Metla Project 3404

Effects of restoration on the development of trees, vegetation and macrofungi in former managed forests

Duration: 2005-2006 Keywords: Restoration, biodiversity, managed forests, modelling, natural state, nature conservation, succession
Research project group: Distinct projects 1 - Structure and function of forest ecosystems

Objectives

The aim of the project is to analyse the effects of restoration on the structure and development of managed forest stands. The study uses data collected from permanent sample plots located in the restored forest stands growing on mineral soils and drained peatlands within the Natura 2000 area of the Koli National Park. The data comprise stands of which characteristics such as forest site type, the stage of development, and lesser vegetation vary. Special attention is given to the analysis of grass-herb forests, i.e. forests growing on fertile sites. Topics such as the regeneration of restored forests and the early development of seedlings, and methods that can be used to convert even-aged stands to uneven-aged stands are also of interest.

The empirical data collected form permanent sample plots will be used to analyse and model the development of restored forest stands. The study will also develop methods and indices for the determination of degree of naturalness. In addition, the effects of restoration on the appearance and richness of lesser vegetation species and the health status of trees will be analysed.

Long term monitoring and model based simulations of forest stand development produce information on the effects of restoration activities on the forest biodiversity. Models for the regeneration, growth and survival of trees can be used to predict the development of stand structure and characteristics (e.g., species composition, age and size variation of trees, accumulation of decaying wood, etc.) and to determine ecological impacts of restoration activities. Knowledge gained form the monitoring of condition, i.e. health, of trees can be exploited in the planning of forest restorations, particularly in the elimination of risks of bark beetle damages.

Results

The feasibility study (project 3404), which was carried out in 2005–2006, planned experimental designs for the monitoring of the effects of restoration on the ditched bogs and cultivated forests on mineral soils in the Koli National Park. The monitoring was based on 108 permanent sample plots in nine experimental sites. The field measurements were carried out by the LIFE-Nature project "LIFE to Koli – Restoration of the forests and meadows in the Koli National Park", which was partly funded by the EU. The data collected from the permanent sample plots comprised both individual-tree characteristics and vegetation characteristics. On the intensively monitored burned forests with standing trees changes in the macrofungi communities were also observed. In addition, the health status monitoring of trees was included in the field measurements. In order to eliminate the risks of possible bark beetle damage, pheromone traps were used to monitor population densities of engraver beetle (Ips typographus). The recording of tree data, basic calculations of sample plot characteristics, and basic analyses of vegetation, macrofungi and pheromone trap materials were also implemented by the project 3404.

The feasibility study formed a basis for the forthcoming studies on the effects of restoration measures in the Koli National Park. The project produced a manuscript of the research report entitled "Monitoring and studying the effects of restoration measures in the Koli National Park". The research report, which is to be published in 2007, introduces the basic theories behind the restoration of forests, explains the aims and preliminary results of the feasibility study and demonstrates experimental designs implemented in the Koli National Park. The feasibility study produced information needed for the restoration planning, which was carried out by the LIFE to Koli project, and supported the implementation of the research project "Monitoring system based on modern remote sensing imagery for natural forests and restored forests of conservational areas" (cooperation project between the University of Joensuu and the Finnish Forest Research Institute, yrs 2005–2007) funded by the Ministry of Environment.

Project leader: Eerikäinen, Kalle
The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Joensuu Office, PL 68, FI-80101 JOENSUU, FINLAND
Phone: +358 29 532 3165
E-mail: kalle.eerikainen@metla.fi

Other researchers: Hotanen, Juha-Pekka, JO (2006), Miina, Jari, JO (2006), Neuvonen, Seppo, JO (2006), Nevalainen, Seppo, JO (2005-06), Pasanen, Karri, JO (2005-07), Röser, Dominik, JO (2005-07), Salo, Kauko, JO (2005-06), Vehmas, Mikko (2005-06), Viiri, Heli, JO (2006)

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Updated 12.06.2012
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