A silvicultural operation may reduce forest density
and modify the spatial structure, species composition
and value of the standing crop. Silvicultural event analysis
is a method designed to monitor management activity.
The concept requires that forest assessments coincide
with silvicultural events. The assessment takes
place after the trees have been marked for removal and
before they are removed. Through appropriate timing,
the activities of resource assessment and management
control can thus be very effectively combined. Sound
solutions must be developed for specific conversion
problems (Spellmann 1998). Forest development is inherently
uncertain and management needs to be adaptive.
Adaptive management is facilitated by silvicultural
event analysis involving regular quantitative evaluation
of management activities. The resulting experience
can be used to improve the treatment specifications
in the Forest options model.