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RESEARCH PRODUCT

The implications of stand composition, age and spatial patterns of forest regions with different ownership type for management optimisation in northern Latvia

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Abstract Forests with different ownership type often form complex mosaics of stands, thus adding new challenges to the spatial planning of sustainable management in forested landscapes. This study attempted to analyse the spatial patterns and age structures of forest regions with different ownership type and to formulate suggestions for the optimisation of tactical planning of forest management planning by addressing ecological functionality at the landscape level. We hypothesised that structure of forests of various ownership groups differs significantly. National forest inventory data from 2011 was used in this study to compare spatial patterns of forest stands and clearcuts, as well as forest age structures. In total three areas with forest matrix in northern Latvia were selected for this study – owned by state, municipality and multiple private owners. Stand structure and current management regimen were characterised through the analysis of thematic landscape pattern maps and age structures of the canopy layer. Results showed significant differences between state and private patch configuration metrics. State forest stands were dominated by three tree species and a stable harvesting level. Municipal forest had largest stand patch size and the most even size of age classes in age structures. Lower road density, more complex canopy vertical structure and higher tree species richness characterised the private forest tract. We see landscape ecological planning of functionality as a way to optimise existing forest patterns. The incorporation of the modelling of future patterns under different management regimen in state, municipal and private forests could give valuable insights for more sustainable forest management.