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Comparison of the approach to determination of the rotation period of forest stands in the Czech Republic and in the Slovak RepublicOriginal PaperMichaela Korená Hillayová, Kateřina Holušová, Klára Báliková, Ján HolécyJ. For. Sci., 2022, 68(10):413-422 | DOI: 10.17221/107/2022-JFS The exact determination of the rotation period is still a current and important essential issue of forestry. It attracts the attention of forest economists, managers and owners worldwide, not only of forest economists but also of forest managers. The rotation period is defined by physical, technical or financial parameters of forest management. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish between the biological and the economic optimal rotation period. A fundamental challenge in forest management is the need for appropriate determination of the rotation period. The primary interest of our research was to compare the effective legislation for the determination of the rotation period in the Czech Republic and in the Slovak Republic. Scientific methods such as document analysis and questionnaire survey were applied. The results of the legislation analysis and other related documents were compared with the expert opinions of the relevant stakeholders. Those who affect the decision process related to the problem and those where are "affected" by the problem were involved in the study. Results show that respondents do not agree with the regulation of rotation period according to effective law. Moreover, they consider it as not usable as the conditions in forest ecosystems have changed recently, which is not considered in the legislation. |
Households' willingness to pay for forest conservation in Ethiopia: A reviewReviewDiriba AbdetaJ. For. Sci., 2022, 68(11):437-451 | DOI: 10.17221/94/2022-JFS Environmental valuation studies in the context of developing countries have become more frequent in recent years. However, literature which reviews and examines the environmental valuation studies is limited. Thus, this paper performed a literature review on forest contingent valuation studies conducted in the Ethiopian context in the past two decades (2000 to May 2022), focusing on two specific objectives: (i) to examine amounts of resources that households are willing to pay (WTP) for forest conservation, and (ii) to identify determinants of households' WTP. Results indicate the mean lower annual WTP of USD 0.41 (2.63 birr) and 7.04 man-days per household in money and labour time, respectively. Whereas the mean upper annual WTP of USD 53.52 per household in monetary payment and 94.34 man-days per household in labour time contribution are found for the management and conservation of forest in Ethiopia. The finding reveals that there is a limited proportion of the examined studies that included and estimated WTP in a non-monetary payment vehicle, implying a need for future researches on the topic. The result shows that demographic and socio-economic variables, physical assets ownership, institutional and infrastructural services and bid price variables were the main determinants of households' WTP. This suggests that the forest conservation intervention program involving public participation in the country needs to consider the identified determinants of WTP in design and implementation of the program. Moreover, the finding indicates the presence of mixed results on the effect and direction in which some determinants of WTP are affected. This recommends a pressing need for comprehensive future studies on the research theme. |
The perception of forests by the Czech Republic general publicOriginal PaperHana Krejčí, Marta Stárová, Ivan Hrbek, Miroslava Navrátilová, Markéta BeranováJ. For. Sci., 2019, 65(6):226-233 | DOI: 10.17221/138/2018-JFS Forests as a part of landscape do not fulfil their economic function (timber production) only but a lot of other non-economic functions, especially ecological ones. Both economic and non-economic functions are indisputable and equally important for society. The aim of this paper is to identify current attitudes to forest perceptions by citizens in the Czech Republic. Primary data were obtained by means of a questionnaire research survey which was carried out in 2018. Altogether 824 respondents took part in this survey (n = 824). From the results follows that approximately 70% of respondents visit forest at least three times a month. In connection with this, the relationship between respondents' forest visit frequency and the forest density in the region where they come from was confirmed. 60% of respondents consider the forest exploitation and forest management to be the most important cause of damage and threats to forest. In relation to forest, 46% of respondents consider forest conservation and protection to be the most important topics. |
Changes in decision making and cooperation among forest owners: the Lithuanian caseOriginal PaperPivoriunas Aidas, Girdziušas SigitasJ. For. Sci., 2019, 65(11):450-459 | DOI: 10.17221/106/2019-JFS Understanding of the basic determinants of cooperation among private forest owners is of crucial importance to forest owners, private forest owners' cooperatives and other key players in the forest sector. This topic concerns complementary empirical and theoretical studies from the fields of economics and social studies. A recent study shows that private forest owners differ in their attitudes towards forest management and processes of cooperation in terms of the time perspective and, correspondingly, make different decisions in various situations related to forest management. Based on the data from two surveys, this paper shows how private forest owners' views of forest management in Lithuania have developed over the last thirteen years and finds some basic socio-economic aspects that drive cooperation among private forest owners for joint forest management. |
The Level-of-Growing-Stock (LOGS) study on thinning ponderosa pine forests in the US West: A long-term collaborative experiment in density managementReviewJianwei W. Zhang, William W. Oliver, Russell T. Graham, W. Keith MoserJ. For. Sci., 2020, 66(10):393-406 | DOI: 10.17221/72/2020-JFS The Levels-of-Growing-Stock study for ponderosa pine was a collective effort among western Research Stations within the US Forest Service. The experiment was established to test sustainable productivity across a wide range of densities by periodically thinning the plots. Beyond the original purposes for wood production, contemporary applications of these long-term studies have been to determine stand density effects on (i) both overstory and understory responses to stand development of even-aged ponderosa pine, (ii) biomass accumulation and carbon sequestration, (iii) plant diversity and wildlife habitats, and (iv) forest resiliency to insects and pathogens, droughts, and wildfires. Furthermore, these installations have served as a showpiece for the public and natural laboratories for professional foresters and students. For the past half century, the study has helped guide land managers and stakeholders on public and private lands about the value of thinning in overstocked young stands of ponderosa pine across its range. We hope that it will continue to serve as a springboard for addressing future issues facing forest management. |
Methodology of monitoring wood sources and consumption in the Czech RepublicOriginal PaperAndrea Sujová, Róbert Babuka, Václav KupčákJ. For. Sci., 2021, 67(1):1-11 | DOI: 10.17221/64/2020-JFS Currently, it is difficult to identify correct data on wood sources and their consumption in the Czech Republic. Official statistics of wood production are relatively limited to obtaining data that accurately captures the objective wood production, which would enable the observation of the direction or consumption of particular tree species or products. This uncertainty is then transferred to the wood flow for industrial and energy processing, and it is not possible to compose a detailed picture of how much wood and which sources enter into the wood processing and how large the total material flow is. The aim of this paper is to present an option for how to determine this lack of valid information that enables clear outcomes necessary for decision making by means of the recalculation of wood sources consumed in the Czech Republic, using the data of processing capacities and foreign trade. The reverse model better expressed a conversion value of roundwood into the products and allowed optimal approximation in the wood sources assessment. |
Forestry violations as a global issue of legal regulation in the field of forest control and supervision: the Krasnodar territory and the Republic of Bashkortostan case studyOriginal PaperRadmir Iksanov, Olga Khalikova, Igor Vladimirov, Ravil Gizzatullin, Regina Baiturina, Vitaliy Kovshov, Aigul Selezneva, Sofya KhasanovaJ. For. Sci., 2021, 67(6):272-284 | DOI: 10.17221/99/2020-JFS Control and supervision activities in the field of forest management are a type of activity of state authorities to detect, prevent forest violations. The purpose of this study is to analyse the dynamics and nature of violations in the forest sector on the example and in comparison of such regions of Russia as the Krasnodar territory and the Republic of Bashkortostan. The research methodology is selected taking into account the characteristics of the object under study. With the assistance of employees of the environmental inspectorate, search operations were organized in the areas where the greatest amount of forest damage occurs in the studied regions. The authors concluded that one of the reasons for the existing problems is the lack of interest of the state in the development of this sector of economy. The paper focuses on specific types of forest violations and the problems of their prevention. The authors believe that illegal logging belongs to the most common and socially dangerous forest violations. The article concludes that when adopting new regulations for control and supervisory activities in the field of forest management, the legislator must take into account requirements of administrative reform, regulatory guillotine, and risk-based approach. |
Impact of different factors degrading cork oak stands in the Mediterranean region: A case study from AlgeriaOriginal PaperSalah Eddine Younsi, Yasmine Adjami, Rym Ghanem, Billel Bouchaib, Mohamed Laid OuakidJ. For. Sci., 2021, 67(12):570-581 | DOI: 10.17221/77/2021-JFS In recent years, the cork oak forests that characterise the Mediterranean region have been exposed to various factors that result in their degradation. These cork oak trees, due to increasingly accentuated anthropogenic activity, undergo withering at different scales.The objective of the study is to assess the impact of various factors that degrade cork oak forests in the Mediterranean region located in northeastern Algeria, and this was achieved by prospecting 22 sampling locations. This allowed the creation of a database containing 745 trees that were observed and 27 measured variables. Different readings were then taken into consideration based on measurements and sometimes on ratings. The impact of several biotic and abiotic factors, which affect and damage the health of cork oak, was identified. These factors include in particular the infestations by xylomycetophagous insects such as Platypus cylindrus and Xyleborus sp., which can potentially infest the cork oak trees that we observed one year after bark harvesting. On the other hand, the stationary descriptors such as altitude, slope, exposure, etc., are important for the dendrometric and exploitation characteristics, but their unfavourable values do not necessarily lead to tree mortality; for example, medium to low slopes, associated with average altitudes of 600 m a.s.l., may ensure the healthiest trees like in our case study. Finally, we were able to find that certain decline factors may affect a particular category of trees, either because they are older, taller or have a large girth, or because they are subject to inadequate debarking. |
The assessment of forestry companies in the Czech Republic with focus on profitabilityOriginal PaperM. Levá, H. Čermáková, M. Stárová, H. VostrovskáJ. For. Sci., 2016, 62(3):116-125 | DOI: 10.17221/88/2015-JFS The paper deals with the evaluation of economy of forestry companies. The evaluation stems from the results of economic analyses of enterprises that are further monitored in the context of forestry and development of economic financial ratios of evaluated companies. Furthermore, the evaluation is based on real possibilities of companies stemming from resources which they have at their disposal and on the facts that occurred in the selected companies in the monitored period. The development of important factors influencing the whole branch of forestry and their real state are introduced in the first part of the paper. After that, methods used in financial analysis of enterprises are described. The fact that forest land in the Czech Republic covered 2.66 million hectares in 2014 and its proportion in the total area of the country is 34% adds importance to the topic (Czech Statistical Yearbook 2015). |
Evaluation of animal logging in the mixed broadleaved mountain forest: Economic and environmental impactsOriginal PaperAysan BADRAGHI, Jörn ERLER, Seyed Ata Ollah HOSSEINI, Robert LANGJ. For. Sci., 2018, 64(6):251-259 | DOI: 10.17221/18/2018-JFS This investigation assessed the economic and environmental impacts of small-scale wood logging by mules in the mixed broadleaved mountain forest. To develop a time prediction model, all measurements of time are replaced by their decadic logarithms. Unit cost was calculated by two methods: (i) as usual, division of the system cost by average productivity per hour, (ii) on the basis of the developed logarithmic models. To investigate the residual damage a 100% inventory method was employed in pre- and post-hauling, alongside the mule trail. A core sampling technique of bulk density was used for determining the degree of soil compaction, and soil disturbed widths were measured at a 5-m interval in the mule hauling direction. In this research, computed unit cost was 17.2 EUR.m-3 and estimated unit cost by the logarithmic model was 16.2 EUR.m-3. This result highlights the time consumption which estimated by the developed model was at a close ratio with real time (average at 95%). In terms of environmental impact, the results indicated that 5.7% of regenerations and 0% of trees were damaged. Also we found that the increased bulk density was not significant (P = 0.903) and only about 0.2% of the total area was disturbed. |
Determination of correction coefficient of average skidding distance according to the existing road network in Alikia Soltan forest of IranOriginal PaperM. Rezaei, F. Shafizade, M.A. RezaeiJ. For. Sci., 2013, 59(12):475-478 | DOI: 10.17221/87/2012-JFS One of the factors in planning forest roads is average skidding distance which is calculated in projects from the map, according to forest road density, however it has a low accuracy. In this study real average skidding distance and theoretical average skidding distance were measured to determine a correction coefficient in Alikia Soltan forest in Hyrcanian forest. In this study real average skidding distance was obtained by putting a meter on the axes of trails. Moreover, theoretical average skidding distance was calculated by means of road density according to the formula. Skid trails were recorded by GPS and overlaid to a topographic map by means of ArcGIS software. Results indicated that for the study area with the average slope of 27% and road density of 10.32 the correction coefficient is 2.1. |
Prediction by financial and economic analysis in the conditions of forest enterprisesReviewAndrea Majdáková, Blanka Giertliová, Iveta HajdúchováJ. For. Sci., 2020, 66(1):1-8 | DOI: 10.17221/84/2019-JFS Individual companies need to know their financial condition. They have a wide range of methods and procedures to create a system of the financial and economic analysis of a company. The analysis is focused on the evaluation of a specific group of methods for predicting the financial health of a business entity. Evaluations of the financial situation of a company are divided into point methods, mathematical and statistical methods and neural networks. The individual methods differ from each other in difficulty, in the extent of the analyzed areas and possibilities of application. The aim of this work is to assess the possibilities of using selected methods of comprehensive evaluation of companies as a tool for an analysis of the position of each company in the branch. The suitability and feasibility of each method are tested on a selected group of companies. Quick Test, Tamari Model, Beaver Model are included in this work. Based on the results, improvements and recommendations for the practical use were suggested. The results showed that the best predictive methods are Quick Test and Tamari Model, because they are quick and unequivocal when assessing the analyzed companies. An inappropriate prediction method is the Beaver model, which uses only two financial indicators to evaluate companies. |
Dominant woody species, their distribution and threat in Ambrolauri, GeorgiaOriginal PaperTamar Khardzhiani, Roman MaisuradzeJ. For. Sci., 2020, 66(4):150-158 | DOI: 10.17221/120/2019-JFS The paper presents the maps of ecosystems and 11 dominant woody species of Ambrolauri municipality, Georgia (Europe). Forest cover comprises approximately 68% of the study area, most of which are natural forests. Almost all formations of natural forests, depicted on the Georgian section of the Map of the Natural Vegetation of Europe, are still preserved in the research area. Nearly 40% of the forested land is broadleaf forest. Woody species are better preserved in the upper reaches of rivers, while an anthropogenic transformation is most visible in the Lower Racha Floodplain. A majority of the species discussed in the paper are included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The paper also deals with the issues of forest land degradation and threats imposed by invasive species to biodiversity. |
Efficiency of sector sampling for estimating juniper forest attributes vs. fixed area plotOriginal PaperMohammad Hussein SERAJ, Bahman KIANIJ. For. Sci., 2017, 63(10):463-469 | DOI: 10.17221/22/2017-JFS Juniper forests grow in mountain areas and many difficulties are encountered in their sampling. Sector sampling as an unbiased and cost-effective method was tested for the sampling of a 12.5-ha juniper forest. To begin with, a point-map of trees was created and 50 quadrats were determined systematically. Fixed area plots were measured within these 50 × 50 m quadrats. In each quadrat, eight sectors with 45° angle were determined. One-sector and two-sector scenarios randomly besides four-sector scenario systematically were conducted. Accuracy and precision of sampling methods were compared. Also, statistical analysis was conducted to compare sector sampling scenarios with fixed area plot (FAP) and real data. Results showed that four-sector scenario estimates were close to FAP method in precision and accuracy. Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference between sector sampling scenarios and FAP and in real data. But in correlation analysis only the four-sector scenario could compete with FAP method. Regarding consumed time and sampling error simultaneously, the efficiency of sector sampling was higher than that of FAP method for estimating density and close to FAP method for estimating crown cover. It can be concluded that in laborious situations such as in juniper forests, sector sampling can be competitive with FAP method with noticeable parsimony. But more study is still needed to decrease sampling error and optimize sector angle with the purpose of cost saving. |
Quantification of the utility value of the recreational function of forests from the aspect of valuation practiceOriginal PaperP. Hlaváčková, D. ŠafaříkJ. For. Sci., 2016, 62(8):345-356 | DOI: 10.17221/50/2016-JFS The article is focused on quantification of the utility value of the recreational function of forests from the aspect of valuation practice. The aim of the article is a description of a methodical procedure which would enable to determine the market value of the recreational function of forests in the case of creation of real market demand. The methodical approach was verified on a case study in the chosen area. Results imply that determination of the market price of the recreational function in the case of creation of real market demand is possible and the formulated hypothesis is not rejected. The final rental value in the closed time period from the price determined for forest lands by application of the nominal interest rate 4.75% is 0.169 CZK.m-2. The procedure can be understood as a theoretical and methodical tool usable in the valuation practice, but especially as a political tool in the creation of legislative regulations in the area of valuation of ecosystem forest functions and services at the national and international level. |
Determining the recreational value of forest park by travel cost method and defining its effective factorsOriginal PaperM. Pirikiya, H. Amirnejad, J. Oladi, K. Ataie SoloutJ. For. Sci., 2016, 62(9):399-406 | DOI: 10.17221/12/2016-JFS Considering the importance of recreation and excursions in household's basket of expenditures on the one hand, and not paying attention to the economic value of recreational function for natural resources and environment as non-market goods on the other hand, this paper was written with the aim of estimating the recreational value of Shahid Zare Sari Forest Park when using the individual travel cost method. Requested data sets were obtained by completing questionnaires from 302 individuals who visited the above-mentioned park in 2012-2013. In the individual travel cost method, for the investigation of distributional effects of variables on the number of travels, a linear regression model was applied. For this purpose the travel generation function using linear, double log, linear-log and log-linear forms was estimated. Among these forms, according to the econometrical parameter, a linear function was selected and parameters were estimated based on the method of ordinary least squares. The consumer surplus was 12.53 USD per each visit and the annual recreational value of 72,500 people who visited the park annually was 52,558 USD.ha-1. The findings also showed that the involved variables, travel costs, income and visitor's distance were statistically significant at 1% level and family and education were significant at 5% level. Results revealed that forest parks have a considerable recreational value that, from this point of view, can help programmers and executives, social and economic managers in the preservation planning and sustainable utilization of natural resources. |
Calculating the correction factor of skidding distance based on forest road networkM. Lotfalian, E. H. Zadeh, S. A. HosseiniJ. For. Sci., 2011, 57(11):467-471 | DOI: 10.17221/1/2011-JFS Average skidding distance for forest stands is an important parameter for the determination of the optimum road density and spacing. In this research the real mean skidding distance and theoretical mean skidding distance were measured to calculate the correction factor of skidding distance for Chafrood forest in Hyrcanian zone. The length and azimuth of skid trails from road and depot junction to forest interior were measured. Moreover, the position of skid trail was recorded by GPS. These skid trails with a buffer of 140 m were designed on a topographical map using Arc GIS software. Results indicated that the road spacing of 500 m in the study area resulted in a theoretical mean skidding distance of 125 m. For a real mean skidding distance of 525.9 m and for the mean slope of 40%, the correction factor was estimated to be 4.2. |
Real potentials of social forest functions of selected forest stands at Židlochovice Forest EnterpriseP. KupecJ. For. Sci., 2004, 50(4):190-198 | DOI: 10.17221/4614-JFS Social functions of forests were evaluated at Židlochovice Forest Enterprise by applying the method of Vyskot et al. (1996-2002). Real potentials of social forest functions were determined for all stand groups included in a forest management plan (FMP). The results of evaluation were processed in a database and projected in GIS. Tables and charts were used for the evaluation of results. We can claim on the basis of the results that the forest stands of the examined area are characterized by a very high potential to fulfil a bio-production social function. On the contrary, they have a low potential to fulfil social functions of ecological stabilization and edaphic soil conservation and hydric-hydrological function. The results of evaluation of the real potentials of social forest functions at Židlochovice Forest Enterprise are represented by the forest stands of management group No. 19 of forest management plan area Židlochovice. |
Impacts of Central Tire Inflation Systems application on forest transportation - ReviewReviewMohammad Reza GHAFFARIYANJ. For. Sci., 2017, 63(4):153-160 | DOI: 10.17221/111/2016-JFS Central Tire Inflation Systems (CTIS) have been introduced to forestry transportation in the last 30 years to the point the forest industry is one of the biggest users of the technology (Pletts 2006). The benefits of operating with this CTIS technology mentioned in the literature include: (i) reduced road surfacing and/or base course requirements, (ii) reduced road maintenance, (iii) reduced driver fatigue and medical complaints, (iv) lower vehicle operation costs, (v) increased vehicle mobility, (vi) extended haul seasons (Bradley 1995). This paper presents a literature review of previous international studies on the impacts of CTIS. This document can assist the forest industry and research users to gain basic information on this transportation technology. |
How much birch (Betula papyrifera) is too much for maximizing spruce (Picea glauca) growth: a case study in boreal spruce plantation forestsCh.D.B. Hawkins, A. Dhar, B.J. RogersJ. For. Sci., 2012, 58(7):314-327 | DOI: 10.17221/8/2012-JFS Interest in conifer-broadleaf mixedwood forests has greatly increased due to continuous demand for hardwood products and a shift towards more biological or ecosystem-based management. In British Columbia, more than 30% of the productive forest land is a conifer-broadleaf mixture and current forest regulations are more conifer biased rather than maintaining a mixed-species condition. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of paper birch on white spruce growth. Spruce growth data from 10 to 18 years old complex stands indicate that radial, height, and stem volume was not impacted by retaining up to 3,000 stems.ha-1 of birch. Similarly, growth and yield model projections suggest spruce-birch stands would be more productive up to a threshold birch density (3,000 stems.ha-1) than pure spruce stands. At a 4% real interest rate, the removal of birch from these stands does not appear to be warranted as an investment. The results suggest that instead of encouraging uniform broadleaf removal across conifer plantations, mixed species management strategies could enhance the forest productivity, stand diversity and resilience. |
Forest fires and their causes in the Czech Republic (1992-2004)Original PaperE. Kula, Z. JankovskáJ. For. Sci., 2013, 59(2):41-53 | DOI: 10.17221/36/2012-JFS Forest fires under conditions of the Czech Republic are evaluated from the aspect of their frequency of occurrence in 1992-2004 at a level of particular years, seasons, days and daytime, and causes of their origin. They are confronted with a situation in the CR in 1974-1983. Effects of climatic conditions are a limiting factor not only for the frequency of their origin but also for the size of the burnt area. Spring (April) and summer (August) culminations were balanced. The burnt area of the best part of forest fires (88.9%) was < 1 ha. The increased frequency of forest fires was noted in afternoon hours and during weekends. Areas threatened by fires are characterized by the increased visit number. In the spectrum of causes, a dominant position is taken up by fire raising, smoking and management in the forest. Railway operation and lightning represent minority causes of the origin of forest fires. In the course of the year, the structure of forest fire origin changes depending on activities in the forest and visit number. |
Comparison of different forest regeneration methods after windthrowOriginal PaperA. Martiník, L. Dobrovolný, V. HurtJ. For. Sci., 2014, 60(5):190-197 | DOI: 10.17221/66/2013-JFS The prosperity of various forest regeneration methods was evaluated on the prepared windthrow area established in 2010 in a previously allochthonous coniferous stand growing in mid-elevations of the Czech Republic. The forest regeneration variants were as follows: (1) "planting" of target species (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) and Fagus sylvatica (L.), (2) "seeding" of pioneer (non target) species (Betula pendula Roth) and (3) spontaneous "succession". Two years after windthrow the "planting" was evaluated in accordance with the Czech forestry law as regeneration method with sufficient attributes, density (6,000-9,000 indd.ha-1) and regular spatial distribution of target tree species. The "seeding" and "succession" variants showed a insufficient attributes of target tree species - total density ca 3,000 indd.ha-1 (being ca 1,000 indd.ha-1 higher than 20 cm) and irregular distribution across the plot. The non-target species birch on the "seeding" variant showed a high density of plants (131,000 indd.ha-1) being eight times higher than the succession variant. The cost of the regeneration treatment was different between the variants - planting: 5,000-6,000 EUR.ha-1, 1,300 EUR.ha-1, succession: 1,000 EUR.ha-1. Comparing to "planting" the higher diversity of tree species and higher density of non-target species (20,000-134,000 EUR.ha-1) in the "seeding" and "succession" variants promise success for the future, however the real potential of regeneration methods that were used will be clear after long-term observations. |
Economic evaluation of natural forest park using the travel cost method (case study; Masouleh forest park, north of Iran)Original PaperS. Mohammadi Limaei, H. Ghesmati, R. Rashidi, N.YaminiJ. For. Sci., 2014, 60(6):254-261 | DOI: 10.17221/84/2013-JFS We evaluated recreational and socioeconomic values of Masouleh forest park, north of Iran. Travel Cost Method (TCM) or Clawson method was used for evaluation. Therefore, 96 questionnaires were distributed among the visitors. The results indicated that the variables such as travel time to the park, travel costs, age and education were effective variables in using the park. The results show that there is a significant relation between travel time and the number of visitors whereas by increasing travel time the number of visitors decreased. Furthermore, there is a significant relation between the number of visitors as a dependent variable and travel costs whereas when the travel cost increases, the number of visitors decreases. Results indicated that the willingness to pay decreased by increasing the entrance fee. The models estimated an average willingness to pay 12,500 Iranian Rials per visit. The results also indicated that the average round trip travel cost was 85.5 (10,000 Iranian Rials). |
Potential of natural regeneration of Quercus robur L. in floodplain forests in the southern part of the Czech RepublicOriginal PaperL. DobrovolnýJ. For. Sci., 2014, 60(12):534-539 | DOI: 10.17221/83/2014-JFS The most common way of pedunculate oak regeneration on the floodplain sites in the Czech Republic is artificial regeneration by clear-cutting. However, what is the real potential of natural regeneration of pedunculate oak? In our research object (3,355 ha of floodplain forest in the southern part of the Czech Republic - Zidlochovice region), we inventoried about 8 ha of successful natural regeneration of pedunculate oak with density ranging between 15,000 and 100,000 individuals per ha on the plots after final cut. All harvested oak dominated parent stands showed a lower stock density that ranged between 0.5 and 0.8. In the next analysis of the survival of oak natural regeneration spontaneously established in different light conditions under the shelter of parent stands we observed the highest occurrence of saplings closer to the forest edge. A sufficient density of regeneration (above 10,000 individuals per ha) was found at the distance up to 18 m from the edge, where more than 24% of direct and 30% of indirect site factor were discovered. In the stand with the full canopy closure (DSF about 10% on average and ISF about 24%) the oak regeneration is missing and was replaced by other tree species (especially ash and field maple). In the examined area the natural regeneration of pedunculate oak should be one of the possible alternatives of floodplain forest regeneration if certain conditions are met. |
Forest certification as a tool to support sustainable development in forest managementOriginal PaperA. Mikulková, M. Hájek, M. Štěpánková, M. ŠevčíkJ. For. Sci., 2015, 61(8):359-368 | DOI: 10.17221/16/2015-JFS The concept of sustainable development is currently known and used in many contexts across a wide range of industries. Nevertheless, specific approaches to achieving the strategy of sustainability can be found in the individual sectors. The beginnings of sustainable management in forestry go back to the mid-18th century. Currently, certification systems contribute to sustainable behaviour in forests. In the Czech Republic, this concerns in particular PEFC and FSC certification systems. Both these certification systems include two different processes, forest management certification and chain of custody certification, i.e. including the wood-processing companies, where only certified wood must strictly be used. This article aims to evaluate the importance of certification for sustainable development in forestry. Given the clear superiority of the PEFC system in the Czech Republic, this paper focuses on the potential benefits for PEFC certificate holders. To determine the benefits of PEFC certification for sustainable development, a questionnaire survey was chosen. Assessment of the benefits for sustainable development depends on the subjective assessment of certification holders. The results suggest that the beneficial effect on sustainable development in forest management is clear in the forest property area of over 500 ha. |
Influence of agricultural crops adjacent to forest on woody species browsing: Is it advantageous to have a tasty neighbour?Original PaperJ. Kamler, M. HomolkaJ. For. Sci., 2016, 62(1):41-46 | DOI: 10.17221/71/2015-JFS Preference of biotopes and selection of food by wild herbivores are more complicated in a cultural landscape used for agriculture than in natural conditions. Agricultural management significantly affects the feeding as well as cover conditions of the environment and changes in quality and accessibility of food sources occur throughout the year. We studied the consumption of agricultural crops and impact on tree shoots by herbivores in a mosaic landscape. Large herbivores utilized the food supply on the lands outside the forest environment during winter and early spring and in summer. In summer the cereal grains were preferred by herbivores and accounted for a significant share in their diet. The intensity of shoot browsing differed between the localities and between the studied woody species but was not lower due to the presence of attractive crops near the forest. The utilization of food outside the forest may help the animals to survive the winter but the potential of this food for reducing tree browsing in the forest is low. |
Assessing economic pressure on the forest fund of Maramureș County - RomaniaOriginal PaperC.C. Draghici, D. Peptenatu, A.G. Simion, R.D. Pintilii, D.C. Diaconu, C. Teodorescu, R.M. Papuc, A.M. Grigore, C.R. DobreaJ. For. Sci., 2016, 62(4):175-185 | DOI: 10.17221/72/2015-JFS Romania is also included among the European Union countries where deforested areas have radically increased in recent years, with mountain areas being the most affected. The pressure on the forest fund was analysed in the Maramureş County, as one of the most deforested counties of Romania. In view of assessing the forest area evolution, forested and deforested areas have been calculated for the period 2001-2012, using the Global Forest Change 2000-2012 database provided by the Department of Geographical Sciences, Maryland University. The economic pressure quantification was monitored by developing a database on economic activities based upon the loggings carried out in the period 2001-2012. This database comprises the number of companies, their turnover, profit and the number of employees for the economic sectors causing pressure on the forest fund. The outcomes show a dramatic increase in deforested areas, amounting to over 16,500 ha in the Maramureș County. Nearly 5,000 ha have been deforested in Borșa, the commune with the largest deforested areas in the period 2000-2012, causing major imbalances to the local ecosystem. |
Accuracy of Structure from Motion models in comparison with terrestrial laser scanner for the analysis of DBH and height influence on error behaviourOriginal PaperD. Panagiotidis, P. Surový, K. KuželkaJ. For. Sci., 2016, 62(8):357-365 | DOI: 10.17221/92/2015-JFS With the advantage of Structure from Motion technique, we reconstructed three-dimensional structures from two-dimensional image sequences in a circular plot with a radius of 6 m. The main objective of this research was to clarify the potential of using a low cost hand-held camera for evaluation of the stem accuracy reconstruction, through the comparison of data from two different point clouds. The first cloud comprises data collected with a digital camera that are compared with those collected by direct measurement of the FARO® Focus3D S120 laser scanner. Photos were taken in a circular plot of pine trees using the stop-and-go method. We estimated the Euclidean distance for corresponding points for both clouds and we found out that most of the points with error less than 11 cm are concentrated mainly on the ground. Regression analysis showed a significant relationship between height above ground and error, the error is more pronounced for points located higher on the stems. As expected, no dependence was found between the error of the points and the diameter at breast height of their respective stems. |
Social forest functions of reclaimed spoil heaps in the Ostrava-Karvina districtE. Lacková, P. Kupec, J. Polanská, B. StalmachováJ. For. Sci., 2012, 58(5):203-212 | DOI: 10.17221/83/2011-JFS The functional efficiency of forest stands planted on the heaps originated by black coal mining was resolved in the territory of the Moravian-Silesian region. The aim was to verify the possibility of applying the method of Quantification of Social Forest Functions for the purposes of evaluation of forest stands on anthropogenic substrates and the subsequent use of the method for quantification of social forest functions in the particular reclaimed localities. Potential functional capacities were evaluated as well as the current functional effect of the following functions: bioproduction, ecological, hydrological, soil-conservation, recreational and sanitary-hygienic on five afforested heaps of the Ostrava-Karvina coal-mining district. The obtained results were presented in tabular and graphic form. Based on the results, the highest potential capacity of the ex-amined stands to fulfil the sanitary-hygienic function was proved while their capacity to fulfil the recreational function was the lowest. The highest current functional effects were found for the hydrological function and the lowest effects for the bioproduction function. |
Financing of forestry from public sources in the Czech RepublicOriginal PaperL. ŠišákJ. For. Sci., 2013, 59(1):22-27 | DOI: 10.17221/50/2012-JFS Financial means for multifunctional forestry activities come from different public sources, both national and international ones. There are several basic types of financial instruments used for the supporting of non-market forest services, both direct and indirect ones. Financial means should be accounted and treated separately by their different social and economic essence, as proper subsidies, compensations and payments for services. Financial means going to forestry are generally considered as subsidies in the Czech Republic (CR). But overall it can be stated that only a small part of the financial sources going to forestry via the Ministry of Agriculture is real subsidies. Out of the annual average of 657 million CZK of financial sources going to forestry through the mediation of the Ministry of Agriculture, indicated officially as subsidies, only 279 million CZK (42.5%) were real subsidies flowing into forestry in the period 2004-2009. |
