A method for integrated planning of timber production and biodiversity: a case study

Abstract

A stepwise planning method is presented that supports decision making on a long-term basis by forest managers with both timber production and biodiversity objectives. An information set was generated that provides a range of solutions, which were illustrated by production possibility frontiers and future landscape development. Steps involved in generating such an information set included clarification of objectives, derivation of indicators related to the objectives, formulation of a linear program, construction of a stand projection model, generation of alternatives, and repeated generation of solutions using the linear program. An example is provided in which the method is applied to a forest management area to illustrate its function. The forest management area covered 18 000 ha. Based on forest conditions at the time it was decided to establish reserve networks, maintain the area of old forest, and increase the area of broad-leaved forest, and also use these criteria as indicators of biodiversity. The method should meet some of the demands involved in the complex problem of integrating timber production and biodiversity objectives. Principles to realize decision-makers values are discussed to exemplify how the method can be used in conjunction with such principles.