Private Forest Research Articles

Dynamics of Farmer Groups in Private Forest and Social Forestry in Bandung Regency, West Java Indonesia

The success and setbacks of a group are indicated by its dynamics. This study aims to analyze: a) the level of dynamics of farmer groups in private forest and social forestry; b) the individual factors that affect the dynamics of private forest and social forestry farmer groups; and c) to formulate strategies to increase the dynamics of farmer groups. This research was conducted in Bandung Regency with research subjects were two farmer groups, i.e. KTH Mukti at Babakan Peuteuy Village and LMDH Bukit Amanah, Cempakamulya Village, Data collected by interviewing 30 respondents in each farmer group randomly. The collected data were analyzed using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) with the partial least square (PLS) approach. The results showed that the group dynamics of KTH Tani Mukti was in the low category, while the group dynamics of LMDH Bukit Amanah was in the high category. Characteristics of the respondents that influence the dynamics of the KTH Tani Mukti group were the area of land ownership and group motivation, while the characteristics of the respondents that influence the dynamics of the Bukit Amanah LMDH group were education, income, number of dependents in the family, farming experience, age, length of stay in the village and group motivation. Keywords: Community Forests, Forest Farmers Groups, Group Dynamics, Social Forestry.

Cost Analysis of Skyline-assisted Felling Technique in Private Forests in Probolinggo, Indonesia

Tree felling is an important component of the forest harvesting system. A skyline-assisted felling technique (locally known as the ‘sandat’ felling technique) is used in private forest harvesting in Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia, as an alternative to the conventional felling technique. This felling technique is used in private forests planted with an agroforestry pattern. Private forest farmers have recognized the technique as an effective way to protect multi-purpose tree species, especially coffee plants, but the technique’s efficiency is not yet known. The study analyzed the costs and productivity of sandat felling techniques in private forests planted with agroforestry patterns in Probolinggo. Working time studies, branch-free height, and breast height diameter measurements were carried out to calculate felling costs and productivity. The present value cost function was developed to compare the costs of sandat felling techniques with conventional felling techniques. The study showed that the productivity of sandat felling techniques was lower than conventional felling techniques. In contrast, the operating costs of sandat felling techniques were higher than those of conventional felling techniques. The operating cost per m3 rose by 20%. Additional operating costs for sandat felling techniques were incurred for procuring ropes and installing and uninstalling skyline. The felling costs will decrease with the felling team's increasing experience and skill. Keywords: agroforestry, costs analysis, felling techniques, private forests, sandat felling

Biodiversity conservation in private forests: Preferences of Latvian forest owners in the context of involuntary conservation

Private forests play an important role in biodiversity conservation. Countries utilize various mechanisms for integrating private forests into biodiversity conservation strategies. While voluntary private forest conservation of biodiversity dominates in Nordic Europe countries, in Latvia the involuntary approach remains the main biodiversity conservation path. We aimed to explore the attitude of Latvian forest owners towards existing forest biodiversity conservation mechanisms, and preferences regarding potential motivating mechanisms. Our survey (analysis of 599 responses) was targeted on forest owners who had experienced biodiversity conservation related restrictions under involuntary conservation and who owned forest properties with significant biodiversity values. Our results suggested that owners of small forest properties under 5 ha, who are less financially dependent on forestry income and lack forestry education, as well as female forest owners, are more positive towards biodiversity conservation measures. Our results showed that most forest owners were not ready to accept substantial forestry restrictions. However, they would be ready to accept minor forestry restrictions such as no felling during bird breeding season and obligation of retention of a greater number of ecologically important trees and deadwood. Most forest owners considered the existing compensation system (annual payments) to be unfair. However, our results did not reveal larger acceptance for a voluntary conservation approach, as opposed to the existing system. Provision of information regarding biodiversity conservation in forest management remains a crucial task, however it primarily should be addressed through the forestry education system and forestry institution information channels.

Fire and Rescue Services’ Interaction with Private Forest Owners During Forest Fires in Sweden: The Incident Commanders’ Perspective

Fire and Rescue Services’ Interaction with Private Forest Owners During Forest Fires in Sweden: The Incident Commanders’ Perspective

Factors Influencing Private Forest Owners Decision-Making Rationalities to Implement Salvage Logging after Large-Scale Natural Disturbances in Slovenia

This study examines the factors that influence the decision-making rationality of private forest owners (PFOs) when implementing salvage logging after large-scale natural disturbances. The literature suggests two main responses to large large-scale natural disturbances: performing salvage logging and no salvage at all. When salvage logging is carried out, two different strategies can be applied: clearing, i.e. all trees are removed, including damaged trees and standing survivors; and salvaging, i.e. damaged trees are removed but the surviving trees are left and some dead trees are left standing. In an online survey conducted in Slovenia in March and April 2022, responses were collected from 1515 forest-owning households. A logistic regression model was created to analyse the data and understand how socio-demographic characteristics, characteristics of forest property, forest management activities and the market influence their decisions. The results show that previous management activities and cooperation with service providers significantly influence PFOs' decision-making rationality to implement salvage logging. The study contributes to a nuanced understanding of the complex decision-making processes in forestry. Future research opportunities lie in investigating specific aspects of past management activities and understanding the dynamics in cooperation between different actors to develop customised policies for effective forest management after large-scale natural disturbances.

Wood Harvesting Practices, Technologies and Safety Considerations in Small-Scale Private Forests in Uganda

Wood Harvesting Practices, Technologies and Safety Considerations in Small-Scale Private Forests in Uganda

Development of a Methodology for the Monitoring of Socio-Economic Indicators of Private Forest Owners towards Sustainable Forest Management: The Case of Lithuania

The development of a monitoring system for the socio-economic indicators of private forest owners includes the comprehensive collection of various socio-economic data. These data encompass general information about private forests owners, the need for monitoring, periodicity, and other relevant factors. This holistic approach allows for a detailed assessment of the social and economic conditions of private forest owners, as well as the economic efficiency of their operations, ultimately aiming to achieve sustainable forest management. This research builds upon previous studies by the authors that investigated the need for monitoring of the socio-economic indicators of private forests and involved interviews with forest experts. Based on the data obtained from these earlier efforts, this study aims to present a refined methodology for monitoring of the socio-economic indicators of Lithuanian private forest owners. Based on the findings of this research, it is highly recommended that monitoring be implemented at the state level across the entire territory of the Republic of Lithuania. The results of this research show that the monitoring of the economic and social indicators of private forest owners benefits not only the owners but also the state and society as a whole. Residence size, property size, and association membership emerged as the most significant factors influencing the need for forest monitoring, while knowledge in forestry, distance to the forest, and gender showed weaker but still notable effects. The research results suggest that monitoring can help to ensure the sustainable management of forests and the maintenance of ecosystem services, in addition to contributing to the region’s economic development. It is recommended that this monitoring be conducted every five years.

A Forest Management Evaluation System for Small Private Forest Landowners

A Forest Management Evaluation System for Small Private Forest Landowners

EFFEKTIVITAS TEKNIK PENEBANGAN TERARAH DENGAN BANTUAN TALI DI HUTAN RAKYAT

Directional felling is a technique that directs fallen trees in a predetermined direction to minimize damage to residual stands and understory plants and facilitate subsequent stages of timber handling. One of the felling techniques used in private forest harvesting was the rope-assisted directional felling technique. The study aimed to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the rope-assisted directional felling technique in private forests. The study was conducted in a private forest managed with an agroforestry system in Probolinggo, East Java. The number of sampled trees was 31 trees. The sampled trees were felled to the predetermined directions: to a stretched rope between two spar trees or the safe area. Felling errors, hang-ups, and the presence of barber chairs were used to assess the effectiveness of the rope-assisted felling technique. The average diameter of the felled trees was 23.4 cm and 20.8 m in height. The ropes-assist directional felling technique produced a hang-up tree of 19.35% of the total felled trees. Directional felling using ropes made fallen trees from close to the opposite direction of the natural felling direction. The ropes-assisted felling technique made all felled trees fall in the predetermined direction without producing barber chairs, but still causing hang-ups.

Developing nudges, nudge+ and boosts to support climate change mitigation in practice – A case study on ash fertilization among Finnish private forest owners

Forests are crucial for climate change mitigation as they absorb and store large amounts of carbon dioxide. In Finland, ash fertilization of drained peatland forests has been identified as part of the climate change mitigation strategy, yet it is implemented notably less than it could be. Therefore, this study aimed to identify most effective nudges, nudge+ and boosts that could steer Finnish non-industrial private forest (NIPF) owners to adopt ash fertilization in their forest. Semi-structured interviews with 19 NIPF owners were analyzed using the Behaviour change wheel to identify key factors influencing owners’ willingness to engage in ash fertilization. Most factors raised by forest owners were related to reflective motivation encompassing both drivers and barriers to practicing ash fertilization. We also identified possible cognitive biases that were influencing decisions. The suggested nudges, nudge+ and boosts address both the specific concerns of the forest owners and the underlying heuristics. For example, framing ash fertilization as a standard procedure of professional forest management and including it into forest management plans could facilitate overcoming status quo bias that may hinder the adoption of novel forest management practices. These findings are directly applicable for creating nudges, nudge+ and boosts on ash fertilization for experienced, professionally managing NIPF owners with larger forest estates. Our study also offers an approach that can be adapted for broader application in environmental and climate-friendly decision-making, contributing to the growing body of literature on the intersection of behavioral science and environmental management.

Ecological and socio-economic factors influence stand biodiversity

Biodiversity is associated with functional protection, adaptation to external conditions, and ecosystem resilience. Therefore, maintaining forest ecosystems with high biodiversity is essential for improving resistance and resilience to disturbances. In addition to the ecological factors influencing forest ecosystems, various socio-economic factors associated with forests can influence the ecosystem. However, socio-economic impacts on forest biodiversity have rarely been addressed. In this study, we investigated whether tree species diversity (TSD) of forest stands varies with ownership status (national vs. private forests). In addition, selected ecological (stand characteristics, site conditions, and climate) and socio-economic (regional forest management sectors, population, forestry population, forest coverage, and forestry income) factors influencing TSD were determined using data from the National Forest Inventory in South Korea. National forests had higher TSD than private forests, reflecting differences in management objectives. Among ecological factors, stand structural diversity (SDivI) was the most influential in both national and private forests. Socio-economic factors, such as population, forest coverage, forest income, and forest management bodies, significantly influenced the TSD, although the impact was smaller compared to ecological factors. Our results suggest that securing stand growth and development is essential for increasing stand structural diversity, which leads to an increase in TSD. Furthermore, our study shows that socio-economic factors can influence forest conditions over time. To better understand the factors influencing the state of forests and manage forests sustainably in the future, collaborative research bridging ecological and sociological fields is necessary.

The Carbon Stocks Estimation on Tangga Community Forests of Lombok Utara

Forests are one of the largest carbon dioxide absorbers, the forest's function as a carbon dioxide absorber causes an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and carbon dioxide is stored in forest biomass. Forest development to increase carbon dioxide absorption can be carried out in state forest areas or private forests, which also include community forests. This research aims to estimate carbon stocks in the Tangga community forest (HKm) , in the Tangga HKm, Lombok utara, NTB. This research uses quantitative methods. The data collected is standing vegetation data. Standing vegetation data includes saplings, poles and trees by measuring diameter and height using purposive sampling collection techniques. Carbon stocks are estimated using the allometric equation formula. The total carbon reserves in the HKm Tangga obtained from each stand were 9.972,11 ton/ha. The highest carbon stock value is at the tree level with a value of 8.785,08 tons/ha, followed by the sapling level at 731,34 ton/ha, and the pole level at 455,69 tons/ha with the highest amount at the candlenut tree level (Aleurites moluccana) at 2.200,63 ton/ha and the lowest was the breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) with a value of 1,96 ton/ha.

Mapping recent timber harvest activity in a temperate forest using single date airborne LiDAR surveys and machine learning: lessons for conservation planning

ABSTRACT Effective planning for natural resource management and wildlife conservation requires detailed information on vegetation structure at landscape scales and how structure is influenced by land-use practices. In many forested landscapes, the largest impacts of land use on forest structure are driven by forest management activities, which can include invasive species control, prescribed fire, partial harvests (e.g. shelterwood harvests) or overstory removals and clearcuts. Active timber management is often used to achieve forest conservation objectives, but to be used effectively, managers require knowledge of harvest frequency and extent in adjacent forests and at landscape scales. In this paper, we develop a timber harvest mapping workflow using machine learning (XGBoost algorithm) and single campaign airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) surveys for the state of Pennsylvania, USA. We show that harvest type (shelterwood and overstory removals) can be mapped at high accuracy (overall accuracy = 94.9%), including broad age classes defined by the number of years since harvest. Errors of omission (false negatives) were lowest for recent (<10 yr old) overstory removal harvests (1.5%) and highest for older (10–18 yr old) shelterwood harvests (34.9%), which is consistent with the expectation that older, partial timber harvests are more difficult to distinguish from untreated forests than are recent harvests. Errors of commission (false positives) were low (<6.0%) for all timber harvest types and ages. Analysis of model results across both public and private lands in three highly forested conservation regions of Pennsylvania (the Poconos, PA Wilds, and Laurel Highlands) revealed a propensity for young overstory removals along forest edges, suggesting edge effects from inaccuracies in the underlying forest mask and mixed pixels contribute to errors of commission. Acknowledging this, overstory removal and shelterwood harvests were roughly equally common across public and private lands when expressed as a fraction of all interior forests (forests >30 m from an edge). The expectation that these harvest treatments would be rarer in private forests was not supported by the model results, which is likely due to the model’s inability to distinguish between alternative natural processes (weather damage, wildfire, pathogens, etc.) and forest treatment types (high-grading and firewood collection) that result in similar forest structures to the trained classes in the XGBoost model. This study provides a framework and validation for combining approachable machine-learning techniques with large-campaign LiDAR to accurately predict forest structure with application to a host of forestry, natural resource, and conservation-related problems. Future efforts that refine the model’s ability to better distinguish between more complex harvest classes and natural processes would be valuable.

The forest biodiversity index (FOBI): monitoring forest biodiversity potential over space and time

Public forest agencies are obligated to take steps to conserve and where possible enhance biodiversity, but they often lack information and tools that support and evidence their decision making. To help inform and monitor impact of management actions and policies aimed at improving forest biodiversity, we have co-developed a quantitative, transparent and repeatable approach for assessing the biodiversity potential of the United Kingdom’s (UK) publicly owned forests over space and time. The FOrest Biodiversity Index (FOBI) integrates several forest biodiversity indicators or ‘metrics’, which characterise management-sensitive woodland and landscape features associated with biodiversity. These are measured or modelled annually using spatially comprehensive forest survey data and other well-maintained spatial environmental datasets. Following metric normalisation and a correlation analysis, a statistically robust selection of these metrics is aggregated using a hierarchical procedure to provide composite index scores. The FOBI metric and index results are provided for every individual public forest, and can be summarised across any reporting region of interest. Compared to existing indicators that rely on sample-based forest data, the results thus better support decisions and obligations at a range of scales, from locally targeted action to national, long-term biodiversity monitoring and reporting. We set out how the FOBI approach and associated bespoke online interfaces were co-developed to meet public forest agency needs in two constituent countries of the UK (England and Scotland), whilst providing a conceptual framework that can be adapted and transferred to other geographic areas and private forests. Example results are reported for England’s public forests for four annual timestamps between 2014 and 2021, which indicate improvements to the biodiversity potential of public forests and surrounding landscapes over this time via increases in their diversity, extent, condition and connectivity.

Soil-based assessment of site productivity for southern pine plantations in the coastal plain of the southeastern US: (II) slash pine

Non-industrial private forest landowners and foresters often rely on outdated site index models for forest productivity predictions, which hinders accurate assessment. To address this issue, 157 slash pine plots were established in the coastal plain of Georgia, USA, to collect tree and soil data. Using regression tree and linear regression models, we identified modified Cooperative Research in Forest Fertilization soil groups and surface soil extractable phosphorus as significant predictors of site index. The optimal regression tree model (R2 = 0.490, RMSE = 1.72 m) outperformed the linear regression model. Updated site index and simulated mean annual increments for slash pine were compared with long-term experimental study data, as well as with previous findings for loblolly pine in the same region (Zhao et al., 2024a). The new predictive models will help non-industrial private forest landowners evaluate slash pine productivity in the Coastal Plain region, applicable across diverse sites.

Forest management plan pathways for non-industrial private forest owners in Norway: from acquisition to implementation

AbstractForest management plans (FMP) are key decision-support tools for forest managers and a central policy instrument in many countries. Despite its pivotal importance in forest management, there is a lack of studies that analyze the acquisition, familiarity and implementation of the FMP. These steps collectively contribute to making FMP a successful decision-support tool and forest policy instrument. We surveyed a sample representative of the population of Norwegian non-industrial private forest (NIPF) owners to quantify the importance of a broad set of factors, including ownership objectives, socio-demographic, property and information sources variables on the FMP pathway, i.e. acquisition of FMP, awareness of its content and implementation of the plans’ proposals. Applying principal component analysis on twelve ownership objectives, we found that most forest owners are multiobjective. We combined conditional classification trees and logistic regression analyses on the FMP pathway to unveil familiarity and use of FMP in forest owner subgroups as well as individual drivers. The results indicate that 37% of Norwegian NIPF owners have a FMP. Among the owners having FMP, 66% have good knowledge of its content and 40% implement its proposals. The strongest variables to predict FMP familiarity and use were previous harvests, productive area, advice about forestry from the public management, knowledge of public support schemes for forestry and perceived relevance of the FMP. We conclude that FMP suppliers, consultants, forestry bureaucracy and policy-makers should emphasize information dissemination and relevance of the FMP to increase its success as a decision-support tool and forest policy instrument.

Assessment of Tree Species Availability Based on Sawmilling and Timber Markets Survey in Sinnar State, Sudan

This study assesses tree species availability in Sinnar state, Sudan, to identify the types of wood used, marketed and explores the selection criteria driven by the continuing demand for timber in construction, furniture, and energy sources. The research included interviews with 87 randomly selected respondents from three timber trading and sawmill companies (Elsuki, Sinnar, and Singa). The surveys utilize descriptive analysis using SPSS and Excel. Findings revealed 28 historically available timber species, of which only eight are currently on the market. Selection criteria for trading species include viability, durability, and market demand. Approximately 47.9 % of timber comes from reserved forests, mainly for sawmill use, while 31.3 % comes from private and community-managed forests. The study highlights a significant decline in the availability of timber species, with 88 % of respondents expressing concerns about this trend due to overexploitation, revealing the urgent need for conservation efforts. This study suggests planting indigenous fast-growing trees to meet the region’s timber needs.

Changes in Forest Cover of Municipalities in Poland in 1990–2018

The study is part of the trend of searching for research methods to demonstrate changes in forest cover at the level of basic units of public administration with greater precision and accuracy. The purpose of the article is to present, for the first time, changes in forest cover of municipalities in Poland from 1990 to 2018 using CORINE Land Cover (CLC) data. The contributions of this study are threefold. Firstly, using GIS and CLC data (3.1. Forests), multivariate analyses of forest cover changes were carried out for 2481 municipalities for the CLC data collection years (1990, 2000, 2006, 2012, 2018), which showed the temporal and spatial dynamics of changes, with a predominance of deforestation in 1990–2000 and 2012–2018, and afforestation in 2000–2006 and 2006–2012. Secondly, the formal, legal and financial rationale for these changes was indicated. The increase in afforestation was a result of financial incentives under the National Program for Increasing Forest Cover and the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (under Rural Development Programs—RDPs). Deforestation was related to a decrease in the supply of land for afforestation, the competitiveness of subsidies implemented under RDPs, and statutory liberalization of logging. Thirdly, the main discrepancies between the data obtained from CLC and from the public data collected by Statistics Poland (GUS) and the State Forests were indicated, which ranged from −32 kha to +310 kha, corresponding to percentage differences of 2.3% and 1.8%, respectively. This was mainly influenced by the differences in the complexity and updating of data collected for state and private forests, as well as delays in introducing changes to the land register by the public administration. This work contributes significantly to our understanding of the dynamics of forest cover changes in relation to the actual degree of forestation and deforestation, and the determinants of forest transformation in Polish municipalities, as well as demonstrating the new applicability of CLC data and their limitations related mainly to the generalization of forest cover area.

Legal regulation of the use of forest resources

The purpose of the study was to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the legislative framework in the field of forest resource management in Albania in the context of forest ecology, and species diversity, and to identify the main problems and prospects for sustainable development of the country’s forestry. The research methodology included the analysis of statistical data from the National Institute of Statistics of Albania on the structure of forest ecosystems and forms of their management. The results of studies conducted by international organizations such as the World Bank, Global Environment Facility, and Oikon d.o.o. were also used. The structure and composition of Albania’s forest resources, including those of natural and semi-natural origin, are analysed. The legal framework in the field of forest management in Albania is summarized. Different management structures for forestry land are characterized, with the identification of the specifics of use for different forms of ownership. The main problems of forest management are identified, including intensive exploitation of private forests, lack of subsidies and investments, as well as imperfect legislative regulation. Adaptation measures to increase the sustainability of Albania’s forests within the framework of the Albanian Forest Policy Document for the period 2019-2030 are substantiated. Strategic areas of development, such as the expansion of protected areas, the development of ecotourism and the attraction of green investments, are proposed. The study also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation for financial and technical support, which will facilitate the implementation of sustainable forest management practices and biodiversity conservation. The practical significance of the study is that these results can be used to develop strategic directions for the development of the forest sector in Albania, aimed at ensuring sustainable management and conservation of forest resources, which is a key factor for the country’s economic and environmental well-being

Proposed Marketing Strategy to Increase Sales of Selaras Outdoor

Selaras Outdoor is a family-based restaurant established in Ciamis in 2021. The F&amp;B business sells affordable prices with a variety of Sundanese and western food products. The location of Selaras Outdoor focuses on nature as if enjoying a meal in a small private forest with the sound of nature from a flowing river. Knowing the increasing number of new restaurants/cafes with outdoor themes, Selaras Outdoor faces business problems that occur including sales revenue that continues to fall. The number of visitors who come is decreasing due to the habit of Ciamis and Tasikmalaya residents who will visit when a new restaurant or cafe location opens. Therefore, a strategy is needed to be able to increase revenue which starts from customer satisfaction. The findings from this research will be used to get the best marketing strategy to create a way to increase revenue. Therefore, a research study will be conducted to address the problems experienced by Selaras Outdoor. The business exploration of Selaras Outdoor will be developed based on external (PESTEL, Porter's Five Forces, customers, and competitors) and internal (VRIO, STP, and Service Marketing Mix) analysis. This research uses two types of data, namely primary and secondary data. Primary data will be collected through interviews and observations while secondary data is carried out to strengthen the theoretical basis of each variable studied as well as external and internal analysis in this study. By using triangulation of data collection on what has been obtained from customers who have visited Selaras Outdoor as well as the latest news sources regarding outdoor restaurants, the results show that customer satisfaction has a positive effect on Selaras Outdoor. Based on the external and internal analysis, the researcher conducted a SWOT analysis and identified the root of the problem. From there it developed into several strategies that were combined together to produce two strategies. The researcher recommended one best strategy with weaknesses that can be overcome to overcome the root causes.