Geoconservation in forest management - principles and practice

Abstract

Geoconservation aims to maintain the diversity of geological, geomorphological and soil features, systems and processes. As with biodiversity, the more vulnerable aspects of geodiversity will not be preserved on multiple-use land tenures unless they are specifically managed for. The successful management of geodiversity requires the existence of databases indicating the types, conditions and vulnerability of the features and assemblages present, and a procedure for identifying features of geoconservation significance and arriving at appropriate management prescriptions for those which are vulnerable to disturbance. These requirements are at an early stage of development compared with biodiversity management, but in Tasmania are the subject of ongoing projects within both Forestry Tasmania and the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service.