RESEARCH DIRECTIONS TO ADVANCE FOREST VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN NORTH-AMERICA

Research in forest vegetation management has followed the agricultural paradigm. Shifting public attitudes about forestry practices, however , are forcing forest managers to seek alternative approaches to managi ng forest vegetation. Applied research is needed to (i) search for alt ernatives to current uses of forest herbicides, (ii) more fully docume nt and understand crop tree responses to vegetation manipulation, (iii ) construct growth and yield models that link effects produced in youn g stands with those of older stands, and (iv) better understand the re lationship between wildlife and vegetation management. Fundamental res earch also is needed to (i) understand the ecosystem impacts and proce sses associated with vegetation management practices, (ii) develop bio logical methods for forest weed control, and (iii) understand the soci al interface with forest vegetation management.