Systemic silviculture and sustainable development

La fine dell'ultimo secolo e stata caratterizzata da profondi cambiamenti che hanno interessato tutti i settori della Societa, spesso portando significative innovazioni in campo scientifico e tecnologico. In campo forestale cio si e tradotto in una nuova concezione del bosco – sistema biologico complesso – e nella proposta di una modalita di gestione dei sistemi forestali alternativa a quelle della selvicoltura classica. Nel presente lavoro si evidenzia come la selvicoltura sistemica risponda alle nuove esigenze della nostra Societa

Stand structure attributes in potential Old-Growth Forests in the Apennines, Italy

The aim of this paper is to provide early feedback on stand structure attributes in Italian Apennines forests that could be considered Old Growth Forests in the Mediterranean Eco-Region. Few data are nowadays available relating to this Region. 10 forest reserves across the Apennines were selected and a census of trees and structural parameters was conducted in permanent plots (0.16-1.0 ha), one plot for each selected forest stand. Dimensional and structural characters indicate a large variability among the investigated forest stands. The considered parameters are compared with those reported for other European countries. Old growth features and characteristics of each indicator should be revised and referred to the particular climatic and biogeographic context. The chosen forest study sites are to be considered old if related to common Apennine stands but, in some cases, their development stage is not so close to “truly” Old Growth Forest. Permanent plots allow future investigations on dynamic processes leading to real Old Growth Mediterranean Forests in Italian Apennines

STAND STRUCTURE OF A CALABRIAN PINE OLD-GROWTH FOREST: INDICATIONS FOR FOREST MANAGEMENT AND LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION

Calabrian pine forests are the peculiar feature of the landscape of many Italian mountain areas: Etna, Aspromonte and, especially, Sila. Sila landscape conservation is important not only for cultural and historical heritage value, but also for environmental and socioeconomic aspects. This is particularly relevant as most Calabrian pine forests are now included in the Sila National Park. The authors analyze the structure of an old growth pine forest. The main structural characters are compared with those of small group selection pine forests. Results show that small group selection felling, a tradidional silvicultural system peculiar to this area for Calabrian pine, is the best silvicultural approach for the conservation of Calabrian pine forests

Integrated forest management to prevent wildfires under Mediterranean environments

This review presents a multidisciplinary framework for integrating the ecological, regulatory, procedural and technical aspects of forest management for fi res prevention under Mediterranean environments. The aims are to: i) provide a foreground of wildfi re scenario; ii) illustrate the theoretical background of forest fuel management; iii) describe the available fuel management techniques and mechanical operations for fi re prevention in forest and wildland-urban interfaces, with exemplifi cation of case-studies; iv)allocate fi re prevention activities under the hierarchy of forest planning. The review is conceived as an outline commentary discussion targeted to professionals, technicians and government personnel involved in forestry and environmental management

Integrated forest management to prevent wildfi res under mediterranean environments

This review presents a multidisciplinary framework for integrating the ecological, regulatory, procedural and technical aspects of forest management for fi res prevention under Mediterranean environments. The aims are to: i) provide a foreground of wildfi re scenario; ii) illustrate the theoretical background of forest fuel management; iii) describe the available fuel management techniques and mechanical operations for fi re prevention in forest and wildland-urban interfaces, with exemplifi cation of case-studies; iv) allocate fi re prevention activities under the hierarchy of forest planning. The review is conceived as an outline commentary discussion targeted to professionals, technicians and government personnel involved in forestry and environmental managemen