233 



Please proceed. 



Dr. Franklin. I am also the professor of ecosystem analysis at 

 the University of Washington. I am here at the request of the com- 

 mittee, and I will very quickly abstract my written statement. 



Forests are complex ecosystems composed of many organisms 

 and structures with strong linkages and interdependencies at both 

 the stand and landscape level. All forest ecosystems have composi- 

 tional, functional and structural attributes, but they vary in their 

 specifics depending upon their age, history and site conditions. 



There are very significant but gradual changes in forest charac- 

 teristics associated with successional change. Old growth forests 

 are typically the most complex and stable stage in forest succes- 

 sion. The complexity is most obvious in terms of structure, and the 

 structural variability is the most important factor in understand- 

 ing the distinctive role that these forests play as animal habitat. 



The young managed forest created through traditional silvicul- 

 tural practices are ecosystems which differ significantly from old 

 growth forests and even the young stands which originate following 

 some natural catastrophe such as fire or wind throw. 



Structurally, young managed forests are relatively simplified. 

 They cannot provide the habitat needed by many organisms, nor 

 can they perform some cycling functions as well as natural forests. 

 However, the managed young forests excel at growing wood fiber, a 

 function that old growth forests do poorly. 



It is possible to develop managed stands which do retain more 

 structural variability and can, therefore, provide for more ecologi- 

 cal functions. 



It is absolutely critical to also consider how the landscape func- 

 tions as a whole. Many organisms such as larger wildlife utilize the 

 entire landscape mosaic for various purposes and at various life 

 stages. Part of the landscape perspective is the recognition that not 

 all parts of the Tongass forest landscape are created equal. Some 

 forest areas are much more productive than others. 



One ecological fact that makes the resolution of conflicts on the 

 Tongass very difficult is that, one, some of the most productive 

 forest ecosystems for wood production are also the most critical or 

 productive for other forest uses such as wildlife and anadromous 

 fish. 



As with stands, it is possible to develop management approaches 

 to landscapes which will improve our ability to simultaneously pro- 

 tect ecological values while producing commodities. Designing man- 

 aged landscapes is an area ripe for collaborative efforts of scientists 

 and managers. 



An amendment to my statement: Several comments have been 

 offered up regarding greenhouse effects. Our best preliminary esti- 

 mates by our scientific groups in the Pacific Northwest are that 

 the conversion of old growth forest to managed stands results in 

 small net additions of C02 to the atmosphere. The key is not how 

 rapidly forests are taking up C02 but, in fact, how much carbon is 

 stored within the system. Old growth forests have very high levels 

 of carbon storage as opposed to young forests. 



Thank you. 



[The prepared statement of Dr. Franklin follows:] 



