Our forest management concept “Diverse forests for climate change”

aims at:

1. increasing the resilience of forests by introducing appropriate adaptive and mitigation management measures under changing environmental conditions
2. optimal use of the production potential of forests with regard to habitat conditions
3. ensuring the fulfilment of forest ecosystem services and other functions, with particular regard to the needs of the university (teaching, research) and the public (recreation)

based on

• the latest trends in forestry, scientifically based and practically tested – in accordance with the principles of the pan-European Pro Silva movement (the Czech branch of Pro Silva Bohemica was founded in 1995 at MENDELU Brno with the first excursion to UFE)
• comprehensive strategic documents of the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology in Brno – see for example Čermák, P., et al. (2016): Catalogue of forestry adaptation measures.
• the purpose-oriented mission of UFE – i.e. operational implementation, verification and presentation of timeless methods and economic approaches

is realized:

• on the whole area of UFE according to actual natural conditions
• using 10 key management principles or adaption measures

1. cultivation of diverse forests – diversity in species, age and space
2. small area management with the application of selective principles, continuity of stand cover and standing volume – with a view to optimising volume growth and forest stability
3. exploiting the creative forces of nature, in particular natural forest regeneration and self-selection
4. stand education – mainly individual positive, oriented to the quality of production
5. use of suitable adaptable geographically non-native tree species
6. formation and maintenance of the vegetation cover
7. minimising the negative impact of game on the forest
8. implementation of biotechnical measures for water retention in forests
9. general promotion of biodiversity, including through habitat trees and deadwood
10. proper partitioning for harmless approach of timber and to facilitate game hunting

• through 16 economic models in which the above measures are incorporated to varying degrees

1. Dauerwald: mixed non-stationary forest with implementation of individual and group selection – freestyle, predominant function – production (the model is predominant in area, classified forest stands are mostly in the initial phase of conversion)
2. Mosaic forest: mixed small-area forest with implementation of group mowing and small-area undergrowth elements, predominant function – production
3. Selective forest: distinctly non-coniferous forest (coniferous or beech type) with implementation of individual selection, predominant function – production
4. Forest managed under systems involving coupes: mixed old-growth forest with undergrowth and emergent forms (mainly in sloping terrain and floodplain forest), predominant function – production
5. Incremental forest management: a form of the passive model consisting of strong release drills, the predominant function is production
6. Low forest: clear-felling type (incl. exhibition form), predominant function – production
7. Coppice-with-standards: strong release clearing and a specific form of screen cutting, predominant function – production
8. Extensive forest: less intensive logging activity (health, or maturity selection), no cultivation activity, predominant function – biodiversity
9. High-growth forest: health selection, prevailing functions are realized – demonstration
10. Protective forest: individual selection of low intensity, predominant function – protective
11. Reserves: no-management areas, predominant function – biodiversity
12. Seed orchard: predominant function – source of reproductive material
13. Arboretum: predominant function – study and recreation
14. Park forest: predominant function – recreational
15. Agroforest: strips of trees with shrubs and agricultural crops in between on forest and agricultural land, predominant function – production
16. Game preserve: predominant function – game farming