Forest residue management in the Italian regulatory framework: an analysis of the regulations of Regions and Autonomous Provinces

Forest residues include branches, tops, and the material remaining following utilization operations. They play a fundamental role in our ecosystems by influencing the presence and abundance of micro- and macronutrients, reducing erosion, and increasing the level of both plant and animal biodiversity. The Italian regulatory framework for forest management, composed of a constellation of rules from different institutional levels, places the regulation for the management of forest residues in the forest under the competence of the Regions and Autonomous Provinces, and this results in a very articulated picture of the situation on the ground. We analyzed the regulations of local authorities regarding the management of forest prescriptions and rules to provide a general overview throughout the country. Seven categories of interest (size, quantity, placement, burning, timing, prohibitions, and waivers) were identified. Results show that in four Italian regions (i.e., Abruzzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Molise and Valle d’Aosta) there is no indication referring to forest residue management. For the remaining Regions and Provinces the situation is fairly homogeneous in terms of the presence of regulations for the categories of placement, burning, timing and prohibitions. In contrast, for the categories of size and waivers, there is little or almost no regulation and for the category of quantity, regulation is fully lacking.