Forest management strategies based on the dynamics of natural disturbances - Considerations and a proposal for a model allowing an even-management approach

Although the concept of forest ecosystem management based on natural disturbance has generated a great deal of interest, few concrete examples exist of FEM principles being put into application. Silvicultural practices that emulate natural disturbances are proposed with examples from the principal vegetation zones of Quebec. With the exception of the large-scale use of careful logging to protect advanced regeneration in ecosystems generally controlled by fire, stand-level silvicultural practices currently used are reasonably similar to natural disturbances, although important differences exist. In contrast, at the forest-level, even-aged management, as is currently practised rarely permits adequate reproduction of the variety of age classes, stand types, and structural components normally found in the boreal forest. A model that allows an even-aged management approach inspired by natural dynamics is proposed.