Timber Potential of a Secondary Forest with Araucaria in Brazilian Atlantic Forest: Implications for Small-Scale Management

Abstract Despite a three-decade-long prohibition on the harvesting of Araucaria angustifolia and other timber species in the Atlantic Forest, the conservation status remains critical, as evidenced by the ongoing illegal exploitation, deforestation, and habitat fragmentation. This underscores the need to develop and implement effective strategies to reconcile the use of forest resources with the maintenance of their ecosystems and associated ecosystem services. This study assessed the timber potential of a secondary forest fragment with Araucaria by characterizing the composition, forest structure and timber stocks, while accounting for timber and stem quality. Fifty tree species were sampled, 72% of which have some timber use and 19% of which have high quality timber. The average timber stock was 177.6 m 3 ha −1 , with Araucaria angustifolia standing out, accounting for 28 m 3 ha −1 , mainly in high-quality commercial stems. Two forest types were identified within the studied area: a diversified forest and a high stock forest, representing two groups of sampling units with marked differences in timber quality and stocks. The highest quality stock was concentrated in the commercial ( dbh > 50 cm) and pre-commercial (30 ≤ dbh ≤ 50 cm) classes. A. angustifolia and Nectandra megapotamica stood out for providing high-quality timber and for being dominant commercial species. The results revealed the need for differentiated management practices between forest types. These practices should prioritize the sustainable use of dominant commercial species and the use of lower-quality stems for secondary products. The results indicate that small-scale management, associated with silvicultural treatments, could contribute to integrating conservation and income generation in secondary forests, promoting the maintenance of ecosystem services.