Restoring Scotland’s Changing Forests

http://www.ttjonline.com/story.asp?sectioncode=14&storycode=54063&c=3

Timber Trade Journal
4 February, 2008

Scotland’s Forestry Industry Needs to Adapt to Climate Change

Scotland’s forest industry will have to change
its practices in order to keep woodlands strong
and healthy in the face of climate change,
according to Forestry Commission Scotland.

A report from the commission recommends that the
forestry industry looks at the type and range of
species it cultivates, as well as operational
practices such as nursery work through to
harvesting.

Key points from the Impacts of Climate Change on
Forests and Forestry in Scotland report include
integrating more high-quality broadleaved trees
to forests, finding a replacement for Sitka
spruce as conditions change and dealing with the
increased amount of damage to timber by high
winds and wet soil.

“The commission’s proposals will help the people
who manage the country’s forests and woodlands to
consider what steps they can take now to ensure
that those forests remain strong, healthy and
accessible for generations to come,” said
Scottish environment minister Michael Russell.

“Making changes now could help the forestry
industry both to minimise the effects of climate
change in Scotland’s woodlands and to exploit
evolving conditions to best effect.”

Adequate training for staff to ensure they are
equipped with the right information to deal with
the changing nature of Scotland’s forests is also
important, said the report.

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