ABSTRACT
This chapter describes state-of-the-art restoration techniques for open forest ecosystems that once occurred across large areas in North America and Europe, using a broad, systematic approach to address the complex issue of open woodlands for two continents. Mechanical or chemical thinning from below to remove the midstorey trees first, followed by canopy trees if necessary, will reduce stand density to an overall density or stocking appropriate to woodland or savanna restoration goals. After stand structure and ground flora objectives have been achieved through restoration treatments, management shifts in emphasis to monitoring and maintenance of structure and composition using prescribed fire and periodic thinning as needed. Even with intervention, restoration is not guaranteed; therefore, it may be a better use of limited resources to first maintain existing savannas and woodlands. Savannas and woodlands are poorly described in temperate Asia, South America and Africa but appear to occur in localized areas within grassland ecosystems of steppes, pampas and veld.
