Incorporating knowledge of natural and human disturbances in the

1. Incorporating knowledge of natural and human disturbances in the management and conservation of montane pine-juniper forests in Pakistan Asbjornsen1, H., J. Ali2, I. Nyborg2, S. Hussain3, S.F. Guðbrandsson4, S.J. Synnestvedt5, J.S. Thompson6, G. Mohammad3 1Iowa State University, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Ames, Iowa, U.S.A. (hasbjorn@iastate.edu), 2Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of International Environment and Development Studies, Ås, Norway, 3Aga Khan Rural Support Program, Islamabad, Pakistan, 4Forestry Association of Iceland, Reykholt, Iceland, 5Norwegian Forestry Association, Oslo, Norway, 6Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome, Italy # 50m 0m 10 6m INTRODUCTION Forest ecosystems in mountain environments often recover slowly from severe disturbances because extreme climatic conditions reduce rates of ecological processes. Consequently, harvesting of trees and grazing of forest lands in these regions can significantly affect ecosystem sustainability and pose major challenges to management and restoration efforts. This study assessed the regeneration of Pinus wallichiana A.B. Jackson and Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb. in a severely disturbed high elevation landscape in the Basho Valley in Skardu District, Northern Areas Pakistan. DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY SITE The Biophysical Environment. Elevation in Basho Valley ranges 2,150 - 5,520 m a.s.l. Climate is arid (mean annual rainfall = 160 mm), with cold winters and hot summers. Forests (below 3,600 m a.s.l.) are dominated by Pinus wallichiana and Juniperus excelsa). The Human Environment. Seven villages within Basho Valley utilize forests for fuelwood, construction, and grazing. Access is determined through traditional agreements. Illegal extraction of timber has greatly increased in recent decades. Combined, these pressures are causing degradation of forest resources, as evidenced by reduced tree densities and increased erosion. • RESEARCH QUESTIONS • What is the spatial relationship between pine and juniper regeneration and both natural and human-caused disturbance (avalanche, drought, tree harvesting, grazing)? • What microclimate conditions and landscape features favor (or hinder) successful pine and juniper regeneration? METHODS Transects (6 m x ca. 200 m) were established in four forest stands and field surveys conducted in 2001 and 2002. A total of 3.25 ha was included in the transects; 1,069 pine seedlings and 473 junper seedlings were surveyed. • RESULTS & DISCUSSION - 1 • Seedling abundance is greater in forested sites where disturbances (grazing, avalanche, drought) are lower compared to open areas with frequent disturbance (Figure 1). • Seedling abundance is highest in sheltered areas (rocks, shrubs, forest), possibly due to amelioration • Of microclimate conditions (moisture, temperature, wind) and/or protection from grazing (Figure 2). Photo Credit: Tor Arve RESULTS & DISCUSSION - 2 • Few seedlings survive into the larger size classes, especially in open microsites (Figure 3). The short heights of older pine saplings suggests that grazing may prevent seedling height growth (Figure 4) • Although there appear to be sufficient regeneration of seedlings (< 30 cm height) to achieve fully stocked conditions, due to high mortality long-term regeneration of forest stands will occur very slowly (Figure 5). CONCLUSIONS: MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS • Explore locally acceptable approaches to reduce grazing in vulnerable forest areas (e.g. exclusion of animals and reassignment of grazing areas). • Involve local communities (particularly women who access the forest regularly) in the identification, protection, and enhancement of favorable microclimates for seedling survival.         • Promote dialogue and negotiation between communities, government agencies, and NGO's to develop forest management plans. • Develop effective policies to reduce illegal harvesting and promote agroforestry for timber and fuelwood production.