Managing Forests as Complex Adaptive Systems

Christian Messier is Scientific Director of the Institute of Temperate Forest Sciences (ISFORT), Université du Québec en Outaouais, Québec, Canada. His research interests are broad, ranging from the life cycle of trees to developing decision-making tools to better manage large forest holdings. His research has brought him to study various biomes across the world. He holds a research chair on tree growth, and has published more than 150 referee journal papers and book chapters.  Klaus J. Puettmann is Edmund Hayes Professor in Silviculture Alternatives in the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, USA. He has been working on numerous projects related to regeneration and stand density management, with a special focus on utilizing a better understanding of ecological relationships in developing new silvicultural approaches. He works in cooperation with scientists from Europe and North America, and has published more than 60 referee journal articles in North American and European forestry and ecology journals.  K. David Coates is a senior Research Silviculturist with the Ministry of Natural Resource Operations in Smithers, Canada. He has 30 years of experience in research and silvicultural application in northern British Columbia including at least 50 scientific and technical publications.

• 1. Managing Forests as Complex Adaptive Systems: Introductory Concepts and Applications 2. An Introduction to Complexity Science 3. Tropical Forests as Complex Adaptive Systems 4. Complexity in Temperate Forest Dynamics 5. Exploring Complexity in Boreal Forests 6. Forest Restoration in a Changing World: Complexity and Adaptation Examples from the Great Lakes Region of North America 7. Meta-networks of Fungi, Fauna and Flora as Agents of Complex Adaptive Systems 8. Complexity Confronting Tropical Silviculturists 9. Is Close-to-Nature Forest Management in Europe Compatible with Managing Forests as Complex Adaptive Forest Ecosystems? 10. Mediterranean Forests: Human Use And Complex Adaptive Systems 11. Fennoscandian Boreal Forests as Complex Adaptive Systems: Properties, Management Challenges and Opportunities 12. Management of Tasmanian Eucalypt Forests as Complex Adaptive Systems 13. Managing Tree Plantations as Complex Adaptive Systems 14. A New Integrative Framework for Understanding and Managing the World Forest: The Complex Adaptive System

'Enhanced throughout with bibliographic references, tables and figures, and a comprehensive index, Managing Forests as Complex Adaptive Systems: Building Resilience to the Challenge of Global Change offers a seminal body of work and is highly recommended for professional, governmental, NGO, and academic library Environmental Studies and Forest Management Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.' – The Midwest Book Review, April 2013