Complex stand structures and associated dynamics: measurement indices and modelling approaches

Abstract

Complex forest stands arising from paradigm shifts in forest management practices (e.g. variable retention silvicultural systems, natural disturbance pattern emulation, systematic/selection mechanized thinning treatments) represent an increasing proportion of the productive forest land base throughout many of the world’s forested ecosystems. Characterized by structural heterogeneity (e.g. multimodal diameter, height and age distributions with aggregated and segregated spatial patterns), complex stands are intrinsically diffi cult to measure and model, particularly in terms of their structural attributes (e.g. size distributions and spatial patterns) and temporal dynamics (e.g. survivor growth, ingress (regeneration), mortality, succession vectors and spatial dynamics). In response to this analytical challenge, discussions were initiated with various members of the regional (Ontario Forest Research Institute), national (Canadian Forest Service) and international (Units 4.01.02 (Growth models for tree and stand simulation), 4.01.00 (Forest mensuration and modelling), 4.01.03 (Instruments and methods in forest mensuration) and 1.05.00 (Unevenaged Silviculture) of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO)) forest science and management communities. The resultant consensus derived from these discussions was the need to benchmark the current state of knowledge, share successes and compare various measurement and modelling approaches via an international scientifi c conference. Consequently, the conference, entitled ‘ Complex Stand Structures and Associated Dynamics: Measurement Complex stand structures and associated dynamics: measurement indices and modelling approaches