National Forest Management Research Articles

Was stakeholder participation in the PEFC revision process successful in Slovakia?

The complexity and comprehensiveness of sustainability issues considered by forest certification schemes require knowledge based and transparent decision-making process. Therefore, open and multi-stakeholder participation in setting sustainable forest management criteria and rules for supporting managerial processes is the main requirement of forest certification systems. For global schemes utilising bottom-up approach, such as the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)) or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the transformation of requirements defined by international metastandards into the regional or national level is crucial for its successful implementation and consequent global recognition. The main aim of this study is to examine the latest PEFC national sustainable forest management standard revision process in the Slovak Republic from the viewpoint of stakeholder participation. To assess the success and effectiveness of the process the emphasis is on the evaluation of the level of stakeholder participation, their expectations and contribution to the process and barriers and opportunities for participation. More specifically, trust among participating stakeholders, conflicts resolution and overall satisfaction with the results achieved is examined. The results of the study revealed that the stakeholders involved in the revision process are well informed about the PEFC certification in Slovakia and understand its importance for SFM processes. Additionally, stakeholders are fully aware of their roles in the participatory process linking them with the roles of their organisations. Results also indicate that formal rules of consensus-based participation informal aspects such as voluntary self-exclusion, education of the participants contributed to the improvement of trust between the participants, overall satisfaction and the perception of the revision process as effective. As the importance of participation in forest certification for forestry policy also lies in learning processes, revealed relations can be a useful benchmark for other countries with lacking or inadequate culture of participation and their mutual comparison.

An innovative lightweight 1D-CNN model for efficient monitoring of large-scale forest composition: a case study of Heilongjiang Province, China

ABSTRACT Large-scale forest composition mapping and change monitoring are essential for regional and national forest resource management, monitoring, and carbon stock assessment. However, the existing large-scale mapping methods are not effective enough in terms of efficiency and accuracy. To address this limitation, this study proposes a lightweight one-dimensional convolutional neural network (LW-CNN) model for forest composition mapping. The LW-CNN model is developed using Landsat imagery covering 470,700 km2 obtained from Google Earth Engine (GEE) collected during two periods (2007 and 2018). The proposed LW-CNN is compared with a visual geometry group with 16 convolutional layers (VGG16), a residual network with 34 convolutional layers (Resnet34), and a residual network with 50 convolutional layers (Resnet50) in terms of model accuracy and efficiency. The factors influencing forest composition change are analyzed using the structural equation model (SEM). The results show that the proposed LW-CNN model can outperform the other three models in terms of model accuracy, achieving a mean overall accuracy (OA) of: 0.75 and efficiency of 7–22-fold. The changed forest composition from 2007 to 2018 accounts for 29.6% of the total forest area. The SEM results show that the climate factors have the most significant effect on the forest composition change. This study presents an innovative model for large-scale forest composition mapping, which is proven to be both efficient and accurate. This study also provides insights into the factors that affect the forest composition change, which could be valuable for forest resource management, monitoring, and carbon stock assessment.

Bioclimatic characterisation of the Subtropical Mountain Forests of Yungas at the northern extreme of Argentina: Sierras de Tartagal, Alto Macueta and del Alto Rio Seco (Salta Province)

The Subtropical Mountain Forests or Yungas at the northern extreme of Argentina (Sierras de Tartagal, Alto Macueta and del Alto Río Seco, Salta Province) were bioclimatically characterized for the first time. In this study, the methodology of the Bioclimatic Classification of Earth was applied. Twelve Temperature and Precipitation climatic parameters were used and three bioclimatic indices corresponding to 54 Bioclimatic Reference Localities (BRL) established in the study area were also calculated. From them we determined the bioclimatic units of each BRL at the level of Macrobioclimate, Bioclimate, Thermotypes and Ombrotypes. Subsequently, three bioclimatic maps (Bioclimate, Thermotypes and Ombrotypes) and two bioclimatic distribution maps of the forests and its vegetation belt (Premontane Forest and Montane Rainforest) were digitally developed using the QGIS software. The results obtained show that these forests are distributed within the Tropical Macrobioclimate and Tropical Pluviseasonal Bioclimate, with Upper Thermotropical and Lower Mesotropical thermotypes and Lower Subhumid and Upper Subhumid ombrotypes. The lowest vegetation belt, the Premontane Forest, is distributed between (≈400) 429-889 (≈900) m asl and exhibits two thermal variants: the warm Thermotropical Premontane Forest and the more temperate Mesotropical Premontane Forest. The Montane Rainforest is distributed at higher altitudes between (≈900) 965-1178 (≈1200) m als under Lower Mesotropical Thermotype. Both vegetation belts present two ombric variants, whose geographic distribution is determined by the precipitation gradient operating in the region: towards the West, the more humid variants are distributed under the Upper Subhumid ombrotype, while towards the East, the less humid variants are found under Lower Subhumid ombrotype. The present work constitutes the first bioclimatic study carried out in this forest formation applying the methodology of the Bioclimatic Classification of the Earth. It also lays the foundations and contributes whith valuable information to future floristic, vegetational, ecological and biogeographical studies and those focused on the conservation and sustainable management of native forests at the northern extreme of Argentina.

Compatibility predictive model for regeneration quantities of Larix gmelinii natural forest in Daxing'anling Mountains, China.

The natural regeneration grade is an important foundation for formulating forest management measures. Traditional studies have only considered the regeneration quantities predictive model of the total stand or dominant tree species, but the consistency among the prediction results of different tree species and the total regeneration quantities of stand is not solved. That is, the regeneration prediction results at the stand level are not equal to the sum of the predicted results of all tree species. To address this, on the basis of the traditional counting model, we attempted to construct a compatibility predictive model for regeneration quantities of different tree species within the stand, which would provide a theoretical basis for the rational management and decision-making of natural forest. Based on the survey data from 96 standard plots of Cuigang Forest Farm, Xinlin Forest Farm, and Zhuangzhi Forest Farm in Daxing'an Mountains, we selected 30 basic indices from five aspects of site factor, soil factor, stand factor, tree diversity and stand spatial structure, and used Poisson model and negative binomial model as the basic models to construct the regeneration prediction models of Larix gmelinii, Betula platyphylla and other tree species. By comparing the accuracy and fitting effect of the two traditional counting models, we selected the optimal model and used the seemingly unrelated regressions to further construct the compatibility predictive model for regeneration quantities of different tree species. Poisson model was the best one for the regeneration of L. gmelinii, B. platyphylla, and other tree species. The test index RMSE of the compatibility predictive model for regeneration quantities of L. gmelinii, B. platyphylla, other tree species and total stand regeneration quantities were 388, 413, 504, and 871 trees·hm-2, respectively. The adjusted R2 was 0.389, 0.421, 0.488, and 0.407, respectively. The most influential variables for regeneration quantities of L. gmelinii, B. platyphylla and other tree species were Pielou evenness index of DBH (25.2%), herbal coverage (34.6%) and organic matter in B layer (23.2%). In this study, the compatibility predictive model system for regeneration quantities satisfied the additive logic among L. gmelinii, B. platyphylla, other tree species, and total stands, and provided a basis for accurately estimating natural regeneration.

The profitability of artificial and natural regeneration: A forest investment comparison of Poland and the U.S. South

The historical development of silviculture has been closely related to an increasing need for timber, which resulted in more planted forests and artificial regeneration over time. The idea of natural regeneration through shelterwood cutting was often not accepted by forest owners as a management practice because of inadequate financial returns and less certain outcomes. Despite the evolving dominance of planted forests, questions remain if the lower costs of natural regeneration may still provide sufficient profitability of forest investments. In this paper, the profitability of planted versus natural forest management in Poland and the U.S. South was examined. A discounted cash flow model was developed to evaluate the profitability of artificial and natural regeneration in hypothetical Scots and loblolly pine stands in Poland and the U.S. South, respectively, and hardwood stands (dominated by oak spp.) in both countries. The results have shown that for both countries and species, natural regeneration regimes produce higher internal rates of return (IRR), largely due to less expensive establishment costs. The largest difference in returns is observed for hardwood in the US South (97 basis points, bps, or almost 1 percentage point), followed by pine in the US South (84 bps) and pine and hardwood in Poland (both ca. 70 bps). Southern pines in the U.S. South may have larger net present values (NPV) at moderate discount rates, as well as provide more certain wood production outcomes, which have contributed to their pervasive adoption. We conclude that natural stand forest management, in addition to better rates of return, may bring other non-financial benefits (e.g., genetic diversity, resilience), which may support forest owners and the environment, especially under changing climate conditions. Nevertheless, the regeneration method and its feasibility and profitability should be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis for each forest investment.

KERUSAKAN TEGAKAN TINGGAL PADA TEKNIK REDUCED IMPACT LOGGING DI INDONESIA: TINJAUAN SISTEMATIS

Forest harvesting in the natural production forest management in Indonesia is mostly carried out using conventional logging techniques and causes serious damage to residual stands and soil resources. One of the efforts made to reduce this environmental damage is the application of reduced impact logging (RIL) techniques. This study aimed to collect and analyze research results related to the damage to residual stands caused by RIL in the natural production forest management in Indonesia. This study used a systematic review method. A systematic literature search was carried out at data sources such as Google Scholar, Research Gate, Science Direct, and SINTA, which were published between 1996-2021. All studies reported that applying RIL techniques can reduce the damage to the residual stands.

A Climate-Sensitive Transition Matrix Growth Model for Masson Pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) Natural Forests in Hunan Province, South-Central China

Masson pine natural forests are ecologically and economically valuable forest ecosystems extensively distributed across China. However, they have been subject to deforestation due to human disturbance. Moreover, climate change affects the growth, mortality, and recruitment of forests, yet available forest growth models do not effectively analyze the impacts of climate. A climate-sensitive transition matrix model (CM) was developed using data from 330 sample plots collected during the 7th (2004), 8th (2009), and 9th (2014) Chinese National Forest Inventories in Hunan Province. To assess model robustness, two additional models were created using the same data: a non-climate-sensitive transition matrix model (NCM) and a fixed probability transition matrix model (FM). The models were compared using tenfold cross-validation and long-term predictive performance analysis. The cross-validation results did not show any significant differences among the three models, with the FM performing slightly better than the NCM. However, the application of the CM for long-term prediction (over a span of 100 years) under three representative concentration pathways (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5) revealed distinct dynamics that demonstrated enhanced reliability. This is attributed to the consideration of climate variables that impact forest dynamics during long-term prediction periods. The CM model offers valuable guidance for the management of Masson pine natural forests within the context of changing climatic conditions.

Assessment of Forest Ecological Security in China Based on DPSIRM Model: Taking 11 Provincial Administrative Regions along the Yangtze River Basin as Examples

China’s forest ecological problems are becoming increasingly serious, especially in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB) area. The basin has rich species resources and a well-developed natural forest management and conservation policy. Taking the YRB as the object, we combine the DPSIRM model to build a forest evaluation system containing 6 criterion layers and 24 indicator layers. The entropy weight method-TOPSIS and ArcGIS were combined to assess the forest state and the distribution characteristics of the 11 regions. Furthermore, grey relational analysis (GRA) was used to study the influencing factors of forest status. The results are as follows: (1) the comprehensive index of the YRB forests increased by 192.66% during the study period. The forest status showed the stage characteristics of small climb, basic flatness, and significant improvement. (2) The forest status varied significantly among provinces (cities), with Tibet (0.483) in the best condition and Qinghai (0.103) in a worse condition. (3) Except for Tibet, the rest of the regions are more influenced by the extent of development of the economy. (4) The factor most strongly correlated with the YRB is the forest response (R) indicator.

Penggunaan Hak Atas Tanah Lahan Gambut Yang Bersertifikat Hak Milik Sebagai Jaminan Kredit

Property rights are hereditary, strongest and fullest rights that a person or legal entity can have over land keeping in mind social functions. Based on Article 20 of the UUPA it is stated that the distinguishing properties of property rights and other rights. Article 25 of the UUPA explains that property rights can be used as debt security by being burdened with dependent rights. In Law Number 4 of 1996 concerning Dependent Rights on land and objects related to land, it is stipulated that land rights can also be burdened with dependent rights when used as collateral to obtain credit at a bank. However, people in East Strait Village, Meranti Islands Regency cannot make property rights certificates as credit collateral. This article is classified as literature research with a qualitative approach. The methodology used is the study of normative law. The results of the study found that land owned by the community could not be charged with Right of Dependent. The Certificate of Dependent Rights cannot be issued because the land in the area is designated as included in the peat area or the PIPPIB map as stipulated in Presidential Instruction Number 5 of 2019 concerning the Termination of Granting New Permits and Improving the Management of Primary Natural Forests and Peatlands. The issuance of this Presidential Instruction is considered not in accordance with the authority of the holder of the title certificate as stipulated in the UUPA.

General patterns of beavers’ selective foraging: how to evaluate the effects of a re-emerging driver of vegetation change along Central European small watercourses

Along small watercourses, the growth and renewal of native willows and poplars (Salicaceae species) are hindered by the effects of past and recent man-made landscape alteration and climate change, while the selective foraging of the beaver (Castor fiber) is also becoming an increasingly important driver. Knowledge about foraging decisions can refine predictions about vegetational processes and help to develop better nature conservation and forest management strategies. We surveyed the woody plant supply (13,304 units) and its utilization by the beaver at 11 study sites along Central European small watercourses, at two fixed distances from the water. We collected information about the taxon, trunk diameter, and type of utilization (cutting, carving, debarking) of each unit. We built (generalized) linear mixed models aimed at answering questions regarding taxon and diameter preference, their interrelatedness, and their importance in foraging decisions. All of the factors examined had a significant effect on foraging decisions. Utilization was mostly explained by the taxon, with Salicaceae species being generally preferred and utilized in all diameter classes with a high ratio. Several further genera were frequently utilized (mainly Cornus and Ulmus), while others were almost completely avoided (including invasive Amorpha and Robinia). The beavers preferred units with a diameter of 5–9 cm. The type of utilization depended primarily on diameter class. Because native softwoods are the most affected by beaver impact, regardless of trunk diameter, their survival and regrowth should be consciously supported by increasing the water table and improving hydrological conditions.

Areas of the Terai Arc landscape in Nepal at risk of forest fire identified by fuzzy analytic hierarchy process

Forest fire frequency has increased in South Asia in recent decades, with a growing impact on forest ecosystems. Nepal's Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) is one of the most ecologically important landscapes in Asia, hosting a great diversity of endangered flora and fauna. To better predict the threat of fire to forest ecosystems in the TAL, we identified fire-prone areas using fuzzy AHP methods. We produced a fire risk map by applying the weighted linear combination method using topographic (slope, aspect, and elevation), climatic (temperature, precipitation, and wind speed), biophysical (normalised difference vegetation index and landcover classes), and anthropogenic variables (distance to road and proximity to settlements). We then validated the map with records of past fires by applying a confusion matrix. The accuracy of our technique of fire location prediction was above 95%, with a kappa coefficient of 0.93 and AUC value of 0.83. Locations of medium to very high forest fire risk were found in around 51% of the study area, usually in the vicinity of areas affected by anthropogenic factors. This landscape-level study shows the potential of multicriteria prediction models to inform the preparation of national and regional forest fire management strategies and plans.

MAPPING LAND COVER TIME SERIES USING LANDSAT-8 AND SENTINEL-1 IN SOUTH KALIMANTAN

Abstract. Remote sensing has been widely used for forest monitoring. However, most forest monitoring systems largely rely on optical images that limit temporal analyses due to cloud cover, particularly in the tropics. The current study used integration of optical Landsat-8 and Sentinel-1 SAR to produce individual year land cover classification maps for Kalimantan, Indonesia that differentiate between native forest and tree plantations, such as oil palm and rubber. We applied a Bayesian network to produce a time series of land cover classification that improved accuracy of individual year land cover maps. Accuracy assessment using a confusion matrix showed that final map had overall accuracy of 90%, while user's and producer's accuracy for each land cover class was above 85%, except non–forest, which had 76% producer's accuracy due to errors in the classification between young rubber plantations and non–forest. Improved maps will support Indonesia's national forest monitoring system and sustainable forest management.

Climate-Adapted Potential Vegetation—A European Multiclass Model Estimating the Future Potential of Natural Vegetation

Climate change will alter the site conditions for European vegetation. This is likely to shift the potential distribution of species and habitats outside its current boundaries. To enable future projections on shifts in vegetation potentials, we fitted a multiclass model to the current potential natural vegetation (PNV) of Europe using climatic predictors. The model was then applied to climate data of the time slice 2061–2080 with the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 4.5 and RCP 8.5. With an accuracy of 0.78, simulations well represented the site-equivalent vegetation types of the current PNV across Europe. Projections show drastic shifts in vegetation potentials in all parts of Europe. Boreal forests could lose up to 75% of their current potential, while Mediterranean Quercus forests and steppes would double their potential area. Deserts are projected to be on the rice, and the potential of currently widespread vegetation such as Fagus forests would be translocated. These estimated alterations of European vegetation potentials could have great effects on the stability of current forests, affecting nature conservation strategies and forest management.

In vitro evaluation of alkaline lignins as antiparasitic agents and their use as an excipient in the release of benznidazole

The Amazon rainforest is considered the largest tropical timber reserve in the world. The management of native forests in the Amazon is one of the most sensitive geopolitical issues today, given its national and international dimension. In this work, we obtained and characterized physicochemical lignins extracted from branches and leaves of Protium puncticulatum and Scleronema micranthum. In addition, we evaluated in vitro its potential as an antioxidant, cytotoxic agent against animal cells and antiparasitic against promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis, trypomastigotes of T. cruzi and against Plasmodium falciparum parasites sensitive and resistant to chloroquine. The results showed that the lignins obtained are of the GSH type and have higher levels of guaiacyl units. However, they show structural differences as shown by spectroscopic analysis and radar charts. As for biological activities, they showed antioxidant potential and low cytotoxicity against animal cells. Antileishmanial/trypanocidal assays have shown that lignins can inhibit the growth of promastigotes and trypomastigotes in vitro. The lignins in this study showed low anti-Plasmodium falciparum activity against susceptible strains of Plasmodium falciparum and were able to inhibit the growth of the chloroquine-resistant strain. And were not able to inhibit the growth of Schistosoma mansoni parasites. Finally, lignins proved to be promising excipients in the release of benznidazole. These findings show the potential of these lignins not yet studied to promote different biological activities.

Policy Review and Regulatory Challenges and Strategies for the Sustainable Mangrove Management in Zanzibar

The aim of this study was to examine the challenges of the policies and regulatory framework and strategies for the sustainable mangrove management in Zanzibar, from 1890 to present. The study collected both primary and secondary data. The secondary data were collected through the a review of previous policies, legal documents, by laws, ministry/department reports, research reports, newspapers and articles. The primary data were mainly collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) and semi-structured interviews. The study found that, before Zanzibar became a British protectorate in 1890, the forests were communally managed with the guidance of forest guardians, chiefs and elders. The colonial government enacted a number of land administration laws, policies, and arrangements aimed at conserving the natural resources, including the mangrove forests. From 1930 to the end of the Second World War (WWII), mangrove forests were severely degraded because the colonial government paid little attention to their conservation and management. The policy arrangements put in place after independence, such as the National Forest Conservation and Management Act of 1996, laid the legal groundwork for the introduction of the participation of the local communities in the conservation of mangroves. However, they were not sufficient enough to promote the sustainable use of mangrove forests. This study proposes that there is a need for more inclusive and diverse regulations. Furthermore, for the effective conservation and management of mangroves, conflicting laws and responsibilities between government departments should be harmonized.

Stem volume and above ground biomass models for Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) in Iceland

The prediction of tree biomass and stem volume is necessary for monitoring and assessing of national forest biomass, carbon stock and sustainable forest management. Such predictions of biomass or carbon stocks are generated by using either allometric models or applying biomass expansion factors (BEFs), where the former is a better method. Volume models are generated by using allometric models. The data for development of the new volume and biomass models for Iceland presented in this paper were collected between years 2000-2021, from 48 locations in even aged stands that were planted between 1942-1983. Because of the young age of forest plantations in Iceland, existing biomass and volume models need to be updated regularly as trees get older and larger. The new models use the same independent variables as the previous ones for Iceland but use a wider approach and have a different form than the older ones. Using the previous Icelandic models outside their data range results in underestimation for both aboveground biomass and stem volume.

Spatial distribution of vegetation diversity, timber production, and carbon storage in secondary tropical rainforest at South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Suyanto, Nugroho Y, Harahap MM, Kusumaningrum L, Wirabuana PYAP. 2022. Spatial distribution of vegetation diversity, timber production, and carbon storage in secondary tropical rainforest at South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 6147-6154. Sustainable management in secondary tropical rainforests requires basic information about stand characteristics, mainly related to productivity and biodiversity. This study aimed to quantify vegetation diversity, timber production, and carbon storage from various sites of secondary forests in South Kalimantan. Forest inventory was conducted using a census method at seven different natural forest management unit compartments. Four parameters were measured from each tree, including the type of species, commercial categories, tree diameter, and tree height. Individual tree volume and biomass were estimated using allometric equations, while carbon storage was determined using a conversion factor from biomass. Three indicators were used to evaluate vegetation diversity: richness, heterogeneity, and evenness. The analysis of correlations was applied to examine the relationship between vegetation diversity and stand productivity with a significant level of 5%. Results found that there were 41 tree species in the study site comprising 20 commercial and 21 non-commercial species. The highest richness (R') was recorded in compartment 18X by approximately 4.0, while the most increased heterogeneity (H') and evenness (E') were observed in compartment 18Y by around 2.4 and 0.7, respectively. The accumulation of timber production varied in each site, with a range of 45.46-68.32 m3 ha-1. The highest carbon storage was noted in compartment 19Y (38.74±1.79 t C ha-1), while the lowest was found in compartment 18W (20.76±0.93 t C ha-1). The relative contribution of commercial species to timber production and carbon storage was substantially higher than non-commercial species at all sites. However, there was not a significant correlation between vegetation diversity and stand productivity (P>0.05). Overall, our study concluded that the secondary tropical forest ecosystems in the site had good vegetation diversity, timber production, and carbon storage.

Retraction Note: 5G network-oriented machine learning and national forest park ecotourism management

Retraction Note: 5G network-oriented machine learning and national forest park ecotourism management

Change in land-use from natural forest impacts functional composition and metabolic footprint of soil nematode community in Western Himalayas

Change in aboveground land-use confer many alterations in belowground soil ecology, which is a growing concern for the loss of biodiversity and the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we studied nematodes - a key component and bioindicators of soil biodiversity in native temperate forests and its derived land-use (scrubland; SL, grassland; GL, cropland; CL) in western Himalayas. Five composite soil samples as replicates were collected from each land-use for analysis of soil properties and nematodes. Land-use change reduced the total nematode abundance. Contrary to our expectations, higher level of diversity was found in soils of SL while GL and CL had an overall lower level of diversity. Sigma maturity index and soil faunal profile suggested that replacement of natural forest with GL and CL was accompanied by disturbance, with lesser food web complexity and stability in the belowground soil food web. Metabolic footprint contributed through the structural component of nematode community decreased in GL and CL. Functional and trophic shifts in nematode metabolic footprint were recorded. Overall, we demonstrated that conversion lowered soil nematode abundance, altered soil nematode community structure, changed their stability and function and lowered their diversity. Moreover, this study have advantages for the sustainable management and restoration of native temperate forests in the region for the conservation of belowground biodiversity.

Identifying failure mechanisms of native riparian forest regeneration in a variable-width floodplain using a spatially-distributed riparian forest recruitment model

Native riparian forests provide the physical structure, nutrient inputs, and habitat elements necessary to support ecosystem function for many aquatic and terrestrial species. However, regeneration of these important ecotones is being negatively impacted by anthropogenic and climatic pressures, driving managers to consider creative ways to increase native forest recruitment. Decision-making tools currently have limited capacity to assist native forest management and restoration since most cannot identify which recruitment mechanisms fail or where those failures occur on the floodplain. In response, we reconfigured a validated spatially-distributed riparian forest recruitment model to identify the limiting recruitment mechanisms and delineate their spatial extent on the floodplain to guide and prioritize management and restoration efforts. Here we focus on native Salicaceae species, whose seed dispersal mechanism is primarily driven by hydrochory.Results indicate that the success of individual recruitment parameters in semi-confined river systems changes with both hydrologic condition and relative floodplain width (Wfp∗ = Wfloodplain/Wchannel). Overall, the disturbance mechanism (shear stress), required to create bare-soil conditions, was the most significant limitation to native forest recruitment in the system. Greater potential riparian recruitment occurs in wet hydrologic years than in average hydrologic years owing to greater floodplain inundation, but inundation alone is a poor success metric since recruitment requires an appropriate sequence of geomorphic disturbance, seed delivery, and water availability over the growing season. Consequently, narrow floodplains (Wfp∗< ∼3) have greater recruitment efficiency, potential recruitment per available floodplain area, than wide floodplains (Wfp∗> ∼3) but wide floodplains provide greater total potential recruitment area during wet hydrologic conditions. Model output maps that delineated individual and combined failure mechanisms during average and wet hydrologic years in the managed South Fork Boise River, USA were used to identify areas on the floodplain for potential restoration actions.