Ecosystem dynamics and management in relation to conservation in forest systems

Any system of conservation reserves sits within the context of the surrounding ecosystem. Modifications to this surrounding matrix will inevitably have some impact on the reserve system. While forest ecosystems in south-western Australia are significantly less modified than other ecosystems, particularly in the agricultural area, they are nevertheless subjected to marked human-induced modifications. These take the form of forest management practices including timber harvesting and fuel reduction burning, and the impacts of introduced species including the pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi. The level of information available to assess the impacts of these modifications is for the most part inadequate. Changing ideas on the nature and dynamics of ecosystems require a reappraisal of how we manage ecosystems for conservation and production purposes. The recognition of interconnections between different impacts and between different ecosystem components has resulted in the development of the concept of "ecosystem management". This aims to integrate the various management goals and allow production to take place in such a way that both the long term productive potential and the biodiversity of the forest are maintained.