Long-term vegetational history of a Picea abies stand in south-eastern Norway: Implications for the conservation of biological values

The development of a forest stand in south-eastern Norway during the last 9000 years is investigated by pollen and charcoal analyses. The aims are to identify factors that have influenced current biodiversity, which includes the lichen Usnea longissima, and examine the immigration and establishment of the current dominant tree Picea abies. Fire has been a variable but major disturbance factor at the site throughout the study period but has ceased during the last 100 years. Picea immigration was primarily a natural process but local establishment occurred after a major disturbance. Cultural impact began 3500 years ago during the Bronze Age, but was most intensive between AD 1600 and AD 1900. It led to the local extinction of deciduous trees and created a biodiversity bottleneck that facilitated the rise to dominance of Picea. Guidelines are proposed for future management designed to preserve and enhance local biological values.