Guidelines for forest recovery in wind damaged areas: the case of Tuscan forests

Abstract

On the 5^th of March 2015 a wind storm, with wind speed exceeding 160 km/h, caused extensive damage to Tuscan forests (Central Italy). Here we describe the guidelines for the restoration of the forest potential of the main forest types damaged by the wind storm, both coppices and high forests. The most impacted high forests were pure even aged stands originated by planting (e.g. silver fir, Austrian pine, stone pine), where past management often aimed at maintaining uniform structures. We conclude that restoration interventions must be the first step of a change in management aimed at increasing resistance and resilience of Tuscan forests so as to maintain their precious ecological functions in face of a future which appears very uncertain, and not only from a climatic point of view