Socio-ecological Implications of Modifying Rotation Lengths in Forestry

Summary

This research examines how changing the time between forest harvests affects various forest benefits and wildlife. The study shows that shorter harvest cycles generally reduce most forest benefits, while longer cycles between harvests often improve them. The findings have important implications for how we manage forests to balance wood production with other values like recreation and wildlife habitat. Key impacts on everyday life: – Affects the availability and quality of forest recreation areas – Influences berry and mushroom picking opportunities – Impacts wildlife viewing and hunting possibilities – Affects local climate regulation and carbon storage – Determines the sustainable supply of wood products

Background

Forest rotation length is a key parameter in even-aged forest management systems where stands are harvested through clearcutting. The choice of rotation length has traditionally been dictated by wood production goals and economic factors, but forests now need to provide multiple ecosystem services and adapt to changing conditions. Recent trends show rotation lengths being modified in various regions, making it crucial to understand how such changes affect forest values.

Objective

To review and evaluate the socio-ecological implications of modifying forest rotation lengths by assessing potential effects on a wide range of ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation, using Fennoscandian forestry as a case study.

Results

Shortened rotations generally showed negative to neutral effects on most ecosystem services except for some damage control benefits. Extended rotations had more varied effects but were largely positive for biodiversity and cultural services. Supporting services were negatively affected by shortened rotations and positively by extended rotations. The effects were often dependent on specific implementation conditions, particularly thinning regimes. Climate mitigation potential was reduced under significantly shortened rotations due to impacts on both carbon storage and fossil fuel substitution potential.

Conclusion

Modifying rotation lengths creates varied and often contrasting effects across different ecosystem services and biodiversity aspects. This highlights the need for improved stakeholder dialogue to develop landscape-scale strategies that maximize synergies and minimize conflicts. Implementing a variety of rotation lengths within forest landscapes may help achieve multiple societal goals. Future research should focus on quantifying effects of specific rotation length modifications and refining understanding of impacts under different ecological and silvicultural conditions.
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