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Forestry is facing an unprecedented challenging time. Due to climate change, major tree species, which until recently fulfilled major ecosystem services, are being lost and it is often unclear if forest conversion with other native or nonnative tree species (NNT) are able to maintain or restore the endangered ecosystem services. Using data from the Austrian Forest Inventory, we analysed the current and future (2081-2100, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) productivity of forests, as well as their protective function (avalanches and rockfall). Five different species change scenarios were considered for the replacement of a tree species failing in the future. We used seven native tree species (Picea abies, Abies alba, Pinus sylvestris, Larix decidua, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur and Quercus petraea) and nine NNT (Pseudotsuga menziesii, Abies grandis, Thuja plicata, Pinus radiata, Pinus contorta, Robinia pseudoacacia, Quercus rubra, Fraxinus pennsylvanica and Juglans nigra). The results show that no adaptation would lead to a loss of productivity and a decrease in tree species richness. The combined use of native and NNT is more favorable than purely using native species in terms of productivity and tree species richness. The impact of the different species change scenarios can vary greatly between the different environmental zones of Austria (Alpine south, Continental and Pannonian). The Pannonian zone would benefit from the use of NNT in terms of timber production. For the protection against avalanches or rockfall in alpine regions, NNT would not be an advantage, and it is more important if broadleaved or coniferous trees are used. Depending on whether timber production, protective function or tree species richness are considered, different tree species or species change scenarios can be recommended. Especially in protective forests, other aspects are essential compared to commercial forests. Our results provide a basis for forest owners/managers in three European environmental zones to make decisions on a sustainable selection of tree species to plant in the face of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A novel Bayesian spatial distributional regression model is presented to predict forest structural diversity in terms of the distributions of the stem diameter at breast height (DBH) in the protection forests in Ebensee, Austria. The distributional regression approach overcomes the limitations and uncertainties of traditional regression modeling, in which the conditional mean of the response is regressed against explanatory variables. The distributional regression addresses the complete conditional response distribution, instead. In total 36,338 sample trees were measured via a handheld mobile personal laser scanning system (PLS) on 273 sample plots each having a 20 m radius. Recent airborne laser scanning (ALS) data were used to derive regression covariates from the normalized digital vegetation height model (DVHM) and the digital terrain model (DTM). Candidate models were constructed that differed in their linear predictors of the two gamma distribution parameters. In the distributional regression approach, covariates can enter the model in a flexible form, such as via nonlinear smooth curves, cyclic smooths, or spatial effects. Supported by Bayesian diagnostics DIC and WAIC, nonlinear smoothing splines outperformed linear parametric slope coefficients, and the best implementation of spatial structured effects was achieved by a Gaussian process smooth. Model fitting and posterior parameter inference was achieved by using full Bayesian methodology and MCMC sampling algorithms implemented in the R-package BAMLSS. With BAMLSS, spatial interval predictions of the DBH distribution at any new geo-locations were enabled via straightforward access to the posterior predictive distributions of the model terms and by offering simple plug-in solutions for new covariate values. A cross-validation analysis validated the robustness of the proposed method's parameter estimation and out-of-sample prediction. Spatial predictions of stem count proportions per DBH classes revealed that regeneration of smaller trees was lacking in certain areas of the protection forest landscape. Therefore, the intensity of final felling needs to be increased to reduce shading from the dense, overmature shelter trees and to promote sunlight for the young regeneration trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective]The aims of this study are to understand the soil microbial communities in different protection forests in coastal sand dune ecosystem, and to provide theoretical basis for sustainable management of the protection forests. [Methods]A study was conducted to compare the effects of different forests on soil microbial composition and the relationship between soil microorganism and environmental factors by phospholipid fatty acid method(PLFA)in 5 forests including secondary forest, and plantations of Casuarina equisetifolia, Pinus elliottii, Acacia crassicarpa and Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis. [Results](1)18 kinds of PLFA biomarkers were detected in the soils of different protection forests in coastal sand dune ecosystem, which were most in Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis plantation and secondary forest, and least in Pinus elliottii and Acacia crassicarpa plantations. (2)The contents of total PLFA, gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria were all higher in Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis plantation and secondary forest, and lower in Acacia crassicarpa and Casuarina equisetifolia plantations. In addition, the fungi content was significantly higher in Eucalyptus urophylla ×E. grandis plantation than in other forest types, the content of soil fungi in Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis plantation was the highest, and that of arbuscular mycorrhizal in secondary forest was the highest, no significant difference was found among other protection forests. (3)The soil microbial diversity and evenness of the secondary forest were higher than those of the four plantations. (4)The soil pH, fine root carbon and nitrogen contents had the greatest impact on soil microbial community, followed by soil total nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen contents, litter lignin/nitrogen and fine root carbon nitrogen ratio. [Conclusion]The effects of protection forests on soil microbial community are significantly different. The introduction of Eucalyptus urophylla XE. grandis and native trees in the coastal Casuarina equisetifolia protection forest can increase soil microbial diversity and improve forest ecological functions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forestry is facing an unprecedented challenging time. Due to climate change, major tree species, which until recently fulfilled major ecosystem services, are being lost and it is often unclear if forest conversion with other native or non-native tree species (NNT) are able to maintain or restore the endangered ecosystem services. Using data from the Austrian Forest Inventory, we analysed the current and future (2081-2100, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) productivity of forests, as well as their protective function (avalanches and rockfall). Five different species change scenarios were considered for the replacement of a tree species failing in the future. We used seven native tree species (Picea abies, Abies alba, Pinus sylvestris, Larix decidua, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur and Quercus petraea) and nine NNT (Pseudotsuga menziesii, Abies grandis, Thuja plicata, Pinus radiata, Pinus contorta, Robinia pseudoacacia, Quercus rubra, Fraxinus pennsylvanica and Juglans nigra). The results show that no adaptation would lead to a loss of productivity and a decrease in tree species richness. The combined use of native and NNT is more favorable than purely using native species in terms of productivity and tree species richness. The impact of the different species change scenarios can vary greatly between the different environmental zones of Austria (Alpine south, Continental and Pannonian). The Pannonian zone would benefit from the use of NNT in terms of timber production. For the protection against avalanches or rockfall in alpine regions, NNT would not be an advantage, and it is more important if broadleaved or coniferous trees are used. Depending on whether timber production, protective function or tree species richness are considered, different tree species or species change scenarios can be recommended. Especially in protective forests, other aspects are essential compared to commercial forests. Our results provide a basis for forest owners/managers in three European environmental zones to make decisions on a sustainable selection of tree species to plant in the face of climate change.

A novel Bayesian spatial distributional regression model is presented to predict forest structural diversity in terms of the distributions of the stem diameter at breast height (DBH) in the protection forests in Ebensee, Austria. The distributional regression approach overcomes the limitations and uncertainties of traditional regression modeling, in which the conditional mean of the response is regressed against explanatory variables. The distributional regression addresses the complete conditional response distribution, instead. In total 36,338 sample trees were measured via a handheld mobile personal laser scanning system (PLS) on 273 sample plots each having a 20 m radius. Recent airborne laser scanning (ALS) data were used to derive regression covariates from the normalized digital vegetation height model (DVHM) and the digital terrain model (DTM). Candidate models were constructed that differed in their linear predictors of the two gamma distribution parameters. In the distributional regression approach, covariates can enter the model in a flexible form, such as via nonlinear smooth curves, cyclic smooths, or spatial effects. Supported by Bayesian diagnostics DIC and WAIC, nonlinear smoothing splines outperformed linear parametric slope coefficients, and the best implementation of spatial structured effects was achieved by a Gaussian process smooth. Model fitting and posterior parameter inference was achieved by using full Bayesian methodology and MCMC sampling algorithms implemented in the R-package BAMLSS. With BAMLSS, spatial interval predictions of the DBH distribution at any new geo-locations were enabled via straightforward access to the posterior predictive distributions of the model terms and by offering simple plug-in solutions for new covariate values. A cross-validation analysis validated the robustness of the proposed method’s parameter estimation and out-of-sample prediction. Spatial predictions of stem count proportions per DBH classes revealed that regeneration of smaller trees was lacking in certain areas of the protection forest landscape. Therefore, the intensity of final felling needs to be increased to reduce shading from the dense, overmature shelter trees and to promote sunlight for the young regeneration trees.

Copyright of Forest Research is the property of Forest Research Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

[Objective] The objective of this study was to determine the differences in ecological stoichiometric characteristics of leaves and soil for different tree species of different origins in a tropical coastal shelterbelt of Hainan Island in order to provide a theoretical reference for the ecological restoration of coastal shelterbelts. [Methods] The ecological stoichiometric characteristics of C, N, and P in the soil and leaves of four species (Casuarina equisetifolia, Vatica mangachapoi, Laguncularia racemosa, and Nypa fructicans) within 200 m of the coastline of Wanning City, Hainan Island, were investigated by sampling method. [Results] ① For both non-mangrove and mangrove plants, the C, N, and P contents of the leaves of native natural tree species were significantly greater than or equal to the C, N, and P contents of exotic artificial tree species. The C, N, and P contents of the leaves of Vatica mangachapoi were 457.04, 16.77, and 1.17 g/kg, respectively, all of which were significantly higher than the values observed for Casuarina equisetifolia. ② In terms of leaf nutrient change characteristics, the growth of water coconut and mangrove plants may be limited by N. However, the growth of casuarina and non-mangrove plants may be limited by P. ③ In terms of soil nutrient change characteristics, N was low and P was the main limiting element in woodland soil for the four tree species. [Conclusion] In the process of coastal ecological restoration, native natural forest species should be preferred as the dominant species for coastal protection forest planting.

Abstract Key message Dead wood in forests is an important resource due to its role for nutrient cycles, carbon budgets, and biodiversity, among other. While standing and downed dead wood are typically monitored in National Forest Inventories (NFI), stumps have not received comparable attention. Based on the detailed stump inventory in the current Swiss NFI, this study demonstrates the important contribution of stumps to the dead wood pool. Context Dead wood (DW) in forests is an important resource due to its role for nutrient cycles, carbon budgets, and biodiversity, among other. NFIs provide representative DW estimates focusing primarily on standing and downed DW. Little is known on stumps as a DW pool. Aims The aim of this study is to obtain an accurate assessment of the stump volume and biomass in the Swiss NFI to identify its significance for the DW pool, to evaluate the development over the last 30 years, and to examine the need for additional measurements for improving estimates compared to commonly applied assumptions for stump height such as a constant stump height or a fraction of tree height. Methods The current NFI includes a detailed stump inventory to improve accuracy and completeness of the aboveground DW pool estimate. Based on available data, stump volume estimates were derived at different accuracies to evaluate the contribution to the total DW pool over time. Results Based on the extended stump inventory in the NFI5, the contribution of stumps to the total DW pool is approximately 25%. The effect of simplifying assumptions or limited measurements to estimate stump volume can result in a significant underestimation of up to $$2/3$$ 2 / 3 of the more accurate and comprehensive assessment of this pool. Conclusion This study demonstrates that stumps can be a significant proportion of DW in forests, which should be accounted for in order to improve accuracy and completeness of NFI estimates and derived data such as C stocks for greenhouse gas reporting.

Copyright of Bulletin of Soil & Water Conservation is the property of Bulletin of Soil & Water Conservation Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of International Forestry Review is the property of Commonwealth Forestry Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Protection forests are state forests that are authorized by the government to be managed, but on the other hand, indigenous peoples already exist and manage forests that are claimed as customary forests (hak ulayat). How is the management of protection forests between the government and indigenous peoples? The purpose of this study is to examine the management of protection forests between the government and indigenous peoples and the collaboration in the management of protection forests between the two. The results showed that the management of protection forests by the government was not optimal at the site level based on the principles of protection forest management that had only been done with boundaries: only area boundaries, not blocks and plots, forest protection such as area patrols, installation of prohibition boards and appeals) and land rehabilitation (planting with woody plant species and Multi-Purpose Trees (MPTs). Management of protection forest by Soa-based indigenous peoples has touched the site level although there is no planning document, the principles of protection forest management are forest management, area utilization (planting with fruit trees), subsistence crops and plantations: cloves, nutmeg, coconut), land use (using land in the form of dusung/traditional agroforestry), forest protection (prohibition of logging in water sources and along riverbanks and sacred places), land rehabilitation ( have to replant if you cut down trees n unproductive fruits). The government and indigenous peoples can manage Ambon City's protection forests collaboratively.

Key message: Dead wood in forests is an important resource due to its role for nutrient cycles, carbon budgets, and biodiversity, among other. While standing and downed dead wood are typically monitored in National Forest Inventories (NFI), stumps have not received comparable attention. Based on the detailed stump inventory in the current Swiss NFI, this study demonstrates the important contribution of stumps to the dead wood pool. Context: Dead wood (DW) in forests is an important resource due to its role for nutrient cycles, carbon budgets, and biodiversity, among other. NFIs provide representative DW estimates focusing primarily on standing and downed DW. Little is known on stumps as a DW pool. Aims: The aim of this study is to obtain an accurate assessment of the stump volume and biomass in the Swiss NFI to identify its significance for the DW pool, to evaluate the development over the last 30 years, and to examine the need for additional measurements for improving estimates compared to commonly applied assumptions for stump height such as a constant stump height or a fraction of tree height. Methods: The current NFI includes a detailed stump inventory to improve accuracy and completeness of the aboveground DW pool estimate. Based on available data, stump volume estimates were derived at different accuracies to evaluate the contribution to the total DW pool over time. Results: Based on the extended stump inventory in the NFI5, the contribution of stumps to the total DW pool is approximately 25%. The effect of simplifying assumptions or limited measurements to estimate stump volume can result in a significant underestimation of up to 2 / 3 of the more accurate and comprehensive assessment of this pool. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that stumps can be a significant proportion of DW in forests, which should be accounted for in order to improve accuracy and completeness of NFI estimates and derived data such as C stocks for greenhouse gas reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A restoration program is needed by West Lampung District, because 80% of the protected forests in this district have been damaged. Bina Wana (BW) Community Forest Group (CFG) has been successful in carrying out restoration program of 465 ha of Bukit Rigis protected forest. It resulted in an 80% increase in its members' income and an increase by 2.58% of the forest cover. To maintain the success of a sustainable restoration program, high commitment from the community is needed. This research has been conducted in June-July 2019 at West Lampung District, Lampung Province, Indonesia. The objective of this research is to analyse the social variables that affect restoration in the protection forest. The dependent variable is income and independent variables consist of respondents’ characteristics as individuals and social characteristics of the community. Based on the multiple regression linear analysis from 75 respondents, it was found that the significant variables for the sustainability of the restoration of Bukit Rigis protected forest are as follow: age, sex, education, status in CFG, distance from home to CF areas, social aids and social capital (networks, norms and trust). Existence of the youth groups namely Himpunan Pemuda Peduli Hutan dan Lingkungan (HPPHL) and Melati Women Forest Farmer Group (WFFG) plays an important role in implementing the restoration program. Establishment of HPPHL will ensure regeneration in maintaining the sustainability of restoration achievements. The role of WFFG is also important because their households’ income is supported by WFFG and enables the BW CFG members to be more concentrated in maintaining forest sustainability.

Calculation and estimation of carbon stocks in various types of forests and ecosystems in Indonesia has been widely practiced. However, the availability of carbon stock information for some locations in the remaining forest area in South Sumatra Province is still very limited. This study aim to measuring the carbon storage potential and the ratio between the carbon storage value derived from the interpretation of satellite imagery and the storage of carbon stock from the field calculation. The method used is to calculate the estimation of carbon stock through satellite imagery interpretation and field measurement. The largest estimation of carbon stock through satellite image interpretation was found in secondary forest cover type with yield 896,234 ton/c/ha, followed by plantation land type with a yield of 147.104 ton/c/Ha and the smallest is open land cover with value yield of 2.883 tons/c/ha. While carbon stocks through field measurement yield 429,181 ton/c/ha of secondary forest cover type, followed by plantation land type with 41,169 ton/c/ha and 4,283 ton/c/ha for open land type. A comparison of carbon stock estimates of the two approaches used, yielding a reference value of 220%. These comparative values can be used to assist in carrying out initial estimates of carbon stocks in some types of land cover, especially for lowland forest types.

Mountain forests below rocky cliffs are regularly impacted by falling blocks. Rockfall thus increases tree mortality and can locally alter the forest structure. At the same time, trees can decelerate or stop falling blocks and play an important role in protecting settlements and infrastructure from rockfall impacts. Furthermore, trees in the upper part of a slope protect trees further downslope. Considering the interaction between forest dynamics and rockfall disturbance in dynamic forest models is necessary to accurately predict the development of rockfall protection forests in the long term. In this study, we integrated the disturbing effect of rockfall on trees in the dynamic forest landscape model TreeMig through a coupling with three‐dimensional rockfall simulations and analyzed the rockfall‐forest feedback over time. We introduced an additional mortality per cell, based on the probability and severity of rockfall disturbance derived from rockfall simulations. We implemented the potential feedback effect between rockfall disturbance and forest development using a meta‐model of the rockfall simulations and analyzed the sensitivity of forest development to varying disturbances for a case study in the Swiss Alps. With increasing disturbance, the total biomass of the forest decreased, whereby differences were relatively small at the scale of the forest complex, but more pronounced at local (cell) scale. Generally, the comparison to light detection and ranging (LiDAR)‐derived forest data showed a better agreement between the modeled forest and reality when considering the rockfall disturbing effect. The coupled simulations further revealed a positive feedback effect of rockfall disturbance and forest development. Disturbance probability and severity clearly decreased with advancing forest growth, which, however, lead to an overestimated recolonization of the disturbed areas. Still, the rockfall disturbance module clearly improved the simulations of a rockfall protection forest with TreeMig. Future improvement of the model should include a better representation of soil formation and water availability in the disturbed areas and the consideration of long‐term effects of the rockfall disturbances, such as pests and diseases. The consideration of the rockfall disturbance in forest modeling is particularly relevant for small‐scale studies requiring a detailed representation of spatial differences in forest cover, as this is the case in protection forest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Mountain forests below rocky cliffs are regularly impacted by falling blocks. Rockfall thus increases tree mortality and can locally alter the forest structure. At the same time, trees can decelerate or stop falling blocks and play an important role in protecting settlements and infrastructure from rockfall impacts. Furthermore, trees in the upper part of a slope protect trees further downslope. Considering the interaction between forest dynamics and rockfall disturbance in dynamic forest models is necessary to accurately predict the development of rockfall protection forests in the long term. In this study, we integrated the disturbing effect of rockfall on trees in the dynamic forest landscape model TreeMig through a coupling with three‐dimensional rockfall simulations and analyzed the rockfall‐forest feedback over time. We introduced an additional mortality per cell, based on the probability and severity of rockfall disturbance derived from rockfall simulations. We implemented the potential feedback effect between rockfall disturbance and forest development using a meta‐model of the rockfall simulations and analyzed the sensitivity of forest development to varying disturbances for a case study in the Swiss Alps. With increasing disturbance, the total biomass of the forest decreased, whereby differences were relatively small at the scale of the forest complex, but more pronounced at local (cell) scale. Generally, the comparison to light detection and ranging (LiDAR)‐derived forest data showed a better agreement between the modeled forest and reality when considering the rockfall disturbing effect. The coupled simulations further revealed a positive feedback effect of rockfall disturbance and forest development. Disturbance probability and severity clearly decreased with advancing forest growth, which, however, lead to an overestimated recolonization of the disturbed areas. Still, the rockfall disturbance module clearly improved the simulations of a rockfall protection forest with TreeMig. Future improvement of the model should include a better representation of soil formation and water availability in the disturbed areas and the consideration of long‐term effects of the rockfall disturbances, such as pests and diseases. The consideration of the rockfall disturbance in forest modeling is particularly relevant for small‐scale studies requiring a detailed representation of spatial differences in forest cover, as this is the case in protection forest management.

In steep terrain, forests play an important role as natural means of protection against natural hazards, such as rockfall. Due to climate warming, significant changes in the protection service of these forests have to be expected in future. Shifts of current to more drought adapted species may result in temporary or even irreversible losses in the reduction of rockfall risk provided by these forests. In this study, we assessed how the protective capacity against rockfall of a protection forest in the western part of the Valais in the Swiss Alps may change in future, by combining dynamic forest modelling with a quantitative risk analysis. Current and future forest development was modelled with the spatially explicit forest model TreeMig under a moderate (RCP4.5) and an extreme (RCP8.5) climate change scenario. The simulated forest scenarios were compared to ground-truth data from the current forest complex. We quantified the protective effect of the different forest scenarios based on the reduction of rockfall risk for people and infrastructure at the bottom of the slope. Rockfall risk was calculated on the basis of three-dimensional rockfall simulations. The forest simulations predicted a clear decrease in basal area of most of the currently occuring species (Fagus sylvatica, Picea abies, Larix decidua, and Abies alba) in future. The forest turned into a Quercus pubescens dominated forest, for both climate scenarios, mixed with Pinus sylvestris under RCP4.5. With climate warming, a clear increase in risk is expected for both climate change scenarios. In the long-term (>100 years), a stabilization of risk, or even a slight decline may be expected due to an increase in biomass of the trees. The results of this study further indicate that regular forest interventions may promote regeneration and thus accelerate the shift in species distribution. Future research should explore into more details the long-term effect of different adaptive forest management strategies on the protection service of forests under climate change.

Copyright of Indonesian Journal of Forestry Research is the property of Indonesian Journal of Forestry Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Forests below rocky cliffs often play a very important role in protecting settlements against rockfall. The structure and development of these forests are expected to be substantially affected by the disturbance of the falling rocks. Knowing about this effect is important to predict the development of protection forests and consider potential effects of the falling blocks in management strategies. The goal of this study is to quantify differences in forest structure depending on rockfall activity in four different sites in the Swiss Alps. For this, we collected data on forest structure in zones of different rockfall activity and derived rockfall impact probabilities based on rockfall simulations. We assessed whether differences in forest structure and signs of rockfall disturbance could be observed between the rockfall zones. We additionally built mixed-effects models to identify the key variables explaining the forest characteristics described by diameter (DBH) and basal area (bA). The forest structure differs between the rockfall zones, however, with varying effects amongst the sites. DBH tends to decrease with increasing rockfall activity, whereas tree density appears to be little impacted by rockfall. For most sites, the number of deposited blocks and the simulated tree impact probability have a significant effect in the models along with the species, whereas for one site, hardly any effect of rockfall was found. Our results, obtained either from direct measurements or modelling, show that rockfall can locally influence the structure of forests, whereas the influence depends on the frequency and intensity of the rockfall disturbance. Impact probabilities obtained by simulations can serve as a good proxy for rockfall disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to achieve a quantitative assessment of rockfall protection forest efficiency at regional scale, considering site specific forest, morphological and lithological parameters. At first, a semi-automatic GIS-based method, integrated with a multi-scenario 3D-rockfall model realized by using the simulation code HY-STONE, was used to map protection forests of Regione Lombardia (central Italian Alps). For each different forest type, a rockfall protective efficiency was assessed by using empirical (energy line angle) and modelling (HY-STONE) approaches. The empirical approach shows an increase of the energy line angle value from about 36° for the bare slopes to over 40° in forested slopes, with a value ranging from 37° to 44° for different forests types. The modelling approach is based on a new efficiency index EEI ranging from 0 (minimum efficiency, equal to no forest condition) to 1 (maximum efficiency): the efficiency of different forest types ranges from 0.08 to 0.98 by using average values of the controlling parameters. To modulate the efficiency in each single forest at regional scale, a set of parametric simulations was performed to evaluate the effects of controlling parameters. The parametric simulations show that block volume, slope gradient, DBH (diameter at breast height) and forest density are the most important parameters at controlling the efficiency. These parameters were used within a multiple linear regression function to associate a protection efficiency to each specific protection forest in the regional map. This allows to discriminate quantitatively the individual forests according to their actual efficiency. Most of the protection forest area (46%) shows an efficiency greater than 0.50 and only the 24% of the total covered area shows a value lower than 0.25. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining areas where forest plantations provide protection against rockfall is significant in the prevention of disasters. In this paper, a case study is conducted in the Özlüce Forest District of İnebolu, Turkey. Potential rockfall source areas are firstly calculated and mapped via RollFree, which uses a digital elevation model as the only input. The rockfall travel distance is then identified using an empirical energy line angle to create propagation maps for different scenarios (using a set of four angles: 28°, 32°, 35°, and 38°). By marking the lower boundaries of propagation, the maximum run-out zone of a fallen block is determined as having a very low, low, medium, or high probability of occurrence (marking the lower boundaries of propagation). These propagation maps are then overlapped with a forest stand map to define areas where the forest provides a protective function against rockfall. According to propagation maps that indicate a high probability of occurrence, only 9% of the total forest area is found to be capable of playing a protective role, whereas for those determined as having a low probability of occurrence, 17% of the forest area provides a protective function.

Preferential flow has an important role as it strongly influences solute transport in forest soil. The quick passage of water and solutes through preferential flow paths without soil absorption results in considerable water loss and groundwater pollution. However, preferential flow and solute transport under different infiltration volumes in southwestern China remain unclear. Three plots, named P20, P40 and P60, were subjected to precipitation amounts of 20, 40 and 60 mm, respectively, to investigate preferential flow and solute transport characteristics via field multiple-tracer experiments. Stained soils were collected to measure Br− and NO3− concentrations. This study demonstrated that precipitation could promote dye tracer infiltration into deep soils. The dye tracer reached the maximum depth of 40 cm in P60. Dye coverage generally reduced with greater depth, and sharp reductions were observed at the boundary of matrix flow and preferential flow. Dye coverage peaked at the soil depth of 15 cm in P40. This result demonstrated that lateral infiltration was enhanced. The long and narrow dye coverage pattern observed in P60 indicated the occurrence of macropore flow. Br− and NO3− were found at each soil depth where preferential flow had moved. Increasing precipitation amounts increased Br− and NO3− concentration and promoted solute movement into deep soil layers. Solute concentration peaked at near the end of the preferential flow path and when preferential flow underwent lateral movement. These results indicated that the infiltration volume and transport capacity of preferential flow had important effects on the distribution of Br− and NO3− concentrations. The results of this study could help expand our understanding of the effects of preferential flow on solute transport and provide some suggestions for protection forest management in southwestern China.

The life of humankind has a close relationship with its surrounding forests. The interaction /relationship is often in a lame and brings a negative impact on the forest. The impacts of these unbalanced relationships are the destruction of all production, conservation and protection areas of forests. This study aimed to identify the anthropogenic damages in Mutis Timau protected forest areas. This research was a qualitative research with a descriptive approach using a purposive sampling and a snowball sampling technique. The purposive sampling was used to select resource persons of the FMU chiefs, forest police staff, retired FMU employees and village heads where the samples were undertaken. While the snowball sampling technique was set according to a snowball pattern that began with the village leaders (village heads) and then progressed to other resource persons to obtain accurate information related to anthropogenic activities that caused forest destruction. The number of sources of informants were 62 people. Methods of data collection in this study include observation methods, indepth interviews and documentation. The preliminary research results indicate that the anthropogenic damages in Mutis Timau protected forest areas include forest encroachment, livestock grazing, shifting cultivation and forest fires, and illegal logging. Anthropogenic damage can be resolved by the management by involving community participation through joint forest management (collaborative) and can be conducted by using the social forestry systems

The invasive tree species Ailanthus altissima increasingly occupies forests in the southern parts of the Alps. Many of these forests grow on steep slopes and protect settlements and infrastructure from natural hazards, such as rockfall. It is feared that the mechanical properties of Ailanthus are less favourable for energy reduction of falling rocks due to lower wood strength as well as higher prevalence of heart rot. Therefore, the question has arisen whether the spread of Ailanthus will substantially change rockfall risk. The objective of this study is to analyse the influence of the spread of Ailanthus trees in forest stands on their protective effect against rockfall. We first quantify the block energy reduction capacity of single Ailanthus trees based on a block-tree impact model and compare it to that of other species. Subsequently, we analyse the effect of Ailanthus on rockfall risk for different forest scenarios with a varying proportion of Ailanthus at the stand scale. The capacity of Ailanthus to reduce the block energy was quantified using a model of the block impact on a tree based on the Discrete Element Method. We then integrated the obtained results in the rockfall trajectory model RockyFor3D. Based on rockfall simulations, we finally calculated rockfall risk for different forest scenarios representing current forest conditions and an increasing spread of Ailanthus. The energy reduction capacity of Ailanthus lies in the range of the species predominantly present in the study area, as well as other species that are typically found on rockfall slopes in the Alps. Rockfall risk for houses and roads does not increase with an increasing proportion of Ailanthus without change in the forest structure. Assuming a decrease in tree diameters with an increasing proportion of Ailanthus trees, rockfall risk, however, critically increased. Consequently, whether or not Ailanthus changes rockfall risk in the long term, strongly depends on its influence on the forest structure. To anticipate the evolution of protection forests invaded by Ailanthus, more long-term ecological data on growth and succession of Ailanthus at stand scale is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Snow penetration resistance was measured repeatedly below bark beetle killed trees. • Variability in snow stratigraphy was quantified with a new layer matching algorithm. • Spatial variability in snow stratigraphy is driven by percentage of canopy cover. • Leaving dead trees in protection forests contributes to avalanche protection. • Salvage logging can result in snow stratigraphy more prone to avalanche release. Abstract Healthy, dense forests growing in avalanche terrain reduce the likelihood of slab avalanche release by inhibiting the formation of continuous snow layers and weaknesses in the snowpack. Driven by climate change, trends towards more frequent and severe bark beetle disturbances have already resulted in the death of millions of hectares of forest in North America and central Europe, affecting snowpack in mountain forests and potentially reducing their protective capacity against avalanches. We examined the spatial variability in snow stratigraphy, i.e., the characteristic layering of the snowpack, by repeatedly measuring vertical profiles of snow penetration resistance with a digital snow micro penetrometer (SMP) along 10- and 20-m transects in a spruce beetle-infested Engelmann spruce forest in Utah, USA. Three study plots were selected characterizing different stages within a spruce beetle outbreak cycle: non-infested/green, infested > 3 years ago/gray stage, and salvage-logged. A fourth plot was installed in a non-forested meadow as the control. Based on our SMP measurements and a layer matching algorithm, we quantified the spatial variability in snow stratigraphy, and tested which forest, snow and/or meteorological conditions influenced differences between our plots using linear mixed effects models. Our results showed that spatial variability in snow stratigraphy was best explained by the percentage of canopy covering a transect (R2 = 0.71, p < 0.001), and that only 14% of the variance was explained by the stage within the outbreak cycle. That is, differences between green and gray stage stands did not depend much on the reduction in needle mass, but spatial variability in snow stratigraphy increased significantly with increasing forest canopy cover. At both study plots, a more heterogeneous snow stratigraphy developed, which translates to disrupted and discontinuous snow layers and, therefore, reduced avalanche formation. We attribute this to the effect that small fine branches and twigs still present in the canopy of gray stage trees have on snow interception and unloading, and especially on canopy drip. In contrast, salvage logging that reduced the canopy cover to ∼25%, led to a spatially less variable and similar snow stratigraphy as observed in the meadow. At these two study plots, a homogeneous snow stratigraphy consisting of distinct vertical and continuous slope-parallel soft and hard snow layers including weak layers had formed, a condition which is generally more prone to avalanche release. Our findings therefore emphasize advantages of leaving dead trees in place, especially in protection forests where bark beetle populations have reached epidemic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRAK Partisipasi masyarakat dalam pengelolaan program merupakan hal mendasar yang menentukan keberhasilan penyelenggaraan program. Dalam perspektif konservasi sumber daya alam, partisipasi merupakan prinsip dasar yang menentukan keberhasilan pencapaian program. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui fungsi, intensitas dan tingkat partisipasi masyarakat dalam program pengelolaan hutan lindung Wosi Rendani. Fungsi partisipasi masyarakat dalam pengelolaan kawasan hutan lindung Wosi Rendani tertinggi pada kampung Kentekstar (60,0%), diikuti Ipingoisi (31,11%), Soribo (28,57%) dan Tanah Merah Indah (27,27%) dengan frekuensi 41 responden (34,75%). Konsentrasi responden pada fungsi partisipasi distribusi dengan frekuensi partisipasi 26 responden (22,03%). Intensitas partisipasi tertinggi pada kampung Kentekstar (60,00%), diikuti Tanah Merah Indah (36,36%), Ipingoisi (31,11%), dan Soribo (28,57%) dengan frekuensi 41 responden (34,75%). Tingkat partisipasi masyarakat masuk dalam kategori “sangat tidak aktif dengan indek partisipasi berada pada rentang 1 – 25. ABSTRACT Participation of community in the management is fundamental that determines the success of the programs. In the perspective of natural resources conservation, participation is a basic principle that determines the success of achieving the programs. The purpose of research is to determine the function, the intensity and the level of community participation in Wosi Rendani protected forest management program. The results of the research that participation indexs in the management of protected forest of Wosi Rendani based functions at Kentekstar village highest participation (60.0%) followed Ipingoisi (31.11%), Soribo (28.57%) and lowest in Tanah Merah Indah (27.27%) with the value of the frequency of participation of 41 respondents (34.75%). Overall all respondents would participate in the function of the distribution with participation frequency of 26 respondents (22.03%). Intensity of participation at Kentekstar village is highest (60.0%) followed Tanah Merah Indah (36.36%), Ipingoisi (31.11%) and lowest in the Soribo (28.57%) with the value of the frequency of participation of 41 respondents (34.75%). The level of community participation in the category of "very active with Participation Index values were in the range 1 – 25.

Protection forests play an important role in mitigating the influence of natural hazards. Despite the growing need for protective functions due to aging forests and increased risk of natural disturbances, active forest management has become increasingly uncommon across the Alps. Active management of protection forests can be facilitated by state subsidies. This requires an objective delineation of forests with a direct protection function and the development of silvicultural techniques that mitigate natural hazards. A study of protection efficiency of beech-dominated forests in the Soteska gorge in NW Slovenia, where a main state road and railway are at risk from debris flows and rockfall, was performed. We assessed the starting points of debris-flow hazard based on a small-scale geological survey of the terrain characteristics and a local debris flow susceptibility map. We applied the TopRunDF model for determination of the run-out zones. Forest structure data were obtained from 26 sample plots. A detailed description and delineation of forest stands was performed. The results showed that these forests play an important role in the protection of infrastructure. Forest protection efficiency can be improved by stand thinning for stability and careful planning of regeneration patches over time and space. In areas where silvicultural measures cannot provide sufficient protection, technical measures are needed. Since these forests have not been managed for several decades, natural disturbances (windthrow) are frequent. Research findings suggest that regular assessment and management of these beech-dominated protection forests are necessary, contrary to the current practice of non-management in protection forests in Slovenia.

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Human assets in Alpine regions are prone to gravitational natural hazards such as rock fall, shallow landslides and avalanches. Forests make up a substantial share in that landscape and can mitigate those hazards. Management of avalanche protection forests must cope with avalanches potentially released in forest gaps, which can damage downslope forests. The Swiss guidelines "Sustainability and success monitoring in protection forests" prescribe forest-gap extents in slope-line direction critical to the release of avalanches in forested areas. This article proposes a topography-informed morphology approach (TIMA) to automate the detection of critical gaps based on a digital terrain model and a canopy height model (CHM) derived from airborne LiDAR-data. TIMA uses complementary information about topography to probe forest gaps computed from the CHM with templates meeting critical-gap extents adjusted to local topography. The method was applied to a test site in Klosters-Serneus (Switzerland). The comparison of a critical-gap map with the results of a field assessment at 19 sample locations resulted in 84% overall accuracy. Moreover, plausibility of gap detection could be improved by including linear features forest roads and torrent channels in TIMA to account for decoupled snow layer resulting from abrupt breaks on the hillslope. If the TIMA concept can be successfully applied to the case of avalanches, this would encourage its use in assessing other gravitational natural hazard processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Alps, forests are generally multi-functional, and they are classed according to their primary role as production, protection or recreation forests. The dominance of one of these roles does not exclude all the others, although it shapes management, which must reflect the primary role of each forest. That is also the case of protection forests, which must be managed for their secondary production and recreation roles as well. What is more, management is a vital requirement because it supports forest health, and therefore periodic harvesting remains a necessity. However, the physical conditions that characterize a protection forest (e.g. extremely steep terrain, sensitive soil, remote location etc.) and the prescriptions of a specifically designed silviculture tend to constrain harvesting and make it especially difficult. Special harvesting equipment and novel approaches to harvesting are required in order to achieve environmental, social and financial sustainability. This study reports about cable yarding in a protection forest, under conditions that are representative of the challenges encountered when negotiating this forest type. The productivity of the yarding operation was 6.1 m3ub SMH-1 for the yarding distance of 135 m, an average load of 0.88 m3 and a lateral distance of 20 m. Of the remaining trees, 27.1% were damaged during forest operations due to felling, log contact or falling rocks. Falling rocks have a great influence on log quality and value. Consequently, 73% of conifers and 90% of broadleaves are C class logs or other lower grade wood, making a large impact on the economy of the operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gozdarski Vestnik is the property of Federation of Forestry Associations of Slovenia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Gravitational hazards, such as rockfall, constitute a major risk in mountainous areas, threatening dwellers, goods, and infrastructures, and ultimately posing a challenge to their development. Ecosystem-based solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR), such as protection forests, can play a significant role in mitigating these risks by integrating the protective structures currently adopted, which are often costly and could entail higher environmental impacts. This study develops an economic model called ASFORESEE (Alpine Space FORest Ecosystem Services Economic Evaluation) to assess the protective service forests provide against rockfall within a standardized framework adopting a precautionary approach. The Replacement Cost approach was adopted, measuring the protection effectiveness, the need for protection of the stakeholders and defining a harmonized method for the design of the defensive structures. Applying the model to a case study in the Italian Alps, the results show the forest has a relevant protective effect able to fulfil the stakeholders’ needs, with a value of 30,440 € ha−1, equal to 950 € ha−1 year−1, within the 25-year timespan considered. ASFORESEE could feasibly be adopted in other mountainous contexts, due to its harmonized structure reliant on minimal assumptions. Its adoption would foster the acknowledgment of the forest role and to further support the inclusion of Eco-DRR in local risk management plans.

Natural disturbances may cause a temporary reduction or elimination of the protective effect of forests. The management of protection forests aims to influence forest dynamics to ensure an optimal and continuous protective effect. To achieve this goal quantitative and detailed information about the post-disturbance stand dynamics is needed. In the case of hillslopes prone to shallow landslides in particular, there is a lack of knowledge about the effect of fire on the dynamic of root reinforcement and on the related increment in landslide risk. Such quantitative information is of paramount importance when dealing with forest system engineering resilience after disturbances. The objective of this work is to quantify the temporal and spatial dynamics of root reinforcement in a burnt Scots pine ( Pinus silvestris ) forest 4 years after a stand replacing fire in Switzerland. To this purpose, we compare the contribution of root reinforcement to soil strength of a burnt forest patch with a nearby-located, similar mature and healthy, stand. Root distribution measurements and field pullout tests on roots were used to calculate the spatial distribution of root reinforcement in both types of stand. The results show a reduction by a factor of 3.6 in root reinforcement 4 years after the forest fire due to the degradation of the root mechanical properties. Moreover, we demonstrate that at this post-fire stage the natural regeneration is not able to counterbalance the protective function loss in term of root reinforcement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for wood as construction material, renewable source for energy and feedstock for chemicals is expected to increase. However, timber increments are currently only partly harvested in many European mountain regions, which may lead to supply shortages for local timber industries, decreases in forest resistance to disturbances and functioning as protection from gravitational hazards. Using an inventory-based forest simulator, we evaluated scenarios to increase wood mobilization in the 7105-km Swiss canton of Grisons for the period 2007-2106. Scenarios varied with respect to landscape-scale harvesting amounts and silvicultural strategies (low vs. high stand-scale treatment intensity) and accounted for regulations and incentives for protection forest management. With 50 and 100% increases of harvests, the current average growing stock of 319 m ha was simulated to be reduced by 12 and 33%, respectively, until 2106 in protection forests of Northern Grisons, where management is prioritized due to subsidies. Outside protection forests and in Southern Grisons, growing stock was simulated to continually increase, which led to divergent developments in forest structure in- and outside protection forests and in the Northern and Southern Grisons. The effect of silvicultural strategies on simulated forest structure was small compared to the effect of future harvesting levels. We discuss opportunities and threats of decreasing management activities outside protection forests and advocate for incentives to promote natural regeneration also outside protection forests to safeguard long-term forest stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]