Settingsforestry

Settingsforestry refers to the practice and study of managing forest ecosystems with the explicit goal of influencing their future characteristics. This approach recognizes that forests are not static entities but are dynamic systems that can be shaped by human intervention to achieve desired ecological, economic, or social outcomes. Unlike traditional forestry, which often focuses on maximizing timber production or controlling pests, settingsforestry emphasizes a broader, more adaptive management strategy.

The core idea behind settingsforestry is to establish specific conditions, or "settings," within a forest that will lead to predictable future states. This can involve a range of silvicultural techniques such as planting specific tree species, thinning to alter competition dynamics, prescribed burning to manage fuel loads and promote certain plant communities, or even introducing or removing certain animal species to influence vegetation. The selection of these techniques is guided by an understanding of ecological processes and the desired future attributes of the forest, which might include enhanced biodiversity, increased resilience to climate change, improved water quality, or specific habitat types for wildlife.

Settingsforestry often involves long-term planning and monitoring. Managers identify the characteristics they wish to foster in the future, such as a forest dominated by old-growth features, a mixed-species stand with high carbon sequestration potential, or a mosaic of different age classes and structures. Based on this vision, they implement interventions designed to steer the forest towards that envisioned future. This adaptive approach acknowledges uncertainty and allows for adjustments based on ongoing observations of the forest's response to management. The ultimate aim is to create more resilient, functional, and valuable forest landscapes.