The introduction of Japan's New Production Systems for forestry has raised the profile of a systems approach to strengthening forestry supply chain competitiveness. Such an approach has been practiced in Scotland via its Forestry Industries Cluster, bringing together government agencies and forestry businesses along the supply chain. Since the Cluster's formation, increasing timber availability has been matched by private investment in expanded processing capacity and biomass, so that currently Scotland produces 〜7mil.m^3 of timber annually of which over 80% is processed or used in Scotland. The authors have reviewed the Cluster's activities and carried out a field survey in 2008 involving interviews with participating organisations, supplemented by a questionnaire. We examine factors underlying current performance, and evaluate the hypothesis that the cluster organisational model has helped the industry's growth and competitiveness. The paper concludes by considering similarities and differences between Scottish experience and Japan.

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In coniferous plantation forests, a detailed understanding of the temporal and spatial dynamics of tree sizes is important for designing silvicultural treatments as well as controlling stand productivity. However, previous investigations have yielded unclear results regarding size dynamics, especially those of coefficient of variation (CV) in diameter at breast height (DBH) soon after canopy closure. We evaluated how differences in the spatial pattern of tree sizes at canopy closure affected the subsequent size structure dynamics of a monoclonal Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) plantation using an individual competition-based model. In the model, local competition among adjacent trees determined tree growth. The model was parameterized using empirical equations derived from a 12-year-old monoclonal C. japonica plantation. We varied the spatial pattern of tree sizes while the size frequency distribution at canopy closure was fixed. Three types of initial spatial patterns were compared, where large and small trees were aggregated (large adjacent to small), random or segregated. The variation in spatial pattern of tree sizes at canopy closure resulted in differences in the dynamics of CV of DBH among stands. Our results suggested that, even in plantation forests with the same size structure and lattice planting design, different spatial patterns of tree sizes might lead to different CV dynamics in DBH. The variable size dynamics observed in previous studies may have been caused by variation in spatial pattern or short observation period. Interactions between spatial pattern of tree sizes and other factors affecting CV dynamics must be verified through long-term studies in actual plantation forests.

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We developed a cross-cutting pattern algorithm to maximize the stumpage price of each diameter class of timber, depending on market prices, and applied it to Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) plantations in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. We used a relative-taper curve and a relative height-diameter curve to estimate taper by diameter at breast height class. Using this algorithm, we estimated the optimum cross-cutting pattern method based on Sugi log prices at different points in time. The optimum cross-cutting pattern allows the stumpage price to rise more dramatically than by the fluctuation of log prices alone. During 6 months, which is a relatively short period of time when considering market conditions, an obvious difference in optimum cross-cutting pattern was confirmed; in some cases, a focus on 3.65-m logs was beneficial, whereas in other cases, 4-m logs produced greater benefits. The difference accords with the prospective cross-cutting pattern considered profitable by the Gunma Forest Association. This result indicates that the algorithm can estimate optimum cross-cutting patterns according to changes in the timber market without contradicting empirical rules.

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As a useful tool for planning stand density management, a model to predict the vertical distribution of the stem cross-sectional area increment for even-aged stands of Hinoki cypress was developed. The model consists of two sub-models: one for predicting the distribution from total height and three sunny crown dimensions, and one for estimating these sunny crown dimensions using stand density and total height increment. The model requires three independent variables (stand density, total height and its increment) and seven parameters. To demonstrate the validity, the model was applied to five long-term permanent sample stands of Hinoki cypress. The model gave good predictions in most stands and growth stages. The model improves upon some shortcomings of existing models, and produces more realistic distributions at a practical level of precision. The model has wide applicability because it can predict distributions using common parameter values among stands or growth stages. Furthermore, the model has two constructional advantages. First, it is rationally designed through a growth process. Second, the model provides a simple and robust framework. Therefore, it is possible to modify the model for a particular aim, and to use it as a basis for other growth models. In conclusion, the model is a useful tool for planning stand density management for even-aged stands of Hinoki cypress.

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This study was conducted in Thakurgaon district of Bangladesh and focused on the species composition of homegardens, species richness, economic importance of homegardens, underlying constraints that limit homegarden productivity and the future prospects of homegarden production. In Bangladesh homegarden agroforestry is the traditional land use system that provides about 65-70% of saw logs and about 90% of fuelwood and bamboo consumed in Bangladesh. The homegarden production system was found poor in terns of level of management in cultural practices. More space might be made for growing more trees through proper management of trees. Organic fertilizers were not available in sufficient quantities as agricultural residues were used as fuel and cattle feed. Modern technology and extension support for improvement of traditional production system were almost not available. In spite of land constraint problem in Bangladesh, there were some vacant niches in the homegardens that can be taken under new plantation.

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The objectives of this study were (a) to evaluate the correlation of environmental factors with the site index of Japanese cedar, and (b) to develop the best-fit equation model for the site index. Multiple regression models for a site index of sugi plantation in Niigata Prefecture were constructed using environmental factors as independent variables. The environmental factors used were climate data (snow depth), soil type data and topographical data (aspect, slope, elevation, hillshade, distance from ridge, wetness and curvature). Through a backward stepwise procedure, the elevation, hillshade and soil type were selected for a best-fit regression model. In this model the multiple correlation coefficient was 0.523, and standard error estimate 2.84m.

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The resolution of conflict between humans and the Japanese black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus, hereafter "black bear") has become an issue on the Japanese islands from Honshu south. On the other hand, several local populations have been listed as endangered, and efforts are being made to maintain a stable population. In 1999, Japan's Wildlife Protection and Hunting Law was partially amended to reflect the environmental concerns of city dwellers (who account for the vast majority of Japanese), and in response to changes in wild populations of birds and animals including bears. The Specified Wildlife Conservation and Management Plan wildlife management system was implemented with these legal amendments. However, the majority of damage caused by bears affects rural areas. Here, bears are exterminated by residents who have experienced damage caused by bears out of fear of further crop depredation or physical harm to humans. Thus, human-black bear conflict resolution measures are themselves conflicted between policies and practice in the field. Policies that often place the entire onus of damage control measures on rural residents tend to abet or encourage extermination because it is the simplest and most effective method of bear control. In the hopes of alleviating some of the conflict between policy and practice and developing new damage control measures, this paper presents the results of a questionnaire distributed to urban and rural residents of Morioka, a city in Iwate prefecture. This survey revealed the existence of an urban-rural gap in experience with and attitudes about bears. Country dwellers were more likely to have experience with bears and to support their capture and slaughter to prevent crop depredation. These differences of experience and opinion suggest that a new policy must be created to support rural crop depredation control measures. Additionally, a policy should be implemented to encourage understanding of these measures and increase mutual understanding between urban and rural populations.

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