Biotic and Abiotic Processes of Eastside Ecosystems: The Effects of Management onPlant and Community Ecology, and on Stand and Landscape Vegetation Dynamics

摘要

Paleo-vegetation studies have shown that vegetation has changed in compositionand extent in the intermountain Pacific Northwest over the past 20,000 years. Today, both natural and human-induced disturbances have long-term influence on the structure and composition of eastside vegetation. Disturbance may enhance landscape diversity, therefore, the scale of modifying events and activities needs to shift from species and stand to the landscape level. Knowledge of plant succession is the foundation of a sound vegetation management program where the primary goal is to retard, arrest, or accelerate the natural forces of vegetation change.