Epsilon Open Archive

Abstract

This report is a summary of results from a study (Wikström 2008) carried out
within the project “Kontinuitetsskogar och kontinuitetsskogsbruk” (“Ancient
woodlands and continuous cover forestry”) headed by the Swedish National
Board of Forestry. This short version is written on behalf of the Baltic Forest
project, WP2 (www.balticforest.net).

The purpose of the study was to compare two types of management systems for
Norway spruce, selection harvesting and even-aged management, with respect to
economic value and growth. To do this, analysis were done using a stand
management growth-and-yield model. Mature forest stands were the starting point
for analysis, stands that could be clear-cut immediately if only economics goals
apply, but where selective harvesting may be an alternative. The reasons for not
clear-cutting may vary; they could be aesthetic, recreational or to promote certain
species threatened by even-aged management. The question is what the
consequences are with respect to economy and productivity for a forest owner
who chooses, for some reason, to apply a less intensive form of management than
clear-cutting followed by a new plantation regime?