Hörnfeldt, R. and Ingemarson, F. 2006. Evaluation of Silvicultural Practices from a Multipurpose Perspective. Baltic Forestry, 12 (1): 82-93

Appropriate silvicultural practices, based on the objectives of forest owners, should be incorporated into forest management plans to promote sustainability. The main objective of this study was to compare the suitability of different silvicultural practices with respect to the multiple objectives of small–scale forest owners. In addition, a method for evaluating the results of research within the field is presented. A model describing the objectives of private forest owners was used to compare different silvicultural practices. A literature review was conducted and the appropriateness of different practices and objectives was analysed using matrixes. The results indicated that the practices evaluated have the potential to allow the development of forestry with multiple functions: thinning and successive felling appeared to be most suitable. Passive practices were less well adapted to the multiple objectives of private forest owners. It is important to continue collating and reviewing the available data, especially relating to forestry practices not commonly used in Scandinavia.

Key words: Amenities, conservation, economic efficiency, forest management plans, forest owners, objectives, multipurpose forestry, silvicultural practices, utilities