金沙江头塘小流域人工林有机碳及其剖面分布特征

采用野外调查、室内分析并结合相关的方法,研究探讨了金沙江头塘小流域7种不同植被恢复人工林土壤剖面层次有机碳(SOC)含量、有机碳密度(SOCD)和有机碳储量及分布特征。结果表明,不同林分类型及土层间土壤SOC含量存在明显差异:就整个土层(0~100 cm)而言,7种林分土壤SOC平均含量介于6.46±1.67~24.95±2.32 g·kg–1,大小依次为柳杉林旱冬瓜林圆柏林栓皮栎林圣诞树林墨西哥林藏柏林,且差异显著(p0.05);7种林分土壤SOC含量均出现表聚现象,从表层到深层都呈现递减趋势,且具有一定的规律性;7种林分土壤容重总体上均表现为随土层深度的增加逐渐增加,土壤容重表现为:柳杉林栓皮栎林圣诞树林圆柏林旱冬瓜林墨西哥柏林、藏柏林;7种林分土壤有机碳密度垂直分布和土壤有机碳含量垂直分布特征一致,随土层深度增加土壤有机碳密度减少,以表土10 cm的土壤有机碳密度最大;有机碳储量均随着土层加深所占比例逐渐降低,同时土壤有机碳主要集中于土层0~40 cm内,分别占总有机碳的65.60%(圣诞树林)、63.16%(旱冬瓜林)、54.41%(墨西哥柏林)、58.56%(圆柏林)、62.96%(藏柏林)、61.70%(栓皮栎林)和56.37%(柳杉林),0~40 cm土层土壤有机碳占总有机碳的百分比均达到50%以上。     

滨海芦苇湿地土壤微生物数量对长期模拟增温的响应

采用开顶式生长室(Open-top chamber,OTC)连续8 a(2008~2015年)长期模拟温度升高,研究滨海芦苇湿地不同土壤深度,及两种代表植物芦苇(Phragmites australis)和白茅(Imperata cylindrical)根际、非根际土壤可培养微生物数量变化对长期增温的响应。结果表明:(1)相对于对照,长期增温导致土壤可培养微生物的数量显著增加。其中,增温对土壤表层细菌、真菌的数量影响显著,细菌在第一层的增幅最大,增加率为34.16%,真菌在第三层的增幅最大,增加了64.42%。增温对20~40 cm土层放线菌影响显著,其中在第二层达到最大增加率59.47%;(2)长期增温对芦苇根际土壤微生物的根际效应变化的影响不大,表现为各土层芦苇根际效应增温对照,而白茅根际真菌和放线菌分别在第二层和第三层有显著差异;(3)不同的植物类型,其根际可培养微生物数量及根际效应对长期增温的响应不一致,表现为芦苇和白茅根际土壤可培养微生物数量及根际效应的增加幅度不同,这可能与植物不同类型,根际分泌物种类、数量的差异有关。     

Patterns and drivers of forest land cover changes in tropical semi-deciduous forests in Ghana

This study was conducted to determine the patterns and drivers of forest land cover changes in Bobiri and Oboyow Forest Reserves (BFR and OFR, respectively), Ghana. Landsat images were employed to determine forest land cover types and changes in 1990, 2000 and 2010 using supervised classification method. Factors that drive forest land cover changes in the forest reserves were determined using a semi-structured questionnaire and field observations. Generally, closed-canopy forest decreased by 49% in both forests over 20-year period resulting in a tremendous increase in open-canopy forest (BFR: 85%; OFR: 46%) and non-forest land cover types (BFR: 48–80% OFR: 127–350%). Factors such as logging manual illiteracy among timber operators, offences of authorised timber operators, ineffective community participation, harvesting schedule revision, chainsaw logging, illegal logging, bushfires, fuel gathering and weak penalty for offences were identified as contributing to rapid depletion of closed canopy forest cover in the forest reserves.     

Facebook and Twitter,communication and shelter,and the 2011 Tuscaloosa tornado

This paper represents one of the first attempts to analyse the many ways in which Facebook and Twitter were used during a tornado disaster. Comparisons between five randomly selected campus samples and a city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, sample revealed that campus samples used Facebook and Twitter significantly more both before and after the tornado, but Facebook usage was not significantly different after the event. Furthermore, differences in social media usage and other forms of communication before the tornado were found for age, education, and years lived in Tuscaloosa. Generally, age and education were inversely proportionate to social media usage. Influences on shelter‐seeking actions varied between social media users and three random samples of non‐social media users; however, it appears that social media respondents were likely to be using a smartphone simultaneously to access warning polygon information, to receive text message alerts, and to listen or respond to environmental cues.     

三峡库区森林植被分布的地形分异特征

基于森林植被GIS数据库和群落调查,对三峡库区森林植被分布的地形分异特征进行分析。结果表明：（1）三峡库区森林植被主要分布在海拔400~1200 m,随海拔上升和坡度增大,森林覆盖率逐步提高,海拔为400 m以下区间森林覆盖率最低。（2）不同海拔级的优势森林类型分别为灌木林（400 m以下、1 200~1 600 m、1 600~2 000 m和2 000 m以上）、马尾松林（400~800 m和800~1 200 m）。各森林类型分布面积占该类型总面积百分比在不同海拔级上的分布都为单峰型,海拔由低到高出现峰值的森林类型依次为竹林、经济林和柏木林（800 m以下）、暖温性针叶林（1 600 m以下）、针叶混交林和针阔叶混交林（400~1 600 m）、阔叶林（800~2 000 m）、温性针叶林（1 200~2 000 m）。（3）柏木林、马尾松林、杉木林、温性松林、针叶混交林及针阔混交林主要分布在坡度低于35°区域,竹林和经济林主要分布在坡度小于25°区域。在坡度低于5°、6°~15°和16°~25°的区域,马尾松面积均最大,在坡度为26°以上的区域,灌木林分布面积均最大。（4）各类植被类型在各个坡向上分布面积变化不大。研究结果为三峡库区生态规划和建设提供科学依据.     

Exploring management strategies for community-based forests using multi-agent systems: A case study in Palawan, Philippines

This paper describes the experiences and lessons learned in applying a multi-agent systems (MAS) model to study the dynamics and complex interactions among stakeholders in the management of community-based forests. The MAS model is developed using the companion modelling (ComMod) approach, which allows for a collaborative development of the model between the stakeholders and researchers. This approach involves the development and application of role-playing games (RPGs) and computer simulation as learning tools and to validate the model. Inferences are drawn from the learning and negotiation processes that the stakeholders and researchers underwent in the collaborative development of the MAS model. These processes ultimately led to the development of a collaborative resource management plan. The approach and the MAS model were applied to a case study involving a community-based forest managed by three villages in the island of Palawan, Philippines.     

Building future scenarios and uncovering persisting challenges of participatory forest management in Chilimo Forest, Central Ethiopia

We examined the changes in forest status and people's livelihoods through building future scenarios for Chilimo Forest in Central Ethiopia where participatory forest management (PFM) is being implemented. Participatory methods were employed to collect data, and a dynamic modeling technique was applied to explore trends over time. By integrating the more quantitative model outputs with qualitative insights, information on forests and livelihoods was summarized and returned to users, both to inform them and get feedback. A scenario of open access without PFM provides higher income benefits in the short term but not over the longer term, as compared to a scenario with PFM. Follow up meetings were organized with national decision makers to explore the possibility of new provisions in the national forest proclamation related to joint community-state ownership of forests. Project implementers must constantly work towards improving short term incentives from PFM, as these may be insufficient to garner support for PFM. Other necessary elements for PFM to succeed include: ensuring active participation of the communities in the process; and, clarifying and harmonizing the rules and regulations at different levels.     

Cross-Boundary Coordination on Forested Landscapes: Investigating Alternatives for Implementation

Cross-boundary coordination is a tool for ecosystem management whereby landowners voluntarily coordinate management practices toward economic and/or ecological landscape-scale outcomes (e.g., fiber, invasive species control, habitat). Past research indicates that it may be particularly applicable on landscapes that include small forest landholdings. To explore alternatives by which coordination might occur, we conducted seven focus groups with landowners (n = 51) who actively manage their forests in southwest Wisconsin and northeast Iowa. Focus group participants were presented with three hypothetical alternatives to coordinate with their neighbors; landowners could self-organize, work with a natural resource professional (i.e., forester), or work with an organization to complete a cross-boundary practice. In this article, we focus on the latter two alternatives and the role of two social theories—principal-agent and cooperation—in explaining landowners’ evaluations of these alternatives. Key findings are that (1) cross-boundary coordination has the potential to alleviate problems between landowners and resource professionals inherent to their typical working relationship, and (2) social relationships are a major factor contributing to landowners’ willingness to participate. We posit that cross-boundary coordination offers a non-economic incentive for landowners to work together as it may reduce the uncertainty associated with hiring a resource professional. At the same time, professionals can provide a bridging function among landowners who are unacquainted. To achieve these outcomes and expand the adoption of cross-boundary coordination, we suggest four guidelines. First, foster dialogue among landowners toward shared cognition and oversight. Second, match landowners’ practices and objectives such that there are clear benefits to all. Third, develop relationships through low risk activities where possible. Fourth, do not expect on-going commitments.

Forest Dynamics in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu,India

The primary deciduous forests in the Eastern Ghats (EG) of Tamil Nadu (TN) India have undergone many changes owing to various need-based forest managements, such as timber extraction for industry, railway sleepers, charcoal, and forest clearance for hydroelectric projects and agriculture, during preindependence and postindependence periods (i.e., from 1800 to 1980). The enactment of a forest conservation act during the 1980s changed the perception of forest managers from utilization to conservation. This study was taken up to assess the forests dynamics in the EG of TN spatially between 1990 and 2003 and nonspatially between 1900 and the 1980s. Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Indian Remote Sensing satellite (IRS) 1D Linear Imaging and Self Scanning (LISS III) data were used to assess forests during 1990 and 2003, respectively. Field floristic survey and secondary data (such as published literature, floras, books, and forest working plans) were used to assess the forest dynamics in terms of forest type and species composition among the preindependence period, the postindependence period, and the present (i.e., before and after 1980). The satellite data analysis revealed a considerable amount of changes in all forest types during the 13 years. The comparison of species composition and forest types between the past and present revealed that need-based forest management along with anthropogenic activity have altered the primary deciduous forest in to secondary and postextraction secondary forests such as southern thorn and southern thorn scrub forests in the middle [400–900 m above mean sea level (MSL)] and lower slopes (<400 m MSL). However, the evergreen forests present at the upper slope (>900 m MSL) and plateau seemed not to be much affected by the forest management. The changes estimated by the satellite data processing in the major forest types such as evergreen, deciduous, southern thorn, and southern thorn scrub are really alarming because these changes have occurred after the implementation of a forest conservation act. The dependence of local people on forests for various purposes in this region is also considerably high, which might be a key factor for the changes in the forests. The results of this study not only provide an outlook on the present status of the forests and the change trends but also provide the basis for further studies on forests in the EG of TN.     

Recreation benefits of natural area characteristics at the El Yunque National Forest

The paper applies the Contingent Valuation Method using a visitor survey to determine trip values to three rivers in northeastern Puerto Rico. Sample data were obtained from 984 interviews conducted in 13 sites during the summer months. The trip value is statistically decomposed into components representing natural features and recreation activities. The median net economic value of a river visit without waterfalls or foot trails is $96. Recreation at rivers with both waterfalls and foot trails has a median value of $138 per trip. The presence of waterfalls accounts for $23 and foot trails $19 per trip. This information can be pertinent for managers in selecting recreation site locations and protecting them from competing uses.