Criteria for comparing the adaptability of forest growth models

Abstract

We develop criteria that assess the adaptability of forest growth simulation models for extension into new populations and applications. The most important criteria summarize the infrastructure of the model: portability, extendibility, source code availability, and adequate documentation. We apply these criteria to a suite of stand growth models for simulation of a wide range of management alternatives in the Pacific Northwest. None of the candidate models is fully adaptable, but the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) came closest.