Forest Management Research Articles

Whole Stand Yield and Density Equations for the Basswood Forest Type in the Lake States

Abstract Whole stand yield models serve forest managers by providing projections of useful stand metrics such as height and volume. Climate shifts are currently being observed in the Lake States, including changes in forest composition and species’ ranges. Basswood (Tilia americana L.) has potential to become a climate winner but lacks whole stand yield model parameters to adequately predict forest conditions. This paper aims to extend the utility of an existing whole stand yield model to basswood dominated stands in the Lake States to enable adaptation to shifting climatic conditions. Basal area, quadratic mean diameter, trees per acre, volume, and height models were fit using nonlinear least squares estimation. Models were validated with cross-validation, independent stand inventory data collected from a local forest management area, and national forest inventory data from more southerly states to evaluate model performance under climate conditions the Lake States could see in the future. Fit statistics for these models were consistent with other modeling efforts in the region, and validation statistics showed applicability of the models to broad basswood ranges and potential stability under changing climates. Forest managers can now utilize these new yield models to improve current and future management of the increasingly important basswood forest type.

Влияние климатических факторов на развитие заболеваний дуба черешчатого (Quercus robur L.) на примере мучнистой росы

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Erysiphe alphitoides and affects sweet oak (Quer-cus robur), a tree species found across a wide geographical region. The disease significantly impairs the physiological functions of affected trees, leading to a reduction in photosynthesis by up to 3.5 times and an increase in stomatal conductivity by 60%. This is particularly critical for mature oaks in urban areas. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between climatic conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation, and the spread of powdery mildew in the Voronezh region's Upland Oak Groves. We focused on 80 ma-ture oak trees in areas with varying microclimates, using the method of spore collection on agar strips placed in the tree crowns. Climate data were recorded during the observational period. The findings revealed an increase in powdery mildew sporulation with rising temperatures above 22 °C and hu-midity between 70-80%. The highest concentration of conidia, reaching 92 spores/cm², was observed under favorable weather conditions. Our study underscores the crucial role of microclimate in the development of the disease, empha-sizing the need for tailored strategies in forest management. By employing the proposed data collection approach, we can lay the groundwork for proactive monitoring of sporulation patterns and early prediction of powdery mildew out-breaks, leveraging current climate information. In the long run, these findings contribute to sustainable oak forest management, mitigating the risk of forest degradation.

МАТЕРИАЛЬНАЯ ОЦЕНКА СТВОЛОВ СОСНЫ PINUS SYLVESTRIS L. КОСТРОМСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

The main historical stages in the development of forest inventory standards for evaluating the timber assort-ment structure of forest stands in the Kostroma region have been examined. A review of modern domestic and interna-tional literature indicates that the most relevant method for timber assortment assessment is the use of stem taper equations. These equations account for regional characteristics in the formation of trunks of primary forest-forming species and reliably predict changes in diameter along the height of the tree, enabling a qualitative evaluation of the material structure and yield of timber assortments. Scot’s pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is one of the principal forest-forming species in the Kostroma region and a source of valuable timber assortments. The precision of their estimation significantly affects the economic efficiency of forest management in the region. An analysis of the methods currently used in forest management practices for timber assortment and material assessment of tree trunks in the Kostroma region reveals a lack of regional standards that meet modern requirements. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess the material structure of Scots pine trunks in the Kostroma region using stem taper equations and to develop new forest inventory standards based on the resulting model. Using data from the analysis of pine trunks grown in the Kostroma region, the yield of merchantable wood (categorized by size), firewood, and waste was calculated through numerical integration of the stem taper equation. To evaluate the quality of the modeling, widely accepted metrics were employed: Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Bias Error (MBE), and the Coefficient of Determination (R²). A methodology for modeling the material structure of pine tree trunks was proposed, based on the stem taper equation. Using this model, tables for the material assessment of pine trunks in the Kostroma region were developed. A comparison of the results with current forest in-ventory standards demonstrated that the application of the stem taper model improves the accuracy of accounting for high-quality large-diameter merchantable wood by up to 30%. Additionally, adjustments were made to the estimated yields of medium and small merchantable wood, firewood, and waste. These refinements will enable more rational utilization of pine trunks and enhance the profitability of forest management in the region. The proposed methodolo-gy, combined with modern digital technologies, will streamline the material assessment of forest resources and reduce the financial and time costs associated with its implementation.

Explainable few-shot learning workflow for detecting invasive and exotic tree species

Deep Learning methods are notorious for relying on extensive labeled datasets to train and assess their performance. This can cause difficulties in practical situations where models should be trained for new applications for which very little data is available. While few-shot learning algorithms can address the first problem, they still lack sufficient explanations for the results. This research presents a workflow that tackles both challenges by proposing an explainable few-shot learning workflow for detecting invasive and exotic tree species in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) images. By integrating a Siamese network with explainable AI (XAI), the workflow enables the classification of tree species with minimal labeled data while providing visual, case-based explanations for the predictions. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed workflow in identifying new tree species, even in data-scarce conditions. With a lightweight backbone, e.g., MobileNet, it achieves an F1-score of 0.86 in 3-shot learning, outperforming a shallow CNN. A set of explanation metrics, i.e., correctness, continuity, and contrastivity, accompanied by visual cases, provide further insights about the prediction results. This approach opens new avenues for using AI and UAVs in forest management and biodiversity conservation, particularly concerning rare or understudied species.

Habitat alteration impacts predation risk in an aposematic amphibian

Abstract Predator–prey interactions can be viewed as an evolutionary arms race influenced by environmental factors. A common anti‐predator strategy, known as aposematism, relies on the coupling of warning signals with secondary (e.g., chemical) defences to deter predators. The European fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) is an emblematic, aposematic amphibian of the Biosphere Reserve Wienerwald (BRWW), a forest region where both protected areas and areas with forest management can be found. Differences between these areas are likely to affect the structure of predator communities and, in turn, their interactions with prey. Fire salamanders have a distinct yellow and black warning colouration and skin toxins that provide protection from predators, and the amount of yellow in their dorsum is negatively correlated with predation attempts. Here, we compare predation rates on clay models of fire salamanders with the same amount of dorsal yellow colouration distributed across either many small or few large markings, and placed in either protected or managed zones of the BRWW. We observed no differences in predation rates based on marking size, as all models were attacked with similar frequency. However, we found that bird attacks were more frequent in managed forest zones than in protected ones. The main differences between these forest zones were in tree diversity and evenness. We suggest that forest structure and complexity may lead to differences in either abundance or composition of predator communities which, in turn, might influence attack rates. Finally, we highlight the importance of protected zones as potential havens for fire salamanders and propose further research to test specifically the effect of differences in predator community composition on predation risk across forest zones.

Mapeando conexões entre tecnologias digitais e florestas urbanas na construção de cidades inteligentes e sustentáveis: uma revisão de escopo

In the face of increasing urbanization and environmental pressures, urban forests are emerging as strategic allies for smart and sustainable cities. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding the integration of digital technologies in the management of these spaces. This study maps the interactions between urban forests and smart, sustainable cities, emphasizing the role of emerging digital technologies. Through a Scoping Review, a portfolio of articles was constructed to explore the application of technological solutions, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), in the monitoring and management of urban forests. The analysis highlights that these innovations enhance sustainability, resilience, and urban well-being. Furthermore, the importance of smart governance, strategic urban planning, and citizen participation in the effective integration of these technologies is emphasized. The review provides insights for future research and public policies aimed at promoting more sustainable and resilient cities. Keywords: Smart and Sustainable Cities. Urban Forests. Information and Communication Technologies. Scoping Review.

Запасы фитомассы подлесочных пород и их прирост в лесостепных экосистемах Окско-Донской равнины

Introduction. The study of stocks and annual dynamics of phytomass of undergrowth species in forest ecosys-tems of the Oksko-Donskaya Plain is important for understanding the contribution of different tier forest components to the carbon cycle, especially under changing climate conditions. Aim of the study is to estimate phytomass stocks of undergrowth species and their annual growth in different types of forest ecosystems of the specified region, as well as to determine their role in carbon accumulation and dy-namics. Materials and Methods. The studies were conducted on permanent sample plots in two types of forest ecosys-tems of the Voronezh Region: (1) pure pine stands of the Levoberezhnoye forest division and (2) mixed deciduous stands of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) with admixture of small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata), sharp-leaved maple (Acer platanoides) and common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) (Pravoberezhnoye forest division). For each undergrowth spe-cies, species affiliation, condition category, understorey structure, height, width, projective cover values and other den-drometric parameters were determined. Carbon stocks in phytomass were calculated using taxation methods. Annual net primary production (NPP) was determined by the dynamics of aboveground biomass stocks. Results. It was found that undergrowth makes a significant contribution to the formation of biomass stocks and carbon storage in forest ecosystems of the region. The highest values of annual phytomass growth were recorded in old-growth oak stands under fresh oak forest conditions, which is associated with increased productivity under the in-fluence of a rich layer of forest litter and humus. In pine stands, lower growth and less complex undergrowth structure are observed. Conclusion. The data expand the ideas about the structural and functional organisation of undergrowth in dif-ferent types of forest-steppe ecosystems and its role in the biogeochemical carbon cycle. The results can be used to improve carbon monitoring systems and adaptive forest management planning with climate targets in mind.

Navigating climate threats in forestry across five European regions: Stakeholder's adaptive management and policy strategies to resilience.

Navigating climate threats in forestry across five European regions: Stakeholder's adaptive management and policy strategies to resilience.

Disentangling the effects of environmental and anthropogenic drivers on fungal fruitbody and spore diversity in a Mediterranean coniferous forest.

Disentangling the effects of environmental and anthropogenic drivers on fungal fruitbody and spore diversity in a Mediterranean coniferous forest.

Operationalizing closer-to-nature forest management: application of the energy-equivalence principle in a holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) Mediterranean forest

Operationalizing closer-to-nature forest management: application of the energy-equivalence principle in a holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) Mediterranean forest

Adaptive management of shrub-encroached woodlands: assessing the short-term impact of alternative mastication techniques on fuel and biodiversity.

Adaptive management of shrub-encroached woodlands: assessing the short-term impact of alternative mastication techniques on fuel and biodiversity.

Oak woodlands and urban green spaces: Landscape management for a forest-affiliated bat, the Leisler's bat (Nyctalus leisleri).

Oak woodlands and urban green spaces: Landscape management for a forest-affiliated bat, the Leisler's bat (Nyctalus leisleri).

Integrating random forest and irrigation management in geographic information systems-based land suitability and rice productivity modeling in tropical landscapes

Integrating random forest and irrigation management in geographic information systems-based land suitability and rice productivity modeling in tropical landscapes

Dynamics of radionuclide movement in forests: A review of Chernobyl and Fukushima impact studies.

Dynamics of radionuclide movement in forests: A review of Chernobyl and Fukushima impact studies.

Evolutionary rescue in a mixed beech–fir forest: insights from a quantitative‐genetics approach in a process‐based model

Questions have been raised about the ability of long‐lived organisms, such as trees, to adapt to rapid climate change, and to what extent forest management actions influence the evolutionary responses of tree species. Given the life history of trees and the time scales involved, these questions are often addressed through modeling approaches. Yet, most of these studies focus on single‐species case studies. The main objective and originality of our work is to explore the evolutionary responses of tree species to climate change using a process‐based model, in a multi‐specific context. This approach allows us to investigate the conditions necessary for evolutionary rescue in a mixed beech–fir forest. Furthermore, we explored how climate change adaptation and mitigation solutions, such as assisted gene flow and assisted migration, affect the conditions for evolutionary rescue in this forest type. To achieve these objectives, we integrated a quantitative genetic module into a process‐based forest gap model, enabling species‐specific parameters to evolve as quantitative traits under selective pressure and drift. Our results show that increased trait variability and heritability reduce the loss of forest cover following climatic warming in the short term (over a century). We also found that assisted gene flow had the expected effect of aiding species adapt to climate change. Finally, our study suggests that introducing new pre‐adapted species into the forest could improve recovery after climate change but could also hinder the evolutionary rescue of local species. We conclude that integrating evolutionary dynamics into process‐based models significantly enhances their predictive power by incorporating genetic adaptation scenarios that would otherwise be overlooked. This approach also allows us to test eco‐evolutionary hypotheses and better understand the potential consequences of adaptation measures to climate change for tree species.

Plant-Dwelling Spider Assemblages in Managed and Protected Primeval Deciduous Stands of Białowieża Forest, Poland

The Białowieża Forest is home to both primary forests under strict protection and commercial forests, which provides an opportunity to compare them in terms of the number of individuals, number of species, and composition of different animal assemblages. The main goal of our study was to compare spider assemblages inhabiting herbaceous vegetation in these two types of forest stands. Spiders were sampled using a sweep net in an oak–lime–hornbeam forest, an ash–alder forest, and an alder carr. More spiders were found in unmanaged stands compared to managed stands, but a significant difference was found only in the alder carr. Total species richness did not significantly vary between managed and unmanaged stands in all forest types. In the oak–lime–hornbeam forest, more species per sample were found in commercial stands compared to primeval stands, while the result was the opposite for the alder carr. Our research did not show a clear negative impact of forest management on plant-dwelling spiders. The impact of forest management was evident in the case of the riparian forest, where the managed stand was characterized by low canopy cover as a result of logging carried out years ago, which is likely to have resulted in differences in family composition.

Metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of the synthesis process of unsaturated fatty acids in Korean pine seed kernels.

Metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of the synthesis process of unsaturated fatty acids in Korean pine seed kernels.

Forest land cover optimization for water management in the Ichawaynochaway creek basin

Climate change, population growth, and agricultural demands are increasing pressure on global water resources. In the Southeastern United States, researchers and policymakers are turning to alternative forest management strategies to complement agricultural initiatives aimed at reducing withdrawals or improving irrigation efficiency. We assess the watershed-scale viability of low-density, fire-maintained open pine systems as a nature-based solution to water scarcity concerns. We integrated upland vegetation modeling with Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrologic simulations in the Ichawaynochaway Creek basin of Southwest Georgia. Flow contributions and financial returns at the subbasin level were optimized using an Integer/Binary Linear Programming Model to maximize watershed-scale financial returns while meeting various flow increase objectives above a 2.6% low flow ecological threshold. Converting all upland forests to restored longleaf pine forests increases water yield by a maximum of 167.09 L s−1, but moderate increases in low flows up to 85 L s−1 could also be achieved through the conversion of 10% of the convertible forested area of the watershed to loblolly pine savannas at a greater cost efficiency (<$1 million year-1) than longleaf pine restoration. These findings guide the implementation of forest-to-water markets in watersheds where low stream flows are primary ecological and economic concerns.

Exploring Certification Pathways for Non-wood Forest Products: A Study of Opportunities and Challenges

Non-wood forest products (NWFPs), including medicinal plants, nuts, and bushmeat, serve as a source of sustenance and income for hundreds of millions of individuals. The global trade in NWFPs presents significant potential profits but also considerable risks of unsustainable exploitation or unfair allocation of benefits. In this context, a dialogue is developing on the benefits and obstacles of certification as a means to encourage the sustainable utilization of natural resources, encompassing NWFPs. Certification programs related to NWFPs encompass forest management, social responsibility, organic standards, and product quality certification. These plans emphasize, to varying extents, social, economic, ecological, and/or product quality concerns. Essential criteria for the certification of NWFPs encompass the creation of a restricted and overseen permit system, the formulation of explicit tenure rights, controlled access to harvesting locations, the establishment of niche markets, and the execution of quality control protocols. Data on NWFP certification remains inadequate to accurately evaluate the utility and impact of certification as a means to encourage the sustainable use of NWFPs. The existing literature reveals opportunities, limitations, and ambiguous matters that necessitate deeper examination to deliver reliable information on the advantages and disadvantages of NWFP certification.

Effects of additive or multiplicative error structures on self-thinning lines for larch plantations in northeast China.

Effects of additive or multiplicative error structures on self-thinning lines for larch plantations in northeast China.