Decision Methods for Forest Resource Management

Decision Methods for Forest Resource Management focuses on decision making for forests that are managed for both ecological and economic objectives. The essential modern decision methods used in the scientific management of forests are described using basic algebra, computer spreadsheets, and numerous examples and applications. Balanced treatment is given throughout the book to the ecological and economic impacts of alternative management decisions in both even-aged and uneven-aged forests.

In-depth coverage of both ecological and economic issuesHands-on examples with Excel spreadsheets; electronic versions available on the authors' websiteMany related exercises with solutionsInstructor's Manual available upon request

Preface; Introduction; Principles of Linear Programming: Formulations; Principles of Linear Programming: Solutions: Even-Aged Management: A First Model; Area - and Volume-Control Management with Linear Programming: A Dynamic Model of the Even-Aged Forest; Economic Objectives and Environmental Policies for Even-Aged Forests; Managing the Uneven-Aged Forest with Linear Programming; Economic and Environmental Management of Uneven-Aged Forests; Multiple Objectives Management with Goal Programming; Forest Resource Programming Models with Integer Variables; Project Management with CPM/PERT; Multistage Decision Making with Dynamic Programming; Simulation of Uneven-Aged Stand Management; Simulation of Even-Aged Forest Management; Projecting Forest Landscape and Income Under Risk with Markov Chains; Optimizing Forest Income and Biodiversity with Markov Decision Processes; Analysis of Forest Resource Investments; Econometric Analysis and Forecasting of Forest Product markets; Appendix A: Compounding and Discounting; Appendix B: Elements of Matrix Algebra