The changing culture of silviculture

Abstract

Changing climates are altering the structural and functional components of forest ecosystems at an unprecedented rate. Simultaneously, we are seeing a diversification of public expectations on the broader sustainable use of forest resources beyond timber production. As a result, the science and art of silviculture needs to adapt to these changing realities. In this piece, we argue that silviculturists are gradually shifting from the application of empirically derived silvicultural scenarios to new sets of approaches, methods and practices, a process that calls for broadening our conception of silviculture as a scientific discipline. We propose a holistic view of silviculture revolving around three key themes: observe, anticipate and adapt. In observe, we present how recent advances in remote sensing now enable silviculturists to observe forest structural, compositional and functional attributes in near-real-time, which in turn facilitates the deployment of efficient, targeted silvicultural measures in practice that are adapted to rapidly changing constraints. In anticipate, we highlight the importance of developing state-of-the-art models designed to take into account the effects of changing environmental conditions on forest growth and dynamics. In adapt, we discuss the need to provide spatially explicit guidance for the implementation of adaptive silvicultural actions that are efficient, cost-effective and socially acceptable. We conclude by presenting key steps towards the development of new tools and practical knowledge that will ensure meeting societal demands in rapidly changing environmental conditions. We classify these actions into three main categories: re-examining existing silvicultural trials to identify key stand attributes associated with the resistance and resilience of forests to multiple stressors, developing technological workflows and infrastructures to allow for continuous forest inventory updating frameworks, and implementing bold, innovative silvicultural trials in consultation with the relevant communities where a range of adaptive silvicultural strategies are tested. In this holistic perspective, silviculture can be defined as the science of observing forest condition and anticipating its development to apply tending and regeneration treatments adapted to a multiplicity of desired outcomes in rapidly changing realities.

Tree Mortality following Thinning and Prescribed Burning in Central Oregon, U.S.

“…Further evaluations of these treatments are necessary to facilitate a better understanding of the effects of thinning and prescribed burning on resistance and resilience to bark beetles and other disturbances at Pringle Falls Experimental Forest. Given climate change, this is of utmost importance [1,48].…”

“…In a recent review, Achim et al [1] argue that the science of silviculture must adapt to the reality that many forest ecosystems have been altered significantly by human interventions and climate change. As such, they question the utility of older studies to inform contemporary forest management, and highlight the need for innovative studies at appropriate scales where a range of silvicultural treatments are tested [1]. Many low to mid-elevation (e.g., <2500 m) forests in the Pacific Northwest, U.S. are fire-adapted as wildfire is an integral and predictable part of their ecological functioning [2].…”

Traditional Subsistence Farming of Smallholder Agroforestry Systems in Indonesia: A Review

“…The main objective of silviculture is to improve timber productivity by applying tree improvement, site manipulation, and plant protection [63]. With agroforestry, the science of silviculture is expected to encounter issues beyond timber production [64]. Moreover, silviculture treatment on timber-based versus nontimber-based forest products provides a different result for land productivity [22].…”

Mitigation Potential of Ecosystem-Based Forest Management under Climate Change: A Case Study in the Boreal-Temperate Forest Ecotone

“…Similar results were found by Liang, et al [54] who showed that while disturbances may contribute to species' recruitment into new sites, they actually had a relatively small effect compared to the species' competitive abilities for establishment and growth. This underlines the fact that under a changing climate, silvicultural and harvesting practices will need to evolve to help maintain desired species in landscapes or to adapt stand composition to emerging environmental conditions [59].…”