Potential Genetic Consequences of Clear-Cut–Free (CCF) Management with Self-Regeneration: Where Do Knowledge Gaps Remain?

Unlike even-aged systems, where genetically improved regeneration material is deployed to increase growth and mitigate climate-related risks CCF mostly relies on natural regeneration with the assumption that sufficient genetic variation exists to support adaptation. However, critical questions remain: In the context of selective logging and self-regeneration, could CCF inadvertently increase inbreeding and reduce genetic diversity? How might such processes affect growth performance over successive generations? Are the trees left on site and thus contributing to regeneration truly well-adapted, thereby supporting long-term forest resilience?

Historical high-grading practices provide cautionary examples of how intensive selective harvesting can degrade growth and quality, potentially through genetic effects. Modern CCF practices are less intense, but without empirical genetic studies, the long-term consequences for population structure, low-frequency adaptive variants, and resilience to climate change remain largely speculative.

Addressing these questions requires integration of molecular genetic tools, long-term monitoring, and simulation models. Only by understanding how CCF influences the genetics of boreal forests can we ensure that these management systems maintain both productivity and evolutionary potential. The urgency is clear: in the face of rapid climate change, safeguarding genetic resources in CCF stands is not only a scientific challenge but a practical necessity. 

Author: M Rosario García Gil

Reference

Kärkkäinen, K. et al. (2025). Genetic Effects. In: Rautio, P., Routa, J., Huuskonen, S., Holmström, E., Cedergren, J., Kuehne, C. (eds) Continuous Cover Forestry in Boreal Nordic Countries. Managing Forest Ecosystems, vol 45. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-70484-0_7