Natural Forest Management
Natural regeneration is the 100-million-year-old reproductive process of forests.
Definition and Benefits
At its best, the management of natural forests guides and mimics natural patterns and processes to produce valuable goods and services such as timber and carbon sequestration. The resulting forest structures and functions are diverse and resilient, typically low cost and low maintenance.
TFG relies on natural regeneration to initiate new tree cohorts in forest stands. Trees grow from seeds, and sprouts, establishing and competing on the microsites where they grow best, often developing as species mixtures. Natural regeneration is the 100-million-year-old reproductive process of forests.
Fewer Risks
Natural forests evolve over tens of thousands of years. They contain a diversity of species adapted to local and regional conditions. Mixed species forests are resilient to disturbances.
Low Costs
Natural forests do not need mechanical site preparation, chemical treatment, or planting to grow new trees. This avoids the significant early costs associated with plantation forestry.
Less Management
Natural regeneration is an alternative to planting that is better for soil, water, and wildlife habitat. Implementation involves no changes in land use or intensive management.