, (3) Average sawn timber output from the harvested logs is 36.3% in Queensland against 61% in Nepal, (4) Nepal and Queensland leave 0.186 Mg C m−3 and 0.718 Mg C m−3 on the forest floor respectively, (5) Each harvested tree damages an average of five plant species in Nepal and four in Queensland predominantly seedlings in both sites, and (6) Overall logging related total emissions in Queensland are more than double (1.099 Mg C m−3) those in Nepal (0.488 Mg C m−3). We compared these results with past studies and speculated on possible reasons for and potential implications of these results for sustainable forest management and reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

scholarly journals Enhancing Ecologically Sustainable Management of Deadwood in Kenya’s Natural Forests

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Sylvester Ngome Chisika ◽  
Chunho Yeom
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Forest Management ◽  
Sustainable Management ◽  
Sustainable Forest Management ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Forest Degradation ◽  
Natural Forest ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Ecologically Sustainable

The need for ecologically sustainable management of natural forests has assumed greater prominence in conservation and climate change discourses. However, the identification of deadwood, a critical component of natural forests, continues to receive little attention around the world. Through a review of the existing literature, this study sought to promote consciousness and awareness on the value of deadwood using the case of Kenya’s natural forests in the wider context of biodiversity conservation and climate change. Results substantiate that deadwood in natural forests performs a vital function in forest biological and ecological functions. However, forest degradation through the removal of deadwood, even though widely neglected, results in considerable biodiversity loss and might alter natural forest ecosystems, thereby exacerbating the impacts of climate change. In Kenya, despite the recent sophistication of forest management tools, including the development of the Draft Forest Policy, 2020, and enactment of the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016, to increasingly recognize the more progressive forest management paradigms such as participatory forest management in natural forest management, the current deadwood management practice is faulty and could yield outcomes contrary to the policy intentions and the wider provisions of ecologically sustainable forest management. It is because major policy documents lack robust and explicit guidelines on achieving ecologically sustainable management of deadwood despite its centrality in providing ecosystem services and as a highly dependable source of energy resources for over 70% of the Kenyan population. Moreover, deadwood management appears to be affected by many complex biological, technical, policy, and socioeconomic factors that appear to be acting together against sustainable deadwood management. Still, perhaps most importantly, the absence of research on the topic is the most outstanding challenge. Therefore, in the future, improving the sustainable management of natural forests will require the restoration of deadwood and increasing consciousness on the value of deadwood through more research studies.

scholarly journals Estimating the productive potential of five natural forest types in northeastern China

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaofei Wu ◽  
Zhonghui Zhang ◽  
Juan Wang
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Forest Management ◽  
Northeastern China ◽  
Natural Forest ◽  
Seemingly Unrelated Regression ◽  
Climate Factors ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Forest Types ◽  
Forest Production ◽  
Dominant Height ◽  
Productive Potential

Abstract Background There is a serious lack of experience regarding the productive potential of the natural forests in northeastern China, which severely limits the development of sustainable forest management strategies for this most important forest region in China. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to develop a first comprehensive system for estimating the wood production for the five dominant forest types. Methods Based on a network of 384 field plots and using the state-space approach, we develop a system of dynamic stand models, for each of the five main forest types. Four models were developed and evaluated, including a base model and three extended models which include the effects of dominant height and climate variables. The four models were fitted, and their predictive strengths were tested, using the “seemingly unrelated regression” (SUR) technique. Results All three of the extended models increased the accuracy of the predictions at varying degrees for the five major natural forest types of northeastern China. The inclusion of dominant height and two climate factors (precipitation and temperature) in the base model resulted in the best performance for all the forest types. On average, the root mean square values were reduced by 13.0% when compared with the base model. Conclusion Both dominant height and climate factors were important variables in estimating forest production. This study not only presents a new method for estimating forest production for a large region, but also explains regional differences in the effect of site productivity and climate.

scholarly journals Carbon emissions from selective logging in the southern Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samaria Armenta-Montero ◽  
Edward A. Ellis ◽  
Peter W. Ellis ◽  
Robert Hunter Manson ◽  
Citlalli Lopez-Binnqüist ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Emissions ◽  
Yucatan Peninsula ◽  
Forest Degradation ◽  
Selective Logging ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Collateral Damage ◽  
Forest Stewardship Council ◽  
Yucatán Peninsula ◽  
Forest Use ◽  
Forest Stewardship

Tropical forests contain approximately 40% of the carbon accumulated in terrestrial biomass. However, the loss and degradation of forests worldwide liberates this carbon and contributes 11% of total global emissions. Forest degradation is an increasing source of carbon emissions, contributing 25% in tropical forest environments; and selective logging is among the principal causes.  The central objective of this study was to evaluate biomass impacts and committed carbon emissions from selective logging in two forestry communities (ejidos with common forest use and rights) in the southern Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. We compared emissions performance from logging operations in both ejidos, one of them certified as sustainably managed by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The species of roundwood extracted as well as the number of impacted trees from harvesting were recorded and the type of collateral damage from felling, skidding, and transport of timber was quantified. Biomass of harvested timber and impacted vegetation was estimated to calculate carbon emissions using allometric equations. Results indicated that selective logging generated 1.2 Mg m-3 1.5 Mg m-3 of total carbon emissions in the Caobas and 20 de Noviembre ejidos, with 5% and 12% corresponding to collateral damage during felling, respectively.  Overall lower committed emissions and collateral damage from felling and skidding were present in Caobas, the FSC certified ejido. We discuss how forest certification, through implementation of reduced impact logging (RIL) practices can significantly reduce carbon emissions from selective logging in the region.

scholarly journals A Low-Cost and Robust Landsat-Based Approach to Study Forest Degradation and Carbon Emissions from Selective Logging in the Venezuelan Amazon

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1435
Author(s):  
Carlos Pacheco-Angulo ◽  
Wenseslao Plata-Rocha ◽  
Julio Serrano ◽  
Emilio Vilanova ◽  
Sergio Monjardin-Armenta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Emissions ◽  
Direct Method ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Forest Degradation ◽  
Selective Logging ◽  
Managed Forests ◽  
Forest Reserve ◽  
Aboveground Carbon ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
And Function

Selective logging in the tropics is a major driver of forest degradation by altering forest structure and function, including significant losses of aboveground carbon. In this study, we used a 30-year Landsat time series (1985–2015) to analyze forest degradation and carbon emissions due to selective logging in a Forest Reserve of the Venezuelan Amazon. Our work was conducted in two phases: the first, by means of a direct method we detected the infrastructure related to logging at the sub-pixel level, and for the second, we used an indirect approach using buffer areas applied to the results of the selective logging mapping. Pre- and post-logging forest inventory data, combined with the mapping analysis were used to quantify the effects of logging on aboveground carbon emissions for three different sources: hauling, skidding and tree felling. With an overall precision of 0.943, we demonstrate the potential of this method to efficiently map selective logging and forest degradation with commission and omission errors of +7.6 ± 4.5 (Mean ± SD %) and −7.5% ± 9.1 respectively. Forest degradation due to logging directly affected close to 24,480 ha, or about ~1% of the total area of the Imataca Forest Reserve. On average, with a relatively low harvest intensity of 2.8 ± 1.2 trees ha−1 or 10.5 ± 4.6 m3 ha−1, selective logging was responsible for the emission of 61 ± 21.9 Mg C ha−1. Lack of reduced impact logging guidelines contributed to pervasive effects reflected in a mean reduction of ~35% of the aboveground carbon compared to unlogged stands. This research contributes to further improve our understanding of the relationships between selective logging and forest degradation in tropical managed forests and serves as input for the potential implementation of projects for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+).

Sustainability certification and legality verification in Indonesian natural forest-based wood products value chains

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 365-391
Author(s):  
D. Susilawati ◽  
P.J. Kanowski
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Sustainable Forest Management ◽  
Field Performance ◽  
Wood Products ◽  
Natural Forest ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Forest Stewardship Council ◽  
Forest Stewardship

Indonesian natural forest concessions and value chains are governed by a mandatory Timber Legality Verification System (SVLK), which includes assessment of Sustainable Production Forest Management (PHPL). Concessionaires and processors may also pursue voluntary forest certification. This study explores actors' compliance with these instruments along wood product value chains originating primarily from natural forests. Empirical results demonstrate that SVLK fostered legality compliance in domestic as well as export value chains, but still allows some possible loopholes. It is easier for actors to comply with SVLK than with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, because SVLK has less stringent requirements, and uses an assessment system that allows poor field performance and does not foster continuous improvement of practices. These results identify weaknesses in the architecture and implementation of the regulatory instruments, and suggest measures to strengthen Indonesia's sustainable forest management and timber legality systems.

Saproxylic insect assemblages in Canadian forests: diversity, ecology, and conservation

2008 ◽  
Vol 140 (4) ◽  
pp. 453-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W. Langor ◽  
H.E. James Hammond ◽  
John R. Spence ◽  
Joshua Jacobs ◽  
Tyler P. Cobb
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Boreal Forests ◽  
Dead Wood ◽  
Sustainable Forest Management ◽  
Forest Harvesting ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Managed Forests ◽  
Saproxylic Insects ◽  
Associated Species ◽  
Experimental Burns

AbstractSaproxylic insect assemblages inhabiting dead wood in Canadian forests are highly diverse and variable but quite poorly understood. Adequate assessment of these assemblages poses significant challenges with respect to sampling, taxonomy, and analysis. Their assessment is nonetheless critical to attaining the broad goals of sustainable forest management because such species are disproportionately threatened elsewhere by the reductions in dead wood generally associated with commercial exploitation of northern forests. The composition of the saproxylic fauna is influenced by many factors, including tree species, degree of decay, stand age, and cause of tree death. Wildfire and forest harvesting have differential impacts on saproxylic insect assemblages and on their recovery in postdisturbance stands. Exploration of saproxylic insect responses to variable retention harvesting and experimental burns is contributing to the development of prescriptions for conserving saproxylic insects in boreal forests. Understanding of processes that determine diversity patterns and responses of saproxylic insects would benefit from increased attention to natural history. Such work should aim to provide a habitat-classification system for dead wood to better identify habitats (and associated species) at risk as a result of forest management. This tool could also be used to improve strategies to better maintain saproxylic organisms and their central nutrient-cycling functions in managed forests.

scholarly journals Opportunity cost of natural forest management in the Arenal-Huetar Norte Conservation Area, Costa Rica

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Zúñiga-Méndez ◽  
Victor Meza-Picado ◽  
Sebastian Ugalde-Alfaro ◽  
Jhonny Méndez-Gamboa
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Forest Management ◽  
Opportunity Cost ◽  
Natural Forest ◽  
Land Uses ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Landscape Matrix ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Productive Activities ◽  
Natural Forest Management

Abstract Background: Part of the success of forest conservation programs is due to the economic sustainability they can provide to owners of forest resources, and how these management mechanisms can be used within an increasingly aggressive productive landscape matrix. However, there are currently no precise or up-to-date data on the economic relationships between land uses and their respective productive activities. This study designed a model to evaluate the opportunity cost of natural forest management, taking as a reference the primary productive activities that take place within the Arenal-Huetar Norte Conservation Area, in Costa Rica. Methods: Profitability data from 24 sites in natural forests with a forest management plan approved by the State Forest Administration was used, as well as geographic and productive information on alternative land uses. Results: Based on these data, an opportunity cost map was generated which shows a marked segregation of the forests into two main areas: a) a high-opportunity cost area, located south of the study area; and b) a medium-low opportunity cost area, to the center-north of the study area. Conclusions: It is concluded that ideal areas for timber harvesting are currently restricted to places far from the market, and with low opportunity costs (ranging between ≤ $0 ha -1 year -1 and $500 ha -1 year -1 ).

scholarly journals Community Structure of Dragonfly (Ordo: Odonata) in Natural Forest and Tourist Sites Petungkriyono Forest, Central Java, Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 67328
Author(s):  
Nur Apriatun Nafisah ◽  
R.C.Hidayat Soesilohadi
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Tropical Rainforest ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Natural Forest ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Central Java ◽  
Wiener Diversity Index ◽  
Index Value ◽  
Total Species

Petungkriyono forest is a tropical rainforest with high biodiversity. The increasing tourism activities in Petungkriyono lead to land conversion. Dragonfly (order Odonata) is a good bioindicator for aquatic and terrestrial. This study aimed to compare the community structure of Odonata in natural forests and tourist sites. The method of collecting imago Odonata was done by direct searching, samples were captured using sweep netting. The results showed that the dragonflies found in all locations consisted of the same family, 2 families (Gomphidae and Libellulidae) from the suborder Anisoptera and 6 families (Calopterygidae, Chlorocyphidae, Coenagrionidae, Euphaidae Platycnemididae, and Platystictidae) from the suborder Zygoptera. The total species of dragonflies found in Sokokembang were 15 species with a total of 293 individuals, Tirta Muncar 13 species of 287 individuals, Karanggondang 17 species of 276 individuals, and Curug Lawe 14 species of 242 individuals. The highest relative abundance of individuals was in the natural forest of Sokokembang is Drepanosticta spatulifera (26.28%) and in Karanggondang Vestalis luctuosa (24.64%), while in the tourist forests of Tirta Muncar and Curug Lawe were Euphaea variegata (34.84% and 28.51 %). The structure of the Odonata community is based on the Shannon-Wiener diversity index in the natural forests of Sokokembang (2.18) and Karanggondang (2.21) at the tourist sites of Tirta Muncar (1.84) and Curug Lawe (2.11). The results showed that the structure of the Odonata community based on the level of the diversity index value, evenness index, and dominance index in natural forests and tourist sites in Petungkriyono forest was not significantly different. 

scholarly journals Transforming Abandoned Farm Fields to Conifer Plantations Reduces Ruffed Grouse Density

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 405-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Roy ◽  
Marc J. Mazerolle ◽  
Louis Imbeau
Keyword(s):  
Wood Fiber ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Forest Harvesting ◽  
Old Fields ◽  
Ruffed Grouse ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Rock Outcrops ◽  
Conifer Plantations ◽  
Coniferous Plantations

Abstract Natural forests likely will be unable to fulfill society’s needs sustainably for wood fiber in the near future. In an attempt to meet increasing demands while protecting intact forests, producers have increasingly considered alternative sources of timber, such as intensively managed plantations. In regions that are economically dependent on forest harvesting, abandoned farm fields are often targeted for conversion to intensive coniferous plantations. These sites are generally in an early successional stage that is dominated by deciduous stands, which provide an important habitat type for several game species, including ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus). Therefore, conversion could represent a loss of habitat for this species and several others that are associated with early successional deciduous stages. We conducted grouse drumming surveys in northwestern Quebec, Canada to evaluate the effects of transforming old fields into conifer plantations on ruffed grouse by comparing densities between two habitat types: abandoned farm fields (n  =  22) and old fields converted to conifer plantations (n  =  19). To correct any audibility bias between habitat types, we located all drumming males that were heard at each site. We then analyzed the number of individuals that were detected in the sites with repeated count models. Our results show that overall drumming males avoided plantations. Overhead cover increased drumming male densities in both habitat types, whereas lateral cover increased drumming grouse densities only in plantations. The density of deciduous stems and fruit-bearing stems also had a tendency to increase drumming male densities, but their effects were marginal. Most ruffed grouse in abandoned farm fields used piles of woody debris on the ground as drumming structures rather than large logs or rock outcrops. Our results suggest that plantations do not have the vegetative cover and quantity of food stems necessary to support high ruffed grouse densities during the drumming season and that conversion of abandoned farm fields to coniferous plantations may exert negative cascading effects for reproduction and population growth.

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