Protection versus harvest of old-growth forests on Changbai Mountain (China and North Korea): A remote sensing application

Spatial distribution patterns of old-growth forests on Changbai Mountain, an area of 1.13 million ha along the border between China and North Korea, were described using remote-sensing techniques. About three-fourths of the study area is located in China and one-fourth was in North Korea. A biosphere reserve, Changbai Natural Reserve; was included in the study area. A quarter-scene of a Landsat Thematic Mapper satellite image from September 21, 1987 was used to delineate the spatial distribution of five major land cover types: nonforest, mixed broadleaf-conifer forest, evergreen coniferous forest, larch forest, and subalpine vegetation. The dominant cover type (43%) was mixed broadleaf-conifer forest. Large contiguous patches of old-growth forest, visible in the land cover map, extended across the political borders between the reserve and the surrounding area as well as between China and North Korea. Forests at different locations an Changbai Mountain were managed differently: those outside the reserve have been harvested by clearcutting, while those inside the reserve have been preserved but are now isolated from other forest patches. Obvious conflicts exist between conservation goals and clearcutting activities in old-growth forests on Changbai Mountain. Increased international attention could lead to better management and protection of the old-growth forests in this remote area.