Linking the historical research with the growth simulation model of hardwood floodplain forests

Hardwood floodplain forests of lowland rivers in the temperate zone of Europe represent important refugia for biota in the cultural landscape. Most of these habitats that are in near natural state are included in the system of protected areas and ecological networks. This paper presents the results of an innovative method for the assessment of hardwood floodplain forest management strategy. This method is based on combining the analysis of historical development of the forest ecosystem with the growth simulation model of the forest. The method allows us to understand (explain) the current state of the hardwood floodplain forest ecosystem and to predict its future development taking into account the applied forest management strategy. Application of this method is promising especially in protected areas because it allows us to assess the suitability of the chosen strategy that is included in the protected area management plan. The research was conducted in the area of ‘Bahna’ in Litovelské Pomoraví protected landscape area (Czech Republic). The current management strategy applied on the hardwood floodplain forest ecosystem in the study site is based on a strict non-intervention protection regime. Historical research of the forest ecosystem showed that the studied floodplain forest habitat is a relic of coppice with standards system and thus is the result of intensive forest management in the past. Growth simulation model showed that in the future 40 years the assessed management strategy will not lead to significant changes in the structure or diversity of the tree layer. Considering the conservation objectives of the reserve (maintenance of biodiversity and the present character of the forest ecosystem dominated by ash and oak), the current management plan does not require any significant corrections. The presented results can be applied in discussions about optimal management strategies in protected areas containing hardwood floodplain forest ecosystems, which belong to priority natural habitat types in the Natura 2000 network.