ProForM: A simulation model for the management of mountain protection forests

Protection from gravitational natural hazards such as snow avalanches and rockfall is among the most important ecosystem services provided by forests in steep mountain terrain European Alps. These so-called “protection forests” often have to be actively managed ensure a sustainable service provision time space. For studying these slowly developing ecosystems, dynamic forest models are tools assess effect of management on protective function. However, existing focus current many cases neglect aspects stand resistance resilience large disturbances, which factors for maintaining long-term Therefore, we developed ProForM, new model aimed at (1) reproducing dynamics temperate (2) assessing their function detail. ProForM structurally simple that contains mechanistic formulations basic demographic processes but was mainly with empirical data. It spatially explicit regeneration dynamics. The parameterized four tree species (Picea abies, Abies alba, Fagus sylvatica, Acer pseudoplatanus) elevational zones, ranging mixed submontane spruce-dominated subalpine forests. calibrated validated against independent data inventories Switzerland. exhibited satisfactory performance measured basal area, stem number, diameter distribution mean crown ratio level, comparable other, typically more complex models. Illustrative example simulations demonstrate assessment according multiple criteria used forestry practice Alpine countries. valuable tool study impacts forests, inform managers.