Identification of sprinkling storage facilities for windblown timber using a GIS-based modeling approach

Benoit Jourez,Bertrand Pirothon,Jacques Hébert,Philippe Lejeune,Simon Riguelle

doi:10.25518/1780-4507.13651

Benoit Jourez, Bertrand Pirothon + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.25518/1780-4507.13651

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Abstract

Description of the subject. After catastrophic storm events, the storage of windblown timber is an effective measure for mitigating economic losses in the forest sector by preventing wood decay, protecting stands from secondary damage, and regulating the timber supply in the middle and long term. Objectives. In this study, we first propose a GIS-based methodology for identifying suitable sprinkling storage terminals in Wallonia (Belgium). In addition, we suggest an approach for building a coherent regional network as well as methods for selecting and activating terminals within this network after a storm, depending on the severity and distribution of the damage. Method. The GIS-based approach was used to crosscheck technical requirements related to sprinkling storage according to operational and environmental constraints in the Ardenne, which is the most forested sub-region of Wallonia. A three-step process was employed to identify suitable areas. Nine procurement areas were also delineated according to the regional forest inventory plots as a reference for choosing the terminals that should be included in the regional network and activated after the storm. Results. We generated and evaluated 96 scenarios. In the second step, a network of 30 terminals was suggested, which corresponded to a storage capacity of 4 million m³. This network could facilitate the flexibility in the strategic management of storage after huge storms. The procurement area approach also helps addressing routing and transportation issues in a simple way. Conclusions. The GIS approach facilitates the selection of sprinkling storage terminals, but field validation and enhanced collaboration between public and private landowners and forest owners would still be needed.

Highlights

Severe winter storms are major threats to forests throughout the world (Van Lierop et al, 2015) and they are considered to be the most destructive abiotic agent for European forests (Thom et al, 2013)
The slope was a limiting factor when searching for bigger terminals (5 ha), especially in proximity to the road network
It was logical to find more terminals of 2 ha compared with terminals of 5 ha when using the same combination of criteria

Summary

Introduction

Severe winter storms are major threats to forests throughout the world (Van Lierop et al, 2015) and they are considered to be the most destructive abiotic agent for European forests (Thom et al, 2013). The frequency and intensity of storm events are likely to increase in mid-latitudes in continental regions within this century (Leckebusch et al, 2006), and higher surface wind speeds (Fink et al, 2009) with shorter return periods (Karremann et al, 2014) are expected in Central and Western Europe. This upward trend in windstorm severity combined with the increasing exposure of forests due to the accumulating standing timber volume in Europe (Seidl et al, 2011) will increase the risk of severe winter storm losses in future decades (Schwierz et al, 2010). Regardless of the perspective, the integrated management of storm risk is required at the regional and/or national level(s) to support the entire forest-based economy (Riguelle et al, 2016)

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