Temporal mapping of deforestation and forest degradation in Nepal: Applications to forest conservation

Deforestation and forest degradation are associated and progressive processes resulting in the conversion of forest area into a mosaic of mature forest fragments, pasture, and degraded habitat. Monitoring of forest landscape spatial structures has been recommended to detect degenerative trends in forest conditions. GIS and remote sensing play an important role in the generation of such data to identify degraded and deforested areas as well as potential areas for conservation. In this study we analyzed forest degradation and deforestation trends in Chitwan district in Nepal, which contains key habitat elements for wildlife in the region. An artificial neural network was used to predict forest canopy density in five classes using Landsat images of the year 2001. Forest canopy density was predicted with 82% overall accuracy. Except riverine forest, forest area of all other forest types was reduced. Terai Shorea robusta forest, which has high commercial value, showed a loss of 23% between 1976 and 1989 and an overall loss of 15% forest covers between the year 1976 and 2001. Deforestation and forest degradation disproportionately reduced the sizes of the different forest types, a finding that has important management implications. The maps presented in this article could be useful to prioritize limited resources for conservation.     

Post-1935 changes in forest vegetation of Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA: Part 1 - ponderosa pine forest

Vegetation plots originally sampled in Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP), Arizona, USA in 1935 are the earliest-known, sample-intensive, quantitative documentation of forest vegetation over a Southwest USA landscape. These historical plots were located as accurately as possible and resampled in 2004 to document multi-decadal changes in never-harvested Southwestern forests. Findings for ponderosa pine forest (PPF) differed among three forest subtypes (dry, mesic, and moist PPF), indicating that understanding the ecology of PPF subtypes is essential for development of ecologically based management practices. Dry PPF, which is transitional with pinyon-juniper vegetation at low elevation, exhibited no changes from 1935 to 2004. Mesic PPF, the core subtype of PPF, had increased densities of total trees, ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), and white fir (Abies concolor) in the 10-29.9 cm diameter class from 1935 to 2004 that may have induced decreased densities of larger ponderosa pines and total tree and ponderosa pine basal areas. Moist PPF, which is transitional with mixed conifer forest at high elevation, was the most dynamic PPF subtype with decreases from 1935 to 2004 in total density and total basal area that are largely attributable to decreases in quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides). Graphical synthesis of datasets with historical and modern values for density and basal area indicates that overall PPF (all subtypes combined) increased in sapling density of all species combined and conifers with canopy potential and decreased in density of quaking aspen trees since the late 19th century. PPF of GCNP has passed through an accretion phase of forest development with increases in density and, depending on PPF subtype and variable being examined, is at or past the point of inflection to recession of density and basal area. Increases in small diameter ponderosa pine and white fir from 1935 to 2004 portend potential additional accretion, but decreases in total basal area, density and basal area of quaking aspen, basal area of ponderosa pine, and density of larger diameter ponderosa pine indicate PPF has passed the inflection point from accretion to recession. Uncertainties about 19th-century PPF structure and composition and about future ecological and societal environments lead to the conclusion that resource managers of GCNP and other natural areas should consider a change in focus from the objective of achieving desired future conditions to an objective of avoiding undesired future conditions.     

Evaluating the Impacts of Forest Management Policies and Community-Level Institutions in the Buffer Zone of Chitwan National Park,Nepal

A Master Plan for Nepal’s Forestry Sector (MPFS), enacted in 1989, and subsequent legislation laid the foundation for modern community-based forest management in Nepal. In 2014, the MPFS reached the end of its 25-yr lifespan, after successfully ushering in significant institutional changes that fundamentally transformed the management of Nepal’s forests, mostly through devolving management and benefits from the national level to local communities. Here, we use the 25-yr anniversary of the MPFS to explore forest cover trends in the buffer zone surrounding Chitwan National Park (CNP). Landsat imagery was used for the years 1989, 2005, and 2013 to compute a normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to analyze trends in forest cover for 36 buffer zone village development committees (VDCs). The analysis, covering approximately 1,267 km², found that since the MPFS was enacted, there was first a continued decrease in forest cover, followed by a significant recovery. These data offer insight into the success of modern community-based forest management policies and supporting institutions, and provide a model for other efforts to conserve forest resources in Nepal and elsewhere.     

旅游干扰对张家界国家森林公园土壤的影响研究

在调查张家界国家森林公园土壤影响形态及影响范围的基础上,对公园游道两边不同距离土壤的硬度、含水率、容重进行了测定和分析,并通过计算各游览区土壤影响指数（SII）来评价旅游活动对公园土壤的综合影响。结果表明：游客越出游道观光对游道外缘土壤的硬度、水分含量及容重产生了较大的影响。在以上三者中以对土壤硬度的影响最大,对水分的影响次之,对容重的影响最小。土壤保护的主要对策为减小游客对土壤的影响范围及程度,包括设置护栏、铺设植草砖,对已形成的冲击“节”和“链”进行美化处理等。     

试论林产品结构与展望

本文针对黑龙江省森工系统林产品的生产现状进行了分析和评述,依据我国的改革开放政策,结合黑龙江森工系统的实际情况和国内外林产品的发展趋势,作者提出自己的观点。     

上海海湾国家森林公园景观林优化改造

在对海湾国家森林公园景观林资源现状调查分析的基础上,根据公园即将向公众开放对林木景观资源的质量和标准要求,针对存在主要问题,提出相应的优化改造措施。通过对本公园人工幼龄林培育过程中,出现的林相单调,密度过大有碍森林赏景、影响森林生态效益的发挥及阻滞森林健康演替等问题提出相应的改造措施,旨在优化提升森林美学等级。       

Riparian forest structure and succession in second-growth stands of the central Cascade Mountains,Washington, USA

We examined the relationship between landform types and riparian forest structure and succession in second-growth stands along mid order streams in the Cascade Mountains, Washington, USA. We sampled tree, sapling, seedling, and shrub characteristics across a range of fluvial geomorphic surfaces, which were classified into four landform classes, including low floodplain, high floodplain, terrace and hillslope. Landform classification was based on topographic characteristics, position relative to the stream channel, and estimated flood frequency. Statistical analyses using generalized estimating equations (GEE) showed that landform exerted a strong influence on the distribution and abundance of conifer and deciduous species and of different tree life stages. The floodplain landforms were characterized by initial disturbance from timber harvest, and ongoing fluvial disturbance, which favored the establishment of deciduous communities dominated by red alder (Alnus rubra) and maintenance of early successional riparian stands. In contrast, the terrace and hillslope landforms were also subject to timber harvest as the stand initiating agent but were unaffected by fluvial disturbance. However, based on differences in species distribution, we infer that forest structure on these two landforms differed from one another as a result of differences in soil moisture levels. Terraces and hillslopes were found to have high conifer tree abundance, but frequency of younger conifers was higher on hillslopes. Deciduous tree reproduction was very low on terraces and hillslopes. Our results also suggest that conifer recruitment in these second-growth riparian forests may be more successful on soil substrates than on coarse woody debris. We propose that the interplay between the disturbance regime (including type, frequency and intensity) and soil moisture conditions played an important role in influencing the course of riparian succession, present stand structure, and future successional trajectories and these were the primary mechanisms driving vegetation differences among landforms.     

Soil microbial biomass, abundance, and diversity in a Japanese red pine forest: first year after fire

This study was conducted to determine the microbial biomass carbon and abundance and diversity of soil microorganisms immediately after the occurrence of fire in a Japanese red pine forest, and to determine the pattern of microbial recovery within the first year after fire. The effects of fire at three slope positions were also determined. Three plots in each of the burnt and unburnt areas, measuring 10 × 10 m, were established. The first plot was located at the valley bottom, the second plot was located at the middle slope, and the third plot was located at the ridge. Analysis showed that for all parameters studied, the three plots in the unburnt area did not differ significantly and so they were treated as one control plot. The microbial biomass, abundance, and diversity structure in the unburnt and burnt plots showed significant differences. The unburnt area had the highest biomass carbon, abundance, and diversity, followed by the valley bottom, the middle slope, and then the ridge in the burnt area, and significant differences in the burnt plots were found between the valley bottom, the middle slope, and the ridge. The microbial diversity in the burnt area differed from that of the unburnt area, the microbial diversity being significantly lower in the burnt area, and the ridge was shown to have been the most affected by fire.     

Local pricing system of forest products and its relations to equitable benefit sharing and livelihood improvement in the lowland community forestry program in Nepal

The study examines the relationships between local pricing system of forest products and its effects on equitable benefit sharing and livelihood improvement of user households who are living in and around the forests. The community forest user groups of lowland in Nepal have practiced low pricing strategy for high value forest products considering the access of socio-economically poor households. However, the study suggests that even though the low pricing strategy was designed considering poor households, rich households greatly benefited from the forest benefits. The study further enlightens that the low price for high value forest products particularly timber is counterproductive for equitable benefit sharing among the user households in the areas of heterogeneous socio-economic conditions. In addition, the strategy is defective for collecting adequate community fund and carrying out enough livelihood improvement activities at the local level.     

Forest Structure Under Different Management Regimes in the Western Lowlands of Nepal

ABSTRACT

For landscape level conservation and rural sustenance, forests outside of protected areas are becoming increasingly important. Since most outside forests in the lowlands of Nepal are under government control and utilized as open access resources, their feasibility to achieve these objectives is questionable. We compared forests inside (with three decades of strict protection) and outside of protected areas (under government control and proposed as community forests) to assess the ecological sustainability of outside forests and to provide baseline data on structure of outside forests so that effectiveness of community forestry (after implementation) can be evaluated in the future. Our results indicate that outside forests were in a degraded condition with low tree, sapling and seedling densities and lower species diversity. Trees in lower dbh (diameter at breast height) classes were absent in these forests. Although the canopy layer was not significantly different, the ordination of plots and species showed that species composition of understory and the ground layer were different than protected forests. The present condition of outside forests is not only ecologically unsustainable but also cannot fulfill the demands for forest products of local people. The inefficiency of government to monitor against exploitation has been responsible for present conditions. We recommend that community forestry programs, which are successful in improving conditions of degraded forests in the mountains of Nepal, should be widely implemented in lowland areas (Terai) and proposed community forests should be handed over to local communities as soon as it is practicable.     

Estimation of the carbon storage of forest vegetation and carbon emission from forest fires in Heilongjiang Province,China

The forest resource of Heilongjiang province has important position in china. On the basis of the six times of national forest inventory data （1973-1976, 1977-1981, 1985-1988, 1989-1993, 1994-1998, 1999-2003） surveyed by the Forestry Ministry of P. R. China from 1973 to 2003, the carbon storage of forests in Heilongjiang Province are estimated by using the method of linear relationship of each tree species between biomass and volume. The results show that the carbon storage of Heilongjiang forests in the six periods （1973-1976, 1977-1981, 1985-1988, 1989-1993, 1994-1998, 1999-2003） are 7.164×10^8 t, 4.871×10^8 t, 5.094×10^8 t, 5.292×10^8 t, 5.594×10^8 t and 5.410×10^8 t, respectively., which showed a trend of decreasing in early time and then increasing. It indicated that Heilongjiang forests play an important role as a sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide during past 30 years. Based on the data of forest fires from 1980 to 1999 and ground biomass estimation for some forest types in Heilongjiang Province, it is estimated that the amount of mean annual consumed biomass of forests is 391758.65t-522344.95t, accounting for 6.4%-8.4% of total national consummation from forest fires, and the amount of carbon emission is 176 291.39t-235 055.23t, about 8% of total national emission from forest fires. The emission of CO2, CO, CH4 and NMHC from forest fires in Heilongjiang Province are estimated at 581761.6-775682.25 t, 34892.275-46523.04 t, 14091.11-18788.15 t and 6500-9000 t, respectively, every year.     

塞罕坝国家级森林公园风景游憩林类型与特征研究

本研究基于多尺度、多因素植被类型分类法探讨了塞罕坝国家级森林公园风景游憩林资源的类型划分,通过典型风景游憩林林分样地调查、季相景观照片的获取、解析与视觉设计,对不同类型风景游憩林林分及景观特征进行了系统分析,得出以下结论和建议:(1)塞罕坝国家级森林公园风景游憩林资源丰富、类型多样,可从林分和景观两个尺度进行分类。(2)森林公园不同类型风景游憩林林分,其林相及林内景观特征各异。(3)塞罕坝森林公园处于森林和草原、山丘与高原的交接带,地理位置优势明显,景观类型丰富多样。(4)建议保护天然次生林景观,同时通过栽植乡土阔叶树种,合理营造针阔混交色彩层次丰富的风景游憩林。(5)对于大尺度的森林景观的人工采伐痕迹,应从视域角度予以调整,通过调节视域范围,适当遮挡屏蔽不良景观、展现优美景观。     

Composition, structure and dynamics of Dysart Woods, an old-growth mixed mesophytic forest of southeastern Ohio

Dysart Woods is a 23 ha old-growth remnant of mixed mesophytic vegetation located in southeastern Ohio, USA. A designation of mixed mesophytic for this forest has historically been difficult, in part due to the abundance of white oak (Quercus alba); however, the dominance of a variety of other hardwoods prevents a simple oak forest designation. Using two 0.35 ha plots on opposing north- and south-facing slopes, we describe the structure and composition of the overstory, understory, and soils, 30 years after their first examination. In 1970, the woods was dominated by beech (Fagus grandifolia), white oak, and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) — historically, the three most abundant species in this region. At that time, white oak was only present in the largest size classes, was not regenerating, and was predicted to decline in importance through succession. These patterns continue today suggesting that inferences made via overstory–understory relations in regards to forest succession are relatively robust over this time period. Beech and maple have increased in importance; white oak has decreased in importance due to mortality in the larger size classes and decreasing density due to regeneration failure. Coarse woody debris distributions correlated strongly with living stem species’ composition and structure implying an equilibrium balance. CWD volume and frequency were dominated by Quercus spp. A detailed analysis of forest health showed that all oak species were in severe decline. The oaks are in a disease decline spiral affiliated with a variety of pre-disposing and inciting factors which include their advanced age (>300 years), their large size (> 100 cm DBH), topography, chronic air pollution, drought, and Armillaria root rot fungus. Ca:Al molar ratios in the soil are also extremely low (<1.0) and may be having an additional detrimental effect. All other canopy species appear to be healthy. One of the unusual features of this woods is its relatively diverse and high coverage (up to 90%) understory layer. The herbaceous community was sampled throughout the growing season and found to be markedly dissimilar among sample times and habitat productivity (aspect, soil quality, and light). The role of these factors has not been as well studied for herb communities as it has for tree communities. There appears to be a relatively strong linkage between the overstory regeneration and understory coverage. While a variety of woody seedlings were discovered, most were of shade tolerant species. Only a few small seedlings of white oak were discovered, with none advancing past 30 cm in height, indicating strong competition in the understory. Furthermore, this small remnant forest patch is surrounded by an agricultural and second-growth forest matrix with many non-indigenous plants — none of which have been able to enter the woods, suggesting strong equilibrium stability of these old-growth patches. The hardwood forests of the hills region has been heavily impacted by various human cultures for thousands of years. Dendrochronological analysis of a full basal slab cut from a wind-thrown white oak revealed a fairly active period of fire following European settlement. A lack of fire during the early 1600s to mid 1700s suggests that pre-Anglo fire frequency may have been negligible. There is clearly a continued role for the preservation and study of these old-growth remnants. They remain integrally important as we attempt to understand and better manage our remaining anthropogenically disturbed landscape.     

Quality and change analysis of forest resource in typical Changbai Mountain forest region

The utilization and changes of forest resources were studied in the Lishuihe Forest Bureau. Based on remote sensing images in 1985 and 1999, changes of major forest resources were analyzed by statistical and overlap method and classified quantitatively. The results showed that in recent 15 years, logging spots and man-made young forest changed violently, which was due to human activities. Different forest management manners and harvesting intensity played an important role in forest resources change. Dongsheng and Xilinhe tree farms were typical cases of different forest status and management for the Bureau, where forest succession was intervened by either human or natural disturbance. Dongsheng Tree Farm underwent a lighth arvest intensity and maintained a unit stock volume of 536.27 m^3. hm^-2, as much as that of broadleaf/Korean pine forest of Changbai Mountain Natural Reserve; Xilinhe Tree Farm underwent an intense harvest and was composed of secondary forests,where mature forests just had a small percentage and the unit stock volume was low. The study was useful to guide future forest management. What‘s more, problems found in the research were also analyzed and reasonable advice was given to the local forest management.     

长白山典型林区森林资源变化及目前质量分析

利用研究区1985年和1999年两期遥感数据,将两期图像的矢量化图像中变动幅度较大的主要类别进行叠加,通过图像单元统计及图像叠加分析,得知各类地物在十五年间的变化情况及相应类别变化的量化归属。研究表明,十五年间采伐迹地、人工幼林变化剧烈,人类活动是造成研究区地物剧烈变化的最主要原因。选择研究区中二个干扰与经营状况不同的林场进行重点剖析,结果表明经营强度及方式的不同,对森林资源质量有较大的影响。东升林场采伐利用强度相对较小,目前仍保存有面积约占该林场1/3左右的地带性植被,过熟林面积比例较高,成熟针叶林单位面积蓄积量高达536.27m3hm-2,与长白山自然保护区的阔叶红松林单位面积蓄积量大体相当;西林河林场因采伐强度较大,目前林分多为原始林被破坏后形成的次生林,成过熟林比例相对较低,单位面积蓄积量也较小。二个林场森林状况以及营林措施方面具有一定代表性,其森林演替具有天然、人为干预两个方面的性质,作为重点剖析对象对研究区未来森林资源经营具有一定的指导意义。本文还就研究中发现的问题进行了剖析,并对当地的营林策略提出了可行性建议。图6表4参13。     

Bat response to shelterwood harvests and forest structure in oak-hickory forests

Forest management practices, such as shelterwood harvesting, can greatly impact bat habitat relationships. Such practices can alter the amount of structural volume within a forest, which can influence bat foraging patterns. We determined the effects of shelterwood harvests of different retention levels (50% and 70% of full stocking) on bat activity patterns in oak-hickory forests located in southern Ohio. We used the Anabat system to monitor activity during May-September 2006. Our objectives were to quantify the effects of harvesting on structural volume and use the results to explain variations in bat activity. Because harvesting alters vertical structure as well as the total amount of volume within a forest, we also determined the height within the vertical profile where changes in structural volume begin to influence overall and species-specific activity. Overall bat activity did not differ significantly between shelterwood harvest levels, but was significantly different between harvested and control sites, with more passes detected within the harvested sites. Lasiurus borealis (red bat), Eptesicus fuscus (big brown bat), and Lasionycteris noctivagans (silver-haired bat) activity was significantly greater in harvested versus control sites, but did not differ between shelterwood harvest levels. Myotis spp. (Myotis lucifugus (little brown bat) and Myotis septentrionalis (northern Myotis)) and Perimyotis subflavus (tri-colored bat) activity did not vary between shelterwood harvest levels or between harvested and control sites. The greatest reductions in structural volume occurred in the understory to mid-canopy of the shelterwood harvests. Overall activity was most influenced by the amount of volume within 3-6 m above the forest floor, and declined as volume within that height strata increased. Mean bat passes declined by 50% when volume within 3-6 m exceeded 17 m³/ha. Estimated use by L. borealis decreased by 50% at volumes exceeding 1750 m³/ha in the understory to mid-canopy (0-12 m), while E. fuscus and L. noctivagans estimated use was the highest when volumes within 3-6 m were less than 63 m³/ha. Our results suggest that forest management practices that reduce the amount of structural volume in the understory to mid-canopy provide suitable habitat for foraging bats. Quantifying the amount of structural volume at various heights within the vertical profile of the forest can lend valuable insights into overall and species-specific bat activity patterns.     

对林区投资的分析与探讨

本文论述了林区的投资现状.并对其进行了分析.找出了近期林区固定资产投资的弊端.提出了扩宽林区今后投资的筹资渠道,并建立集团公司的资本金制度、加大招商引资力度.在投资的运用方面.提出要认真研究林区的保险投资问题,在加强固定资产投资的运用及投资原则上也提出了很好的建议.在投资管理上提出了建立林区建设项目库的新思路.     

Floristic diversity and composition of the Biteyu forest in the Gurage mountain chain (Ethiopia): implications for forest conservation

The Afromontane forests of Ethiopia have been under a serious degradation threat. Assessment of floristic diversity and species composition in Biteyu forest of Gurage mountain chain in the central Ethiopia was conducted to examine the pattern of forest structure. Thirty plots of 30 m×30 m were used to record the vegetation and environmental data using systematic sampling technique. The local name, plant scientific names, DBH, height,species abundance and percentage canopy cover of plant species were recorded. Shannon diversity index and Sorensen's coefficients was used for comparison among communities and similar forests in the country. Threats to the forest biodiversity in Biteyu were determined by counting cattle interference and wood stumps as disturbance indicators. Relative Euclidean Distance measures by using Ward's method(linkage) was applied for cluster analysis. Environmental variables were also recorded in each plot. Woody species population structure, basal area and importance value index were analyzed using spreadsheet programs. Data on species distribution and environmental variables in the forest were analyzed by canonical correspondence analysis. A total of 190 species in 154 genera under 73 families were identified. Twenty species were found to be endemic taxa to the Flora Area. Only three plant community types were identified from the cluster analysis due to the high human influence. The Sorensen's coefficient showed the resemblance of the Biteyu forest with other Dry Evergreen Afromontane forests in the country. Moreover, altitude and slope strongly affect the species composition and structure of Biteyu forest. Given the high anthropogenic influence, high endemism, high dependence of the local community on the forest resources, forest conservation and restoration measures should be done by stakeholders.     

试论浙江淳安县优质高效森林资源基地的建设

根据森林植被调查结果,分析了浙江省淳安县森林资源的特点与建设优质高效森林基地的必要性、紧迫性,探讨了建设优质高效森林资源基地的基本思路和发展目标及有关问题。     

The usefulness of a long-term perspective in assessing current forest conservation management in the Apuseni Natural Park, Romania

The forest ecosystem of the Apuseni National Park (ANP) in NW Romania is recognized for its high species and genetic diversity and is protected through various conservation measures. As ANP is the most populated natural park in Romania, the focus is on the need for communities to manage, sustain and prosper by using, exploring and sustaining the natural resources. But what activities are the most appropriate for the conservation of a highly diverse natural forest? This paper presents results from a long-term ecological study using fossil pollen, microscopic and macroscopic charcoal and AMS¹⁴C dating on a site in the ANP in order to examine how the interaction between climate change, human activities and other disturbances have shaped the present protected landscapes over the last 5700 years in this part of the reserve. Results from this study show that the landscape in this region has been continuously forested over the last 5700 years BP, but the forest composition and structure have been dynamic throughout much of the time. In particular, distinct changes in forest composition have occurred over the last 700 years of the record. Fagus sylvatica was the major taxon between 5200 and 200 years BP and its dominance is associated with the highest forest stability. The formation of the current Picea abies forests started 400 years ago and spruce became the dominant forest species during the last two centuries as a result of selective forest clearance, intensive grazing, and more recently, plantations. This led to a large reduction in forest diversity, decline of F. sylvatica and local extinction of several species including Abies alba, Ulmus, Tilia, and Acer. Our results show the high conservation values of A. alba and F. sylvatica in the ANP. Current management practices that allow the anthropogenic activities of timber production and fast tree regeneration, usually involving the plantation of P. abies in this part of the ANP are not in keeping with the NATURA 2000 objectives of ensuring the persistence of the most vulnerable species and habitats.