The Origins of Forest Operations: the Role of Prescription and Practice

The Darwinian concept of evolution provides a usef3 theoretical construct to consider the ongoing development of forest management and forest operations. For example, changing environments, “survival of the fittest”, and random mutation are processes, which have analogs within the forestry arena. The success and survival of any forest operations technology is determined by how well it meets the demands of its operating environment. Examples of evolutionary processes in forest operations are presented. Selection pressures on forestry operations are not entirely derived from silvicultural needs. This presents the possibility of divergent development. In order to influence the evolution of forest operations, silviculture must define future operational constraints and support the survival of technology, which exhibits value for forest management practices of the future.