Silviculture for a Climate of Change

Abstract

Climatic changes within the life span of a tree may lead to species extinctions from their present environments. Withdrawal of silviculture from native forests follows from the assumption that natural processes will achieve the desired conditions. Benign neglect will not ensure success in a changed environment. The nature and extent of physical changes and the biological attributes of species must be understood in order to apply adaptive measures. Most plant species will grow satisfactorily beyond their natural distribution ranges provided various growth stages are facilitated and physical factors and competition are managed appropriately. Silviculture can and should be used to maintain species in desired locations and to introduce them to suitable new locations. Native forest silviculture is complex and our understanding of most species is limited, but we must attempt to overcome the effects of past disturbances and realise the many benefits that forests can provide