Regeneration and structure of mixed conifer forests under single-tree harvest management in the western Bhutan Himalayas |
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| Authors: | Mani Ram Moktan Georg Gratzer William H Richards Tek Bahadur Rai Dawa Dukpa |
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| Institution: | 1. Renewable Natural Resource Research Centre, Bajo, PO Box 1263. Wangdi Phodrang, Bhutan;2. Institute of Forest Ecology, Department of Forest and Soil Science, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Peter Jordan-Straße 82, A-1190, Vienna, Austria;3. Watershed Services Division, Seattle Public Utilities, 19901 Cedar Falls Rd. S.E., North Bend, Washington, USA, 98045;4. Renewable Natural Resource Research Centre, Yusipang, PO Box 212. Thimphu, Bhutan |
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| Abstract: | We examined the regeneration and structure of mixed conifer forests under single-tree harvest management in western Bhutan. Sixteen 900 m2 (30 m × 30 m) plots were sampled at four Forest Management Units (FMUs; Chamgang, Gidakom, Paro-Zonglela, and Haa-East) representing the forest type, including half the plots in single-tree harvest stands and half in unlogged stands. In addition, we solicited information on traditional forest management practices from informants using survey questionnaires and collected tree species data from felling records from respective local forest offices. Rural timber demand is concentrated on the removal of straight and well-formed bluepine trees for beams, planks, and scaffolding. Single-tree harvest, however, has not significantly altered stand structures from unlogged stands. Similarly, tree regeneration is not different when comparing single-tree harvest and unlogged stands, except at Chamgang FMU, where seedling densities were generally higher in harvested stands than in unlogged stands. These results indicate that single-tree harvest is not detrimental to regeneration and utilization of mixed conifer forests in western Bhutan. |
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| Keywords: | Single-tree harvest Rural timber Mixed conifer forests Bhutan |
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