Comparing the efficacy of linear programming models I and II for spatial strategic forest management

Abstract

Contemporary strategic forest management goals have become increasingly complex in spatial definition and scale. For example, the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers Criteria and Indicators (CCFM C&I) includes metrics that are expressed at multiple levels of spatial resolution such as ecodistricts, watersheds, and vegetative communities. Supporting these criteria with aspatial models is sometimes difficult, and results are often not transferable to the actual forest. We describe a spatial Model I stand and prescription-based strategic forest planning model that includes spatial metrics in a realistic sized problem. We compare its formulation, capabilities, and computational efficiency with a Model II formulation using a case study on Nova Scotia’s Crown Central Forest. We demonstrate that the spatial Model I is better suited to support strategic forest management when spatial criteria are included.