Stand structure and small mammals in intensively managed forests: Scale, time, and testing extremes

摘要: Abstract Stand thinning and fertilization have the potential to create a diversity of forest habitat conditions meet goals biodiversity conservation while sustaining wood biomass production. Three factors are crucial better scientific understanding how wildlife habitats develop in managed forests: real-world scale treatments using adaptive management, several decades time monitor responses, testing extreme treatments. Communities arboreal forest-floor small mammals occupy young coniferous stands may serve as indicators change structure function, hence biodiversity. We tested hypotheses (H) that, when compared with unmanaged (unthinned old-growth) stands, large-scale pre-commercial (PCT) PCT repeated fertilization, up 16–21 years after onset treatments, would enhance (H 1 ) stand structure, 2 abundance southern red-backed voles ( Myodes gapperi species mammals, 3 northern flying squirrels Glaucomys sabrinus ), lodgepole pine Pinus contorta south-central interior British Columbia, Canada. Mean diameters heights crop trees thinned were less than those old-growth but low-density did greater mean unthinned stands. crown volume was significantly low- medium-density high-density, unthinned, or density overstory (range 1010–1590 stems/ha) understory conifers similar structural total higher heavily (⩽1000 stems/ha) other For vascular plants, herbs fertilized Thus, some aspects supported H others not. M. younger except years low numbers, not support that these over longer time-frame this species. Fluctuations drier ecosystems, slow development decaying woody debris fungi contribute flexible occupancy for . The second part , be enhanced tended supported, particularly period prior canopy closure. G. maintained at levels recorded forests by medium- high-density A sustained flow products features their should achievable wide range densities from variable regimes nutrient additions intensively forests. Essential key elements include (operational-size) treatment units long-term monitoring installations decades, preferably 5- 10-year intervals.