Salvage Logging and Its Ecological Consequences

by Lindenmayer, David B.; Burton, Philip J.; Franklin, Jerry F.

• ISBN13: 9781597264020
• ISBN10: 1597264024
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-07-04
• Publisher: Island Pr

Summary

Salvage loggingremoving trees from a forested area in the wake of a catastrophic event such as a wildfire or hurricaneis highly controversial. Policymakers and those with an economic interest in harvesting trees typically argue that damaged areas should be logged so as to avoid "wasting" resources, while many forest ecologists contend that removing trees following a disturbance is harmful to a variety of forest species and can interfere with the natural process of ecosystem recovery.Salvage Logging and Its Ecological Consequencesbrings together three leading experts on forest ecology to explore a wide range of issues surrounding the practice of salvage logging. They gather and synthesize the latest research and information about its economic and ecological costs and benefits, and consider the impacts of salvage logging on ecosystem processes and biodiversity. The book examines what salvage logging is and why it is controversial natural and human disturbance regimes in forested ecosystems differences between salvage harvesting and traditional timber harvesting scientifically documented ecological impacts of salvage operations the importance of land management objectives in determining appropriate post-disturbance interventions Brief case studies from around the world highlight a variety of projects, including operations that have followed wildfi res, storms, volcanic eruptions, and insect infestations. In the final chapter, the authors discuss policy management implications and offer prescriptions for mitigating the impacts of future salvage harvesting efforts.Salvage Logging and Its Ecological Consequencesis a "must-read" volume for policymakers, students, academics, practitioners, and professionals involved in all aspects of forest management, natural resource planning, and forest conservation.

Author Biography

David B. Lindenmayer is professor of ecology and conservation science in the Fenner School of Environment and Society at the Australian National University in Canberra.

 

Philip J. Burton is manager of northern projects at the Pacific Forestry Centre, Canadian Forest Service, in Prince George, British Columbia.

 

Jerry F. Franklin is professor of ecosystem analysis in the College of Forest Resources at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Table of Contents

Preface

The Challenge of Large-scale Natural Disturbances and Salvage Logging

Natural Disturbance of Forest Ecosystems

The Effects of Salvage Logging on Ecological Phenomena

Case Studies of Salvage Logging and Its Ecological Impacts

Limiting Salvage Logging Impacts

Toward Better Management of Naturally Disturbed Forests

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