Forestry professionals' attitudes and beliefs in relation to, and understanding of continuous cover forestry

摘要

This study reports on the findings of an on-line survey of forestry professionals in Ireland to determine their attitudes and beliefs to, and understanding of, continuous cover forestry (CCF). Respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement with sixteen statements, framed in the context of issues that are frequently raised when comparisons of CCF with clearfell are being made. Almost all respondents were familiar with the term CCF with one third claiming to actively practise CCF. However,the results highlighted a lack of understanding of practising CCF and some confusion as to the silvicultural systems that can be used to implement it. This lack of knowledge among foresters was frequently cited as the most important constraint to implementing CCF in Ireland. The fact that Ireland has a windy climate resulting in high windthrow risk was also considered a key constraint to increasing the use of CCF. However, over half of the respondents considered that the constraints could be overcome with further education, training, and research. Certification was ranked as the most important driver of CCF in Ireland.