If you take stand, how can you manage an ecosystem? The complex art of raising a forest.

Abstract

Managing whole ecosystem is a concept gaining considerable acceptance among forest managers throughout the Northwest, but it does not have a clear or simple definition. Terminology and definitions can be confusing.

Forests are complex places, formed by complex processes, and the moment we try to simplify, we are likely to damage the healthy functioning of those processes. Clearly, understanding why we are making certain management decisions can help improve ecosystem management approaches.

One way—among many—to measure progress in ecosystem management is through monitoring certain small mammal populations, such as squirrels and chipmunks, whose abundance indicates healthy function of ecosystem processes.

Citation

Duncan, Sally. 2000. If you take stand, how can you manage an ecosystem? The complex art of raising a forest. Science Findings. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. September (27): 1-5