Forests of mountainous regions:: gaps in knowledge and research needs

This paper reviews the ecological characteristics and current management and utilisation of European mountain forests, and identifies areas in which research is needed in order to successfully manage forests for future societal needs. European mountain forests are important sources of timber and have been modified for centuries. Mountain forest management and forest utilisation differ from management schemes elsewhere mainly with respect to the temporal sequences of vegetative succession, the remoteness of the forests and their limited accessibility. As a result of generally short growing seasons and often high ungulate densities, there are major problems with regeneration. In this context, the following questions need special attention: (1) How can forests be managed in the face of uncertainty? (2) Which key elements and processes of mountain forest ecosystems need to be integrated into an ecosystem-based management? (3) Which silvicultural strategies, in terms of harvesting and regeneration, are required to maintain or enhance ecosystem stability and biodiversity? (4) How can ungulates be managed to allow sufficient regeneration in mountain forest ecosystems? Observational studies and monitoring activities combined with experimental studies can help to assess and understand cause-effect relationships of the major processes and feedbacks in mountain forest ecosystems. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.