Using structural sustainability for forest health monitoring and triage: Case study of a mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae)-impacted landscape

摘要: Abstract Heavy disturbance-induced mortality can negatively impact forest biota, functions, and services by drastically altering the structures that create stable environmental conditions. Disturbance impacts on structure be assessed using structural sustainability⿿the degree of balance between living dead portions a tree population⿿s size-class distribution⿿which is basis baseline analysis. This analysis uses conditionally calibrated reference level (i.e., mortality) against which to detect significant deviations without need for historical references. Recently, sustainability index was developed parameterizing results this allow spatial temporal comparisons within or among forested landscapes. The utility as tool health monitoring programs triage decisions has not been examined. Here, we investigated retrospectively analyzing mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae)-impacted, lodgepole (Pinus contorta)-dominated landscape annually from 2000 2006 well watersheds. We show patterns at landscape-level reflect accumulating beetle-induced beetle-lodgepole ecology. At watershed-level, spatially varied with mortality. Further, satisfies key criteria effective indicators ecosystem change. conclude viable upon base supplement programs, could potentially increase efficacy such under current future climate change-associated disturbance patterns.