Selective logging in mature hardwood stands of Caspian forests often causes physical damage to residual trees through felling and skidding operations, resulting in a decline in bole quality and subsequent loss of tree value. This study evaluated the logging damage to residual trees following logging operations. A total density of 5.1 trees/ha and 17.3 m3/ha of wood were harvested. On average, 9.8 trees were damaged for every tree extracted, including 8 trees destroyed or severely damaged. The most common types of damage included uprooted stems, stem wounds to the cambial layer, and bark scrapes. Damage to trees sustained along skid trails was found to be significantly more than the damage that incurred within logging gaps and winching areas. The results of this study suggest that logging practices also need to be accompanied by close supervision of field personnel and post-logging site inspections to be implemented properly.

Information on the amount, distribution, and characteristics of coarse woody debris (CWD) in forest ecosystems is highly demanded by wildlife biologists, fire specialists and ecologists. Owing to its important role in wildlife habitats, fuel loading, forest productivity, and carbon sequestration, coarse woody debris is an indicator of forest health. Two sampling methods including fixed-area plot and line intersect sampling were compared for accuracy and efficiency in measuring CWD. Data were selected from mature beech stands following selective logging in Caspian forests. Line intersect sampling consistently provided estimates similar to the results of a 100% survey (high accuracy). This method also took the least amount of time and effort to map the layout and field line location (high efficiency). Finally, line intersect sampling as an easy and fast survey method is suggested to monitor coarse woody debris (CWD) in Caspian forests.

Woody debris (WD), including coarse woody debris (CWD) and fine woody debris (FWD), is an essential structural and functional component of forest ecosystems. This study was carried out in Caspian hardwood forest sites. In this study, the volume and composition of WD were inventoried by line intersect sampling and fixed area plot sampling in unmanaged and managed forests on 6 compartments (3 managed and 3 unmanaged).Estimates of the total volume of WD in managed and unmanaged forests ranged from 11.9 m 3 .ha -1 to 25.82 m 3 .ha -1 , respectively. The results of independent t tests indicated that the amount of CWD in the unmanaged forests was significantly higher than CWD in the managed ones (t22, 0.05 = 2.64, P = 0.015). Also, the results of independent t tests indicated that the amount of FWD in the managed forests was significantly higher than FWD in unmanaged forests (t4, 0.05 = 5.07, P = 0.007). In the unmanaged forests, WD in decay classes 3, 4, and 5 accounted for 77% of the total WD volume, but in the managed forests, WD in decay classes 1 and 2 accounted for 87% of the total WD volume. The results suggest preserving the current unmanaged forests (protected forests) and maintaining the structural and functional integrity of woody debris.