Forest Resources in Europe (European Forest Institute Research Report, 1)

This volume provides a detailed country-by-country account of the increase in forest resources in Europe over the past forty years. This expansion, in standing volume and to a lesser extent in area, is a continuation of a trend that began during the nineteenth century. After presenting the historical developments, the author discusses the implications, should this trend be allowed to continue, for the future health and vitality of the forests, for forest policy management and silviculture, and for the economic viability and environmental sustainability of the resource. An increase in thinnings and regeneration cuttings is advocated, replacing current unstable tree species by true climatic climax species, as is a shortening of the currently over-long rotation ages. The author concludes that preserving the sustainability and biodiversity of Europe's forest ecosystems can be achieved by maintaining the genetic diversity, density, age and health stability of forests, protecting biotopes of endangered species and establishing cultural biotopes and strictly protected natural reserves.