Comparing tree selection as performed by different professional figures

The study compared the silvicultural results of individual tree selection as performed by licensed foresters, loggers, and licensed agronomists. The experiment was conducted on two tree marking training sites installed by the Regional Forest administration for Lombardy in the northern Italian mountains. Each site consisted of a 1.2-acre (0.5-ha) forest plot where all trees had been identified with painted numbers. Sixty-four volunteers were extracted from a larger pool representing licensed foresters, loggers, and licensed agronomists. Each volunteer was provided with simple paper forms on which he or she would note the identification number of each tree selected for removal. All volunteers were asked to apply the same silvicultural prescription. Statistical analysis of the results indicated no differences between the different professional groups. Most participants reached the prescribed percent removals and consistently selected the right tree size for two different silvicultural treatments. On the other hand, differences between single individuals were quite substantial, possibly reflecting different practical experience with tree marking. Overall, the study suggests that the quality of tree selection is not determined by the group an individual belongs to. Therefore, one may consider delegating tree selection to a properly trained logger, especially if the silvicultural prescription is relatively straightforward.