Development of a stand-scale forest biodiversity index based on the state forest inventory

Diego Van Den Meersschaut; Kris Vandekerkhove

Treesearch

Development of a stand-scale forest biodiversity index based on the state forest inventory

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Diego Van Den Meersschaut, Kris Vandekerkhove

Year:

2000

Type:

General Technical Report

Station:

Northern Research Station

Source:

In: Hansen, Mark; Burk, Tom, eds. Integrated tools for natural resources inventories in the 21st century. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-212. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station. 340-350.

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Abstract

Ecological aspects are increasingly influencing silvicultural management. Estimating forest biodiversity has become one often major tools for evaluating management strategies. A stand-scale forest biodiversity index is developed, based on available data from the state forest inventory. The index combines aspects of forest structure, woody and herbal layer composition, and deadwood, as biodiversity indicators. The index is calculated by means of a score system following a standard procedure. It reflects the variability of forests in Flanders in a logical way and is sensitive enough to indicate changes for monitoring purposes.

Parent Publication

Integrated tools for natural resources inventories in the 21st century

Citation

Van Den Meersschaut, Diego; Vandekerkhove, Kris. 2000. Development of a stand-scale forest biodiversity index based on the state forest inventory. In: Hansen, Mark; Burk, Tom, eds. Integrated tools for natural resources inventories in the 21st century. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-212. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station. 340-350.