2. Transformation silviculture
The principle question of transformation is how can
stands be changed from a state of uniformity to one of variability? Any dramatic modification in the structure of a forest requires a thorough understanding of stand dynamics. The study of stand dynamics reveals that there are many ways to increase stand variability and the choice is dependent upon management objectives and the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the forest manager. Whereas there is much potential variability that can be added to our stands, there would appear to be little justification from a wholesale shift towards maximizing variability in our stands. Instead, there are many ``compromise'' options that can add variability.
These include options that add variability in the form of additional cohorts or age classes, and those that simply increase the variability of even-aged stands without a major transformation of age structure.