The paper analyzes mathematical models that are used to project the dynamics of forest ecosystems on different spatial and temporal scales. Landscape disturbance and succession models (LDSMs) are of a particular interest for studying the forest forming process in Northern Eurasia. They have a solid empirical background and are able to model ecological processes under changing environmental conditions. Using the LANDIS-II LDSM, we demonstrate potential uses of this model for scientific applications and as a tool for adaptive forest management in Siberian forests.