Alternative definitions of growth and removals and implications for forest sustainability

Abstract

Alternative definitions for growth and removals from a forest being monitored over time are discussed. It is shown that the definitions that are used in practice may not be what one would expect and estimates can vary substantially under alternative definitions. This can result in conclusions about forest sustainability that may be misleading. Alternative definitions are applied to selected states using US Department of Agriculture Forest Service inventory data. Standard errors of growth over removals ratios are used to indicate potential sustainability problems for selected forest types. © Institute of Chartered Foresters, 2008. All rights reserved.