Forest Ecology and Management

Forest Ecology and Management is a key discipline within forestry that applies ecological principles to the stewardship and use of forest resources. This applied science focuses on understanding the complex interactions between living organisms and their physical environment within a forest ecosystem—from nutrient cycling and succession to biodiversity—in order to develop and implement sustainable management plans. The ultimate goal is to balance a variety of objectives, which may include timber production, wildlife habitat conservation, watershed protection, recreation, and the preservation of ecological integrity for future generations.

1. Introduction to Forest Ecology and Management
   1. Defining Forests and Forest Ecosystems
      1. Forest Characteristics
         1. Structural Features
         2. Functional Attributes
         3. Spatial Extent Requirements
      2. Forest Ecosystem Components
         1. Biotic Elements
         2. Abiotic Elements
         3. System Interactions
      3. Forest Classification Systems
         1. Physiognomic Classification
         2. Floristic Classification
         3. Functional Classification
   2. Forest Types and Biomes
      1. Tropical Forests
         1. Tropical Rainforests
         2. Tropical Dry Forests
         3. Tropical Montane Forests
      2. Temperate Forests
         1. Deciduous Forests
         2. Mixed Forests
         3. Coniferous Forests
      3. Boreal Forests
         1. Taiga Characteristics
         2. Species Composition
         3. Climate Adaptations
      4. Mediterranean Forests
         1. Sclerophyllous Vegetation
         2. Fire Adaptations
      5. Montane Forests
         1. Altitudinal Zonation
         2. Climate Gradients
   3. Historical Development of Forestry
      1. Early Human-Forest Relationships
         1. Hunter-Gatherer Interactions
         2. Agricultural Impacts
         3. Traditional Management Systems
      2. Classical Forestry Development
         1. European Forest Science Origins
         2. German Forestry Schools
         3. Sustained Yield Concepts
      3. Modern Forestry Evolution
         1. Scientific Management Principles
         2. Multiple-Use Concepts
         3. Ecosystem Management Paradigm
      4. Contemporary Approaches
         1. Sustainable Forest Management
         2. Adaptive Management
         3. Landscape-Scale Planning
   4. Forests in Global Systems
      1. Climate Regulation
         1. Carbon Sequestration
         2. Albedo Effects
         3. Evapotranspiration Cooling
      2. Hydrological Functions
         1. Watershed Protection
         2. Water Quality Maintenance
         3. Flood Control
      3. Biodiversity Conservation
         1. Species Habitat Provision
         2. Genetic Resource Conservation
         3. Ecosystem Connectivity
      4. Socioeconomic Contributions
         1. Timber and Non-Timber Products
         2. Employment and Livelihoods
         3. Cultural and Spiritual Values