Scientific Basis for New Perspectives in Forests and Streams

Abstract

New perspectives that involve development of management approaches that integrate ecological and economic values are especially important in riparian zones because of the numerous ecological linkages between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The scientific bases for alternative management regimes for forests and associated streams lie primarily in expanded knowledge of the importance of ecosystem complexity, of biological legacies in reestab- lishing ecosystems following major disturbances, and of landscape perspec- tives (larger spatial and temporal scales). Each of these three areas of knowl- edge is reviewed and then applied in developing some alternative approaches to managing forests and associated riparian zones. Maintenance or re-cre- ation of structurally diverse managed forests is an important principle of New Perspectives concepts at the stand level. Structures such as large trees, snags, and down logs are focal points in management, because they can act as surrogates for organisms and functions that are often difficult to quantify. Important considerations at the landscape level include special attention to riparian habitats (including headwaters), creation of an interconnected sys- tem of reserved areas, and selection of appropriate patch sizes for managed areas. Substantial progress is occurring in development and field trials of New Perspective concepts at both stand and landscape levels. A high level of collaboration between scientists, managers, and public interest groups is essential for this process to be successful. Key