A Conceptual Framework for Characterizing Forest Areas with High Societal Values: Experiences from the Pacific Northwest of USA and Central Europe

Abstract

In recent decades, much work has been invested to describe forest allocations with high societal values. Yet, few comparative analyses have been conducted on their importance and differences across the regions of the globe. This paper introduces a conceptual framework to characterize forest priority areas defined as areas with identified higher importance of societal values in the context of multi-objective forest management. The six dimensions of the framework (designation objective, prioritization of objectives, governance, permanency, spatial scale, and management regime) characterize the general approach (integrative vs. segregative) to multi-objective forest management and explain the form and role of priority areas for providing forest services. The framework was applied in two case study regions--Pacific Northwest of USA (PNW) and Central Europe (CE). Differences between the regions exist in all dimensions. Late-successional and riparian reserves are specific to the PNW, while protection against natural hazards is specific to CE. In PNW, priority areas are mainly focused on public lands whereas in CE they include public and private lands. Priority areas in PNW are designated in a much larger spatial context and have longer time commitments. In CE, integration of management objectives on priority areas prevails, whereas in PNW priority areas tend to be designated for single objectives. In CE, greater tolerance of timber management within priority areas compared to PNW is allowed. Convergent trends in application of priority areas between the regions indicate mixing of segregation and integration approaches to forest management.

Multiple-Use Zoning Model for Private Forest Owners in Agricultural Landscapes: A Case Study

“…It has been argued that if non-timber services are part of a timber management plan on the majority of the forestland, there may be a lesser need for segregating or prioritizing objectives in different areas [131]. However, in a region where small private properties dominate, the diversity of forest services must often be packed into small woodlot areas, which makes integration of intensive forestry (plantations) often incompatible with other services [131].…”

“…However, in a region where small private properties dominate, the diversity of forest services must often be packed into small woodlot areas, which makes integration of intensive forestry (plantations) often incompatible with other services [131]. Integration of timber objectives in high conservation value areas may also be incompatible with biodiversity protection objectives [131].…”

“…However, in a region where small private properties dominate, the diversity of forest services must often be packed into small woodlot areas, which makes integration of intensive forestry (plantations) often incompatible with other services [131]. Integration of timber objectives in high conservation value areas may also be incompatible with biodiversity protection objectives [131]. In such a context, implementing zoning at the private property scale would be a potential solution, as segregated objectives are used in conservation and intensive production zones, while ecological and timber objectives are integrated in the ecosystem management zone.…”

Challenges and Opportunities of Aligning Forest Function Mapping and the Ecosystem Service Concept in Germany

“…The association further highlights the importance of a common language, which can be achieved by the ESS approach. Simoncic et al (2015) [33] identified the consideration of diverse societal values as a challenge in forest planning for many years. The authors mention the spatial classification of forest areas as a possible solution to this problem.…”

“…This work could also serve as a basis for future forest ecosystem accounting studies and reporting commitments in the forest sector. Since FFM is well-established in Central European forest authorities and the German FFM guidelines have already proved to provide a valuable basis for international comparative purposes [33], we use the German FFM approach as a starting point. Therefore, one core element of this research is the harmonisation of German FFM state guidelines and the federal guideline with each other.…”