Natural Disturbances from the Perspective of Forest Ecosystem-Based Management

Abstract

Natural disturbances drive forest dynamics and biodiversity at different spatial and temporal scales. Forests in the boreal biome are shaped by several types of disturbance, including fire, windthrow, and insect outbreaks, that vary in frequency, extent, severity, and specificity. In managed forests, disturbances also affect the amount and quality of available timber. Ecosystem management uses information on disturbance regimes as a guide to finding a balance between ecological, economic, and social viewpoints. In this chapter, we review current knowledge on disturbance regimes in boreal forests and discuss some implications for managing the impact and risk of disturbances in the context of forest ecosystem management and restoration.