Question: “How can Ecosystem-based management guarantee the development of really old, coarse trees that are allowed to “die of natural causes” and become the coveted really old and coarse dead wood of many species?”
That’s a really good question!
Exercise programs or diets become effective only when practiced and applied over time. The results are not guaranteed – they are an effect of practice over time.
The same is true for ecosystem-based forestry. For the Lübeck* model, there are well-defined guidelines and principles. When those are followed – the development of really old, course trees that are allowed to “die of natural causes” – are guaranteed.