ABSTRACT
Forest ecosystems are subject to a range of threats. Strong winds, tornadoes, hurricanes and storm-induced micro-bursts can break stems and/or topple trees. Rather than subject ecosystems to events that may prove ecologically or productively non-compatible, an agroecological approach favors in-place, risk-reducing countermeasures. The attacking organisms are many and varied and require continual monitoring to assess the degree of risk. The countermeasures range from landscape wide to local application and can be designed for a broad range of pests or for specific scourges. Specialist countermeasures focus on this immediate threat. Topography and relative location also figure in establishing priorities and in positioning countermeasures. Countermeasures such as fire breaks and fire crews are in place, but only offer limited protection. More proactive in- and ex-stand countermeasures could certainly improve the situation. Threat containment can lie with nearby fire crews and the assumption that they will make short work of any immediate flare-up.
