Meta-analysis of the effects of burnt wood removal on Mediterranean forest regeneration: a step towards an evidence-based management

Abstract

Rodríguez Martínez, N., Bordas, P., Piñeiro, J., García de Castro, N., Martín, P., Méndez, M. (2013). Meta-analysis of the effects of burnt wood removal on Mediterranean forest regeneration: a step towards an evidence-based management. Ecosistemas 22(1):71-76. Doi.:10.7818/ECOS.2013.22-1.15

Many environmental managers base their decisions on previous field experience, but not on primary scientific literature or advice by academic scientists. Evidence-based management, based on primary scientific literature and meta-analysis, to decide among environmental management options is very infrequent. This paper illustrates this approach using as an example salvage logging in Mediterranean forests. Traditionally, forest management after fire has included salvage logging, i.e., harvest and removal of burnt wood, based on economic, ecological and esthetic grounds. However, salvage logging has also been criticised due to, among other reasons, its potential detrimental effects on forest regeneration. A meta-analysis of the relevant Mediterranean literature suggested no (seedling density and height) or negative (survival) effect of salvage logging on forest regeneration. Although a meta-analysis based on such a small sample size as the one possible in this study does not allow strong conclusions, it suggests that: (1) current management is not consistent with the (scarce) available evidence, at least regarding forest regeneration after fire and (2) stronger evidence should be gathered about this kind of forest management.