Abstract: The paper discussed concepts and principles of ecology-based forest harvesting and connotation of ecology-based forest harvesting theory systematically.Ecology-based forest harvesting is implementing forest harvesting operation under instruction of forest ecology theory. The purpose is utilizing forest high-efficiently and promoting health and stabilization of forest ecological system and realizing sustainable forest utilization through harvesting and regeneration. Its connotation includes three levels:stands,landscape and natural disturbance simulation. In the stands level,wood yield,tree species,composition and arrangement,trees diameter class,optimum combination of bio-diversity,productivity of forest land,exchange process of material and energy and so on should be considered systematically in harvesting,so as to maintain the structure and function and insure stability and sustainability of forest ecological system. In the landscape level,to fulfil landscape planning and design based on the considering original vegetable and climax community,to realize reasonable arrangement of different forest landscape types through forest harvesting. Natural disturbance simulation requires selecting cutting trees,target trees and other reserved trees through natural simulation. At the same time,some mortality trees,fallen trees and litters should be reserved in the harvesting operation,so as to meet the survival requirements of forest animals and microbials. The article indicates that ecology-based forest harvesting theory is succession and development of neoteric forest management theories,it is an important approach for realizing sustainable forest management,it will plays an important role in forest conservation and reasonable utilization. Finally,main research fields and orientation for the future are put forward.

Key words: ecology-based forest harvesting, ecosystem management, sustainable forest management