Salvage Logging and Its Ecological Consequences

Salvage logging - removing trees from a forested area in the wake of a catastrophic event such as a wildfire or hurricane - is highly controversial. Policymakers and those with an economic interest in harvesting trees typically argue that damaged areas should be logged so as to avoid "wasting" resources, while many forest ecologists contend that removing trees following a disturbance is harmful to a variety of forest species and can interfere with the natural process of ecosystem recovery."Salvage Logging and Its Ecological Consequences" brings together three leading experts on forest ecology to explore a wide range of issues surrounding the practice of salvage logging. They gather and synthesize the latest research and information about its economic and ecological costs and benefits, and consider the impacts of salvage logging on ecosystem processes and biodiversity. The book examines: what salvage logging is and why it is controversial; natural and human disturbance regimes in forested ecosystems; differences between salvage harvesting and traditional timber harvesting; scientifically documented ecological impacts of salvage operations; and, the importance of land management objectives in determining appropriate post-disturbance interventions.Brief case studies from around the world highlight a variety of projects, including operations that have followed wildfires, storms, volcanic eruptions, and insect infestations. In the final chapter, the authors discuss policy management implications and offer prescriptions for mitigating the impacts of future salvage harvesting efforts."Salvage Logging and Its Ecological Consequences" is a "must-read" volume for policymakers, students, academics, practitioners, and professionals involved in all aspects of forest management, natural resource planning, and forest conservation.

About the Author :
David B. Lindenmayer is professor of ecology and conservation science in the Fenner School of Environment and Society at the Australian National University in Canberra. Philip J. Burton is manager of northern projects at the Pacific Forestry Centre, Canadian Forest Service, in Prince George, British Columbia. Jerry F. Franklin is professor of ecosystem analysis in the College of Forest Resources at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Review :
"The question of whether or not downed trees should be cleared from forest areas is one on which there has been much controversy. Large areas of forests can lose trees due to storms, fires, flood, insect infestation, even volcanoes. Lindenmayer (ecology, Australian National University) Burton, of the Pacific Forestry Centre in British Columbia, and Franklin (ecosystem analysis, University of Washington, Seattle) examine the question from both economic and ecological viewpoints. They consider the various reasons for the wood to be downed and the value of salvaging it rather than cutting down living trees. The conclusions over all indicate that salvaging downed trees has a more negative ecological impact than even clear cutting, threatening species and retarding the renewal of the forest. They suggest ways in which these effects can be mitigated but in most cases, they feel the cost of salvaging wood is high." -- "Reference & Research Book News" "This book is a strong and timely contribution to the discourse surrounding salvage logging. Policy makers, managers and ecologists alike will find this an indespensible introduction to the issue." -- "Book Reviews" "This book presents an excellent overall coverage of its broad subject matter, with a variety of perspectives, relevant examples, and sound science; it is thoughtfully written, and should prove equally useful to students, researchers, managers, and public stakeholders alike." -- "Natural Areas Journal" "An informative read as a lay person and it is surely a must-have reference for forest professionals and resource managers." --Mike Nash "BC Forest Professionals"