Assessing suitability for selective cutting using a stand level index

An increased attention drawn to uneven-aged forests, selective cutting and natural regeneration have been seen in Norway over the past years. This means that forest managers face new challenges related to localization and prioritization of forest areas that potentially are suitable for selective cutting. A selective cutting index describing the suitability for selective cuttings based on objectively measured stand attributes related to forest structure and conditions for natural regeneration was therefore, developed. The index comprises four sub-indices describing diameter diversity, growth potential, stability of remaining trees, and conditions for natural regeneration of a stand. The index may be used as a tool in decision-support in practical management planning. It is easy to interpret and can be applied directly because all variables included are available from practical inventories. An evaluation, based on data from the national forest inventory in Norway, showed that the performance of the index agreed with general biological knowledge and previously performed research. The evaluation also showed that the suitability for selective cutting probably is more precisely determined with the index compared to a subjective assessment based on the number of vertical tree layers.