MOOSE AND FOREST ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT: THE BIGGEST BEAST BUT NOT THE BEST

Abstract

Over the last few decades, forest policies regarding wildlife habitat have evolved from featured-species oriented management to the consideration of a broader scope of interests. Ecosystem management is already or will be applied soon in many jurisdictions. A few have set habitat objectives for moose and other species, and some plan to establish relationships with population levels. Others try to define methods to plan forest interventions to imitate nature of to take into consideration the needs of the various forest resource users. Both spatial and temporal multi-scales have to be defined to implement a habitat management strategy based not only on natural boundaries, but also on the concerns of forest users. Moose habitat management has to be subordinated to biodiversity objectives and social needs, such as sustainable food supply for the Native peoples or a satisfying hunting experience for moose hunters. Adaptive management, adequate funding, and involvement of forest and wildlife users are necessary to reach these goals.