Age structure of the karri forest: 2. Projections of future forest structure and implications for management

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Abstract
The age distribution of the kam (Eucalyptus diversicolor) forest of Western Australia was determined from previous mapping of development stages and sampling of stand ages within those stages. An hypothesis is developed to explain the preponderance of mature stands in the present virgin (unlogged) forest. Forest age and development stage is projected forward one hundred years using a combination of the planned harvesting regime and assumed natural development processes. Present understorey age has been related to overstorey development stage. The maintenance of forest structure is discussed with emphasis on the issues related to the maintenance of ‘old growth’.