Correlation of european forest site classifications

Abstract: Correlation of european forest site classifications The overall objective of the Concerted Action is to devise the basis for a common system of classification of forest sites that can be used alongside existing national, subnational and local classifications. It is intended that the classification should combine three principal variables: climate, soil moisture regime and soil nutrient regime. The objectives of the Concerted Action will be achieved through discussions at meetings including field meetings, and through a review of the scientific literature and of existing national, sub-national and local forest site classifications. At the end of the first year, there are 15 participating countries, within the European Economic Space, each represented by one person. Participants are organised into a Core Group constisting of 5 members including the Coordinator. Each member of the Core Group is the chairman of a Satellite Group. The Satellite Groups are: Nordic Countries, British Isles, Central Europe, France and Benelux, Southern Europe. The France and Benelux Group consists at present of only one member (France). Meetings have taken place as planned for the following: Core Group, Nordic Group, Central Europe Group, British Isles Group. The meeting of the Southern Europe Group has been delayed until next year. There has been no meeting of the France and Benelux Group. Following the 1996 meeting of the Core Group a technical paper will be prepared. This will spell out in sufficient detail the proposed classification for Europe, to allow the second round of meetings of the Satellite Groups to take place in a more informed atmosphere and to facilitate further action to meet the objectives over the winter 1996/97. A small project concerned with climatic classification is proposed to make discussion of this subject more effective. This involves processing data statistically and on a Geographic Information System.