The scientific basis for combining timber
production and environmental quality in
an efficient manner is, however, far from
complete. Nevertheless, a consequence of
the new Forestry Act in Sweden is that
environmental consideration has gained in
importance in Swedish forestry activities in
the last few years. A more varied forest
environment can be achieved e.g. by mixed
stands rather than monocultures, by leaving
buffer zones unaffected by logging activities,
and by leaving some dead and living trees
after harvesting. Furthermore, modifications
of the dominating clearcutting system and
increased use of alternative silvicultural
systems, including natural regeneration, are
desirable from an environmental point of
view (e.g. Fries et al., 1997)