Exploring the Genetic Consequences of Continuous Cover Forestry: A Critical Knowledge Gap

Unlike even-aged systems, where genetically improved regeneration material can be deployed to mitigate climate-related risks, CCF relies on natural regeneration and the assumption that sufficient genetic variation exists to support adaptation. However, critical questions remain: How does repeated selection cutting affect genetic diversity, relatedness, and adaptive potential? Can CCF inadvertently increase inbreeding or reduce growth potential over multiple generations?

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