Progress in developing multiple-use forest watershed production models

Abstract

Developing a scientific basis for multiple-use management of millions of acres of publicly owned watersheds in the Southwest presents a big challenge to applications of regional science and the economics of production. Watershed managers are faced with hard problems in adjusting resource outputs to major changes in demand. Watershed conditions are extremely complex and diverse. Remarkably few data are available on production function and product-product relations. Important outputs are not valued in markets. Research is underway on the watersheds of the Salt and Verde rivers in Arizona to find how to redirect management to: (i) produce more water, while at the same time providing for (2) expected increases in wildland recreation use, as well as (3) sustained demand for timber and grazing. This paper reviews this work with particular attention to development of basic models for analysis and decisionmaking in multiple-use wildland watershed management. Needs for coordinating levels of analysis are outlined.