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- Info
Maintaining species diversity in the central Appalachians
| Author: |
Miller, Gary W.; Kochenderfer, James N. |
| Date: |
1998 |
| Periodical: |
Journal of Forestry |
| Abstract: |
Species composition is the most important factor that determines the output of benefits from Appalachian forests. Forest managers need to understand the site requirements, regeneration mechanisms, and competitive interactions of hardwood species to prescribe treatments that maintain desired species composition. Long-term research in the region shows that certain silvicultural treatments can be applied to mimic natural disturbances, create the stand structural conditions needed to maintain species diversity, and achieve a variety of management goals. Maximum success is attained when preparatory silvicultural treatments are applied to develop adequate regeneration conditions before harvest operations. Now is an appropriate time in the history of our Appalachian forests to take a new look at multiaged silvicultural systems. The majority of forestland is in small, private holdings, and the vast majority of timber harvest volume comes from these properties. The productivity of Appalachian forests will depend on the future structure and composition of these forests. Current harvest methods based solely on the removal of commercial products (diameter-limit harvests) often do not provide the environmental conditions necessary to maintain desirable species composition. It is clear that the need for innovative silvicultural systems and the opportunity to implement such systems coincide in the Appalachian hardwood region. |
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