Structure of Mountain Forests : Assessment, Impacts, Management, Modelling : International Workshop, September 6-10, 1999 Davos, Switzerland : Structure of Mountain Forests : Struktur von Gebirgswäldern
The scientific workshop 'Structure of Mountain Forests - Assessment, Impacts, Management, Mdelling' provides a platform for the presentation and discussion of the state of knowledge on the significance of mountain forest structure for natural hazards, biodiversity, nature conservation, stand dynamics, silviculture, forest management and on the methodology of structure assessment. The horizontal and vertical structure are key factors of the multiple functions of mountain forests. The typical structural features of mountain forests vary greatly from those of lowland forests. Typical high altitude forests of temperate zones contain relatively few species and consist of open stands with gaps. The trees are arranged in clusters, have short stems and long crowns. The stand structure is one of the important determinants for prevention of natural hazards, such as avalanches, rock fall, erosion, debris flow, land slides or floods. Stand structure is also closely correlated with biodiversity and habitat richness, thus significant for nature conservation and wildlife. Both the stand structure and the stand stability are dynamic, and stands often do not regenerate easily. Silvicultural systems must be adapted to the specific conditions and needs in high altitude. The economic and the technical situation make forest management much more difficult in mountainous areas. Assessing, analysing and modelling stand structures are therefore prerequisites for understanding and managing mountain forests with multiple functions. The workshop is oriented towards scientists willing to contribute actively to the workshop and interested in mountain forest structures, protective function of mountain forests, stand stability, mountain forest dynamics, nature conservation in mountainous regions, mountain forest silviculture and management, assessment and modelling of stand structures.
