Old Growth Forests
Old growth forests are mature forests where the effects of any previous disturbance are now negligible and the overstorey is in the late mature to over mature (partly dying) growth stage. There are many relatively large old trees that contain hollows and often have dead branches in the crown. There is diverse structure within the subcanopy and understorey. Dead logs may be present.
These forests are extremely important in the maintenance of biodiversity and ecological functions. They have very high aesthetic, cultural and nature conservation values. Their protection and management is extremely important in maintaining biodiversity.
Management strategies:
- prescribed burning
- control and removal of exotic species
- designing special harvest plans
- conservation and recreational use policies
Explain how the process of classifying ecosystems is an important step towards effective ecosystem management of an old-growth forest.
Approaching this question. There are four marks available:
- Identify that classification enables decision making.
- Identify that decisions serve a range of values, such as cultural, recreational, economic, etc.
- Identify any effective management technique.
- Identifies that classification supports long-term ecosystem resilience.
• The process of classifying an old growth forest (based on its dominant tree species and specific old-growth characteristics) enables managers/decision makers to make decisions about its management.
• Agreement about the classification allows stakeholders to make decisions to serve a wide range of values.
• Classification helps to support effective management of activities such as prescribed burning.
• Classification of ecosystems helps to support understanding of their unique interactions and therefore the effect of specific human impacts. This can lead to longer term resilience.