Retention forestry in Sweden: driving forces, debate and implementation 1968–2003

Abstract

Retention forestry (RF) is a modified form of clear-cutting that has been introduced recently in several countries. It is intended to integrate the conservation of biodiversity with timber production and to maintain the provision of other ecosystem services by retaining important forest qualities, habitats and structures. In this study we seek to identify forces driving the conceptual development, acceptance and implementation of RF in Sweden by describing and investigating the RF debate among foresters and environmental NGOs from 1968 to 2003. Specifically, we seek to elucidate when RF was first proposed, the arguments for and against it, and pivotal trends in the debate. Our study is based on thorough systematic analysis of articles published in journals issued by two non-profit associations. Our data show that the development of RF in Sweden was driven by several interacting factors and we distinguish critical time periods, from strong debates and conflicts during the 1970s until the breakthrough of forestry certification at the turn of the millennium. We argue that historical analysis of the forces driving changes in forestry management is important for elucidating why changes occur and the dynamic nature of perceptions and uses of forest ecosystems in modern societies.

Accounting for a Diverse Forest Ownership Structure in Projections of Forest Sustainability Indicators

“…Forestry was traditionally production-oriented in Sweden, but in 1994, a new Forestry Act came into force, giving environmental and production goals equal importance, and requiring all forest owners to take some nature consideration in their forest management, such as retaining trees/tree groups and buffer zones [22]. In 1999, the Swedish Parliament adopted several environmental objectives, including "Sustainable Forests" [23], aiming to preserve forest's biodiversity, as well as cultural and social values.…”

“…In 1999, the Swedish Parliament adopted several environmental objectives, including "Sustainable Forests" [23], aiming to preserve forest's biodiversity, as well as cultural and social values. Social values, with a focus on recreation, have received increased attention during the last years [22,24].…”

Opportunities for Integrated Landscape Planning – the Broker, the Arena, the Tool

“…It can be claimed that current forest management plans have a multifunctional approach, since measures such as nature conservation, water quality improvement (buffer zones), recreational interests and carbon sequestration are increasingly being considered (Beland Lindahl et al 2017;Ingemarson 2004). However, with an apparent shift to more liberal forms of policy steering of the Swedish forestry sector during recent decades (Appelstrand 2012;Beland Lindahl et al 2017;Simonsson et al 2015), the implementation of equal importance to different functions and goals basically rests on voluntary measures by assigning forest owners "freedom with responsibility" in management decisions.…”

“…Although diversity in objectives and behaviour may be expected (cf. Simonsson et al 2015), the NIPF owners commonly engage consultancy services and contractors for the forestry operations, which leads to streamlining of forest management implementation (Hokajärvi et al 2009;Hujala et al 2009;Kindstrand et al 2008). Consequently, the magnitude and diversity of NIPF ownersare not reflected in a higher degree of diversification on estate and stand levels, due to dominant logic of the industrial forestry (Holmgren & Arora-Jonsson 2015).…”

The introduction of modern forest management and clear-cutting in Sweden: Ridö State Forest 1832–2014

“…Today, the issue of regeneration is still discussed, but the choice of logging method also takes into account ways to increase and maintain structural diversity (e.g., dead wood in different decay stages) and diversity of species and tree retention (Gustafsson et al 2010;Simonsson et al 2014). …”