Nature-Oriented Forest Management in Europe: Modeling the Long-Term Effects

Abstract

The focus of forest management in the United States is shifting from a wood-production orientation to one of ecosystem management, and this change is debated vigorously. Likewise, in Europe's intensively managed forests, where wood production once dominated the goals of forest management, nature conservation values are also becoming more important. The changes in management required to achieve both conservation and production goals will have significant implications for the long-term development of the forest. This article describes an instrument, EFISCEN, which can be used to gain insight into the effects of these changing management practices on European forests.