Beyond the Trees: Combining Ecology and History to Understand Human Impact on an Old-Growth Forest Landscape

Abstract Forest reserves in boreal Scandinavia are primarily established to protect biodiversity. However, they also serve as important reference areas for traditional land use by the indigenous Sami people, a factor often overlooked during reserve creation. In this study, we examined the role of Sami land use in shaping the forest structure of Tjieggelvas, a large forest reserve in northern Sweden that has not been affected by modern forestry. We collected field data on both forest structure and cultural objects—visible remains of human activity—at five sites and analyzed the data using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The results revealed noticeable differences between sites, mainly due to human impact. However, there was no link between forest-structure variables associated with old-growth conditions and the density of cultural objects. To arrive at a better interpretation of our findings, we reviewed archival sources from the early eighteenth century onward and interpreted Sami place names. The combination of these data provided a detailed understanding of the cultural history and human influence on this ancient forest. We conclude that the management and designation of forest reserves should more thoroughly incorporate cultural history and values than they currently do. Recognizing cultural heritage enhances the overall value of protected areas, connects the present with the past, and honors the history of indigenous peoples.