Abstract
Modeling the Recovery of Forest Ecosystems to Natural Conditions Track: Ecology and Conservation Author(s): Hugh Irwin The forests of the southern Appalachians show varying levels of natural integrity and recovery from past abuses. A goal of conservation efforts in the region is to assess what natural or baseline conditions would have existed prior to European settlement and to work toward restoration with these conditions as a baseline. This effort would involve the return of extirpated species, the restoration of natural forest structure, and the reestablishment of natural ecological dynamics. Reference forests (old growth and highly recovered forest) as well as research on natural forest dynamics and historical accounts can help establish baselines of natural conditions. A GIS model will be presented that compares existing ecosystem conditions to these baselines and predicts trajectories for recovery based on different scenarios of management. The model attempts to account for climatic changes. Hugh Irwin SAFC 46 Haywood Street Asheville , NC 28801 US Phone: 828-252-9223 Fax: 828-252-9074 E-mail: hugh@safc.org |
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