Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Old-growth forests in northern Sweden preserve long-term ecological and cultural legacies due to their limited exposure to modern forestry. This study examines forest structure and Sámi cultural traces within a 40-hectare area of the Tjeggelvas Nature Reserve (TNR). Using an integrated approach combining field surveys, dendrochronology, and LiDAR-based GIS analyses, I characterise stand structure, identify and date culturally modified trees (CMTs), and analyse spatial patterns of historical movement.
The forest exhibits structural continuity typical of naturally dynamic boreal systems, with a median tree age of 223 years (range 56 – 564) and basal areas comparable to previously documented old-growth stands in northern Sweden. A total of 91 CMTs were recorded, including 66 bark peelings and 25 blazes. Dendrochronological dating of 32 bark peelings indicates utilisation between 1632 and 1837 AD. One stone-lined hearth and clusters of intentionally placed rocks imply repeated seasonal use.
LiDAR-derived terrain models effectively reconstruct movement corridors, but the point cloud resolution is insufficient for detecting small-scale cultural features. The combined results of the study demonstrate that the area constitutes a biocultural landscape shaped by long-term interactions between ecological processes and Sámi land use. Recognising these legacies is essential for conservation strategies that integrate ecological values with Sámi cultural heritage and decision-making.