Salvage logging effects on regulating and supporting ecosystem services — a systematic map
- 1 September 2018
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Canadian Science Publishing in Canadian Journal of Forest Research
- Vol. 48 (9), 983-1000
- https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfr-2018-0114
Abstract
Wildfires, insect outbreaks, and windstorms are increasingly common forest disturbances. Post-disturbance management often involves salvage logging, i.e. the felling and removal of the affected trees. However, this practice may represent an additional disturbance with effects on ecosystem processes and services. We developed a systematic map to provide an overview of the primary studies on this topic, and created a database with information on the characteristics of the retrieved publications, including information on stands, disturbance, intervention, measured outcomes, and study design. Of 4341 retrieved publications, 90 were retained in the systematic map. These publications represented 49 studies, predominantly from North America and Europe. Salvage logging after wildfire was addressed more frequently than after insect outbreaks or windstorms. Most studies addressed logging after a single disturbance event, and replication of salvaged stands rarely exceeded 10. The most frequent response variables were tree regeneration, ground cover, and deadwood characteristics. This document aims to help managers find the most relevant primary studies on the ecological effects of salvage logging. It also aims to identify and discuss clusters and gaps in the body of evidence, relevant for scientists who aim to synthesize previous work or identify questions for future studies.Keywords
This publication has 102 references indexed in Scilit:
- Effects of post‐windthrow salvage logging on microsites, plant composition and regenerationApplied Vegetation Science, 2013
- Post-fire salvage logging reduces carbon sequestration in Mediterranean coniferous forestForest Ecology and Management, 2011
- Fuel buildup and potential fire behavior after stand-replacing fires, logging fire-killed trees and herbicide shrub removal in Sierra Nevada forestsForest Ecology and Management, 2010
- Characteristics of small rodent populations in post-fire silvicultural management stands within pine forestForest Ecology and Management, 2008
- Effects of partial post-fire salvage harvesting on vegetation communities in the boreal mixedwood forest region of northeastern Alberta, CanadaForest Ecology and Management, 2007
- Effect of timber removal from windthrow slopes on the risk of snow avalanches and rockfallForest Ecology and Management, 2005
- Do conservation managers use scientific evidence to support their decision-making?Biological Conservation, 2004
- The need for evidence-based conservationTrends in Ecology & Evolution, 2004
- Effect of burnt wood removal on the natural regeneration of Pinus halepensis after fire in a pine forest in Tus valley (SE Spain)Forest Ecology and Management, 1999