Silviculture and wildlife relationships in the boreal forest of interior Alaska

Abstract

Wildlife diversity and abundance are directly tied to the ever changing nature of the boreal forest. Wildland fire and fluvial action have been primarily responsible for maintaining diversity and productivity. However, there is an increasing need to protect people, human developments and a forest base for timber harvest from natural disturbances. Differences between logging, prescribed fire and wildland fire, and their effects on wildlife are discussed. We also discuss the value of riparian and late successional forest types within the boreal forest, our concerns for proposals that seek to optimize timber harvests for large areas, and some professional, political, economic and biological challenges facing managers who attempt to supplement or supplant natural processes with silvicultural practices. We conclude by urging forest managers to make decisions carefully, based on the best environmental science available, with full public and agency involvement, and with the understanding that there is still much to be learned about the boreal forest ecosystem.