| dc.description.abstract | While restoration endeavors in Scandinavia and Northern Europe have predominantly concentrated on boreal forests, the often-overlooked boreonemoral forests, sharing similar characteristics, demand equal attention. These ecosystems significantly contribute to the economic fabric of these regions, particularly in timber production. Extending along the Oslo fjord, the boreonemoral zone encompasses Moss municipality. However, restoration initiatives in Norway have been limited, with both the general public and authorities displaying restricted awareness and experience in restoration concepts and objectives. Now, in the face of a climate crisis reshaping familiar production forests, evidenced by reports of drought and bark beetle infestations on Norway spruce in the municipality, a paradigm shift is imperative.
Ecological patterns in species distribution, oak health, and ground vegetation were nuanced, challenging assumptions with varying species richness across areas. Unexpected oak dynamics, ground vegetation influence, and severe powdery mildew cases on oaks, though not significantly impacting density, require further exploration. Examining roe deer browsing revealed intricate relationships between tree height, browsing incidents, and surrounding vegetation, with area-specific variations and unexpectedly low browsing incidence in Area 1.
Interviews unveiled a multifaceted approach to forest management, balancing economic, ecological, and recreational aspects. Landowners prioritize timber production while expressing a need of diverse forest activities, challenging traditional production-centric views. The nuanced recognition of ecosystem services emphasizes complex values in Moss's forest, highlighting a collective vision prioritizing ecological and social health. Insights into landowners' preferences envision a shift towards sustainable practices, diverse vegetation, and a landscape-friendly strategy. The inevitable impact of climate change on Moss's forests necessitates adaptive management, emphasizing the need for tangible solutions and addressing biological barriers like drought and financial constraints. Landowners’ express positivity towards incorporating oak trees, emphasizing their ecological and cultural significance. The project's role in fostering innovative thoughts in forestry is crucial for a positive and sustainable future. The envisioned forest leans towards a multi-use approach, prioritizing biodiversity over production. The discussion concludes by addressing herbivore activity, particularly roe deer browsing, as a potential threat, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and adaptive management to support oak regeneration and overall biodiversity. In Moss municipality, climate change, local knowledge, and biological barriers shape forest management, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach, integrating selective cutting, strategic tree planting, oak promotion, accessible forestry information, and financial incentives for sustainability.
Keywords: Oak Quercus robeus; Deciduous Forest; Norway, Landowner perspectives; Forest ecosystem management; Pathways; Desired States; Climate change. | |
