Integration of remote sensing data for forest risk assessment and disturbance monitoring in the Krkonoše National Park

Abstract Forest disturbances are a natural phenomenon, however, understanding of their spatial progression is essential to adapt appropriate management strategies. Because most disturbances are to some extent influenced by management measures, it is necessary to study disturbances in areas with minimal human interference. This study aims to detect and analyse the progress of disturbance in and around a non-intervention zone of the Krkonoše National Park in the Czech Republic. Our analysis showed that either Sentinel-2 based or airborne-based approach was able to detect ongoing disturbances, however, spatial resolution is a key parameter for the detection of small-scale forest disturbances. Both sources independently identified a distance of up to 125 m from previous disturbances as the area with the highest risk of further propagation. The specific distance depends on the phase of disturbance at the site. The distance is lower in areas experiencing a progressive disturbance phase (i.e. 75 m in areas with a high population density of bark beetles). A sequence of remote sensing detection and buffer zone creation could be used as a tool for assessing risk areas in forest stands.