Abstract:
Based on a case study of transforming tropical plantation into closetonature forest in Hainan Province, the theoretical basis and practical techniques for closetonature forest operation system under the guidance of multifunction and sustainable management principles were introduced. Forest management classes indicated the spatial management types with similar natural features, similar dynamic characteristics and similar management purposes, the site conditions, biotope and function types were the technical indices for identification and classification of forest management classes. Forest development types were considered as a dynamic profile for longterm steady design model for the target forests applied to management classes level. Stand operation designs would be applied as concrete operational models including the conduction of tending, felling, makeup planting and other practices during a certain period of time based on a designed target for development type. The lifecycle management plan oriented by the vertical structure provided a whole technical description of all operations and measures that should be conducted from the planting to harvesting in a forest towards the desired structure. The combination of forest development type, stand operation design and lifecycle management plan served as a set of technological tools defined as operationlevel silvicultural system in relation to a certain forest management type. This case study of operationlevel closetonature silvicultural model would provide the studies on the new style silvicultural operations for multifunctional forest management with theoretical inspiration and practical references.