User-oriented inventory and planning methods for adaptive multifunctional forest management (NOWA_IP)

The NOWA_IP research project aims to address one of the key issues in forestry operations - the operationally optimal design of multifunctional forestry - in a complex and practical manner. The project structure uses the cooperation of different forest science departments, represented by the Chair of Forest Management Planning, Chair of Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, and Chair of Silviculture, to work on these objectives. To ensure direct practical relevance, the operational concepts for multifunctional forest management are developed and adapted using the specific example of the cooperation partners Forstbetrieb Gut Hohenhaus and Forstbetriebsgemeinschaft Brauna.
Silviculture (1a) first conducts a comprehensive analysis of the theoretical background, terminology and definitions on the main topics of (multi-)functionality, ecosystem (services) services (ESS) and the levels of diversity as potential parameters for silvicultural and forest management approaches. Corresponding studies with different spatial reference levels (e.g. MEA 2005, TEEB 2011, CICES classification according to Haynes-Young & Potschin 2011) are taken into account. The systems used in each case are critically examined with regard to their operational transferability at company level. As a result of these analyses, (1b) a classification of defined forest structures as carriers of specific characteristics will be developed. On the basis of this system, it is to be questioned which goods or services are consequently provided via the concrete forest structures and can actually be influenced by silvicultural action. The focus of the theoretical compilation is thus the direct connection between defined forest structure and forest functions or services. (2) In a second step, the current state of the forest is classified on the basis of all available forest structure information (e.g. FE data, indicator plots) in the example farms mentioned and taking into account the previously established classification of forest structures relevant to function and performance. During the course of the project, the data will be supplemented by relevant information from the three participating specialist areas in order to be able to establish area-specific relationships between the given forest structures and the ESS for the specific example farms. (3) This list also forms the basis for assessing the current forest condition and the resulting area-specific and operational ESS potential. The operational decisions of forest owners should be made on the basis of area/stand-related ESS planning (or ESS target type planning). As part of the project, (4) silvicultural proposals for action will therefore be made for characteristic stand types in order to develop the respective target-compliant ESS potential in the long term. If necessary, existing forest structures are to be modified according to a spatial optimization of the ESS target formulations and conflicts in the combination possibilities are to be disclosed.