Zoning by Functions of Small-Scale Forest Ecosystems: A Case Study of Hui-Sun Forest Station in Taiwan Province, China

Abstract

To optimize the spatial structure of an ecosystem, a forest landscape was selected as a research object. Based on the theory of structure and functions of landscape ecology, combined with the analysis of the characteristics of the inner structure in an ecosystem, this paper proposes to establish certain procedures to regulate the spatial structure of this forest landscape and construct a landscape pattern of forest ecosystem functions. Considering the functions of biologic production, environmental services, and cultural support in forest ecosystems, forest landscape zones should consist of areas of forest production, research, experimentation, recreation, and conservation to add value to the forest ecosystem, enhance its functions, and then identify the relevant environmental factors according to the environment featured in the research area. Based on the methods of landscape ecology and ecological planning, this paper develops a zoning project of ecosystem functions suitable for various environments. For this research, the Hui-Sun forest station in Taiwan Province, China was selected to be the experimental area for studying the feasibility of developing a zoning project of forest ecosystem services and the suitability of optimizing the spatial structures of the services.