Integrating multi-discipline teams into forest planning: A case study in west-central Alberta

2008 ◽  
Vol 84 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard D Simpson ◽  
Ted Gooding

Millar Western Forest Products Ltd. completed its 2007–2016 detailed forest management plan for its forest management agreement area by engaging multi-discipline expertise to better manage forest values. Disciplines were formed into impact assessment groups, which were charged with developing indicators and targets for identified values and objectives and with constructing models to predict the impacts of forest management activities. Three different modeling approaches were used in developing the plan and the best results were obtained by integrating indicators directly into the forecasting model even when the indicators were simple versions of complex models. Integrating indicators into the forecasting model reduced the penalty cost on other indicators, permitted the model to find better solutions, provided almost immediate feedback to the plan development team, permitted more scenarios to be investigated, and provided a better understanding of the dynamics and tradeoffs. The other two techniques used in the DFMP involved the assessment of forecasted scenarios with more complex discipline specific models, which provided more detailed information about the indicators. Key words: forecasting, forest management planning, Patchworks, forest management modeling, timber supply analysis, trade-off analysis, VOIT

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 309-322
Author(s):  
Jari Miina ◽  
Mikko Kurttila ◽  
Rafael Calama ◽  
Sergio de-Miguel ◽  
Timo Pukkala

Abstract Purpose of Review The increased popularity and commercial use of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) calls for the development of models for NTFPs to include their predicted yields in forest management planning and to evaluate the potential of multi-functional forest management. This study assesses and discusses the current state of the art and trends in NTFP yield modelling in Europe and the integration of the models in multi-functional forest management planning at different spatial scales. Recent Findings Climate-sensitive empirical yield models already exist not only for a variety of NTFPs that are economically important to forest owners (e.g. cork and pine nuts) but also for wild-gathered berries and mushrooms, the harvesting of which cannot be controlled by the forest landowner in all European countries. Several studies on multi-functional forest management planning consider the economic profitability of the joint production of timber and NTFP. Harvesting NTFPs can create significant additional incomes for forest owners, compared with timber production only. However, maximizing the economic returns from the joint production of timber and NTFPs often calls for changes in forest management practices. Summary Continued efforts in modelling and predicting the yields of NTFPs have enabled forest managers to further expand the analyses of multi-functional forest planning and management in Europe. Climate-sensitive models also allow analyses on the potential effects of climate change on NTFP yields. New models and forest management practices are still needed for tree fruits, birch sap, a wider variety of wild edible mushrooms, specialty mushrooms cultivated on live trees as well as medicinal and edible forest herbs harvested for commercial value in Europe.


2006 ◽  
Vol 82 (4) ◽  
pp. 512-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Lee ◽  
Shashi Kant

With the recent involvement of a greater diversity of groups working in forest management planning, the identification and understanding of people's forest values and their perceptions of one another's values may be a promising approach to sustainable forest management. This study identifies and analyzes the forest values and perceptions of the members of four groups, Aboriginal People, Environmental Non-Government Organizations (ENGOs), the forest industry, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR), in northwestern Ontario. Conceptual Content Cognitive Mapping (3CM) was used to identify people's forest values and perceptions and dominant forest value themes were created using hierarchical clustering. Inter-group and intra-group similarities and differences among the rankings of participants' forest values and their perceptions were determined through various non-parametric statistical tests. Participants' perceptions about each group were generally similar, which included the two most prominent themes to be similar across all participants' perceptions of each group. Although the perceptions for a particular group were similar across the participant groups, they differed substantially with that participant group's personal ranking of the forest value themes. Key words: forest values, perceptions, stakeholders, cognitive mapping, sustainable forest management, collaborative decision-making


2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 637-644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle Eyvindson ◽  
Zhuo Cheng

Deciding on a plan of action for a forest holding involves a significant amount of uncertainty. As forest planning involves the use and extraction of resources, uncertainty lies in both the future development of the forest (biological uncertainty) and the development of the market for forest-based products (economic uncertainty). Additionally, natural hazards can be a source of unexpected losses. In traditional forest management planning, the most common way to deal with uncertainty is to ignore it. Growth models are used that are assumed to be correct, and timber prices are assumed to be held constant. By ignoring the fact that these models provide only one representation of what may happen, the forest owner may get an overly optimistic (or pessimistic) view of the potential value of the forest holding. Through a stochastic programming formulation, these uncertainties can be modelled directly into the optimization formulation, and a management plan can be created that incorporates the risk preferences of the decisionmaker. This is highlighted through an example that maximizes the net present value of the holding while minimizing the conditional value at risk of obtaining a stated even flow of income.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Smola ◽  
Antonín Kusbach ◽  
Tadeáš Štěrba ◽  
Radim Adolt ◽  
Michal Nečas

Abstract A forest management plan based on ecological principles and forest management sustainability was elaborated for the Domogt Sharyn Gol Company, Mongolia. We presented possibility of use of principles and methods traditionally utilized in forest management planning in the Czech Republic. A used methodology was adjusted for the forestry legislature in Mongolia. A stratification of site characteristics and the forest development type concept was used as a framework for assessment of a forest property state via an operational forest inventory. A randomly generalized network of 354 inventory plots on the total area of 3 194 ha with spacing of 300 × 300 m was established for measurements of tree species, natural regeneration and a volume of lying deadwood. We produced a text, table, graph, figure and map material consisted of areal, tree species and wood volume structuring including calculation of decenal logging, thinning treatments, plantation activities and natural regeneration support. This forest management plan provides a feasible perspective not only towards immediate commercial benefits but also towards sustainability of forest yield and other ecological forest functions. This way of management planning is also a save way towards mitigation of current environmental issues in a Mongolian forest landscape.


2008 ◽  
Vol 84 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laird Van Damme ◽  
Peter N Duinker ◽  
Dennis Quintilio

Research from scientists embedded within Millar Western’s forest management planning process over the last 14 years was enabled by strong corporate leadership, cooperation by Alberta’s Ministry of Sustainable Resource Development, and funding by the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta. Results of the supporting research are described in the articles that follow and are important contributions to Canada’s commitment to sustainable forest management (SFM). The process is as noteworthy as the results and is the subject of this paper. When scientists and practitioners work closely together in developing a forest management plan, as they have in this case, there is a much greater opportunity for science-based emergent strategies to be created and applied through the personal interactions among scientists and practitioners. For example, input from the science-based collaborators influenced the harvest schedule in the detailed forest management plan to minimize negative effects on water flow, biodiversity and fire risk. This approach to SFM is one of many being developed in Alberta. The diversity of input has clear benefits, not the least of which is the maintenance of innovation and intellectual enterprise in support of SFM. Key words: forest management planning, forest science, innovation, Alberta, biodiversity, timber supply, guidelines


2003 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 779-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reginald Parsons ◽  
Gordon Prest

Many factors influence forestry in Canada; one gaining prominence is the practice of Aboriginal forestry. "What is Aboriginal forestry?" and "What are the driving forces behind Aboriginal forestry advancement?" are questions that are addressed in this paper. Aboriginal forestry can be seen as sustainable forest land use practices that incorporate the cultural protocols of the past with interactions between the forest ecosystem and today's Aboriginal people for generations unborn. Aboriginal forestry combines the strengths of current forest management models with traditional cultural Aboriginal forest practice. Aboriginal forestry practice is more than just following a prescription outlining when, where, and how to harvest, but prescribes how a respectful relationship with the natural world can be developed. There have been several factors driving Aboriginal forestry: forest certification, landmark court cases on Aboriginal rights and title, meaningful consultation and accommodation of potential infringements upon Aboriginal rights, modern treaty-making processes, and modern comprehensive and specific claims and treaty land entitlements. These lead to greater recognition and involvement of Aboriginal people in forestry. Key words: Aboriginal forestry, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), community consultation, forest certification systems, forest management planning, Aboriginal forest values, Aboriginal worldview, Aboriginal and treaty rights.


2005 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 359-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Hélène Mathey ◽  
Emina Krcmar ◽  
Ilan Vertinsky

The evolution of forest values from timber supply to ecological and social values has been leading to the redefinition of the Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) paradigm. In parallel, scientific knowledge is expanding and uncovering the interconnectedness of the various processes that support these values. We thus have many wishes and much knowledge but we have to ensure that we have the decision support tools that will pull them together to promote SFM. After a broad review of the evolution of decision support tools in forest management, this paper presents a case for more holistic numerical planning tools. To illustrate that such tools can be designed, we propose a simple decentralized approach. In this approach, a landscape management strategy evolves based on local decisions, integrating spatial and aspatial, multi-period and period-specific goals. Such tools could become a useful platform for sustainable forest management planning. Key words: decision support tools, sustainable forest management, evolution, holistic planning, complexity, cellular automata


2005 ◽  
Vol 156 (7) ◽  
pp. 226-229
Author(s):  
Werner Heynisch

In order to meet the population's current and future needs,forest management planning needs to ensure the sustainable development of the forest in the long term. Basic conditions for a sustainable development of the forest are set out in officially binding planning regulations. Goals and measures are established in the area of wood production, natural hazards, forest conservation, recreational activities and environment to fulfil the tasks stipulated in the planning regulations. In its turn, the forest planning map shows those forests that are especially important for natural hazard protection, forest conservation and recreational activities. Areas with a «low level of integration» are designated on the map. The adoption of the forest management plan by the government or the Cantonal Council is outstanding.


1996 ◽  
Vol 72 (6) ◽  
pp. 605-607
Author(s):  
Brian Belyea

The S.N.B. Woodlot Owner Organizations are in the process of developing a Sustainable Forest Management Plan for the approximately 400,000 ha of productive forest land owned by more than 6000 woodlot owners in southern New Brunswick.The Canadian Standards Association Protocol is being used as the guiding document in this process. S.N.B. is nearly mid-way through the process with a tentative schedule and target of 15 February 1997 to have the first draft of the system ready for review, approval and implementation by 1 April 1997.The experience continues to be one of many challenges, not only for the woodlot owner organizations and the woodlot owners themselves, but for the many other stakeholders who have been or will be provided the opportunity to participate. The CSA Protocol provides one of the first frame-works for all the players to "walk their talk" in the real management of a real forest with everyone's interests being facilitated. It also provides the players with the opportunity to demonstrate that they do know what they are talking about and to share that understanding with others to achieve the balances required within sustainable limits.The CSA Protocol provides challenges in itself. Staying "true to the process" may be the secret to addressing those challenges. In this presentation we shall examine these challenges more specifically.


Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1244
Author(s):  
Susete Marques ◽  
Vladimir Bushenkov ◽  
Alexander Lotov ◽  
José G. Borges

Decision making in modern forest management planning is challenged by the need to recognize multiple ecosystem services and to address the preferences and goals of stakeholders. This research presents an innovative a posteriori preference modeling and multi-objective integer optimization (MOIP) approach encompassing integer programming models and a new technique for generation and interactive visualization of the Pareto frontier. Due to the complexity and size of our management problems, a decomposition approach was used to build the Pareto frontier of the general problem using the Pareto frontiers of its sub-problems. The emphasis was on the approximation of convex Edgeworth–Pareto hulls (EPHs) for the sub-problems by systems of linear inequalities; the generation of Edgeworth–Pareto hulls by the convex approximation of the Pareto frontier evinced a very small discrepancy from the real integer programming solutions. The results thus highlight the possibility of generating the Pareto frontiers of large multi-objective integer problems using our approach. This research innovated the generation of Pareto frontier methods using integer programming in order to address multiple objectives, locational specificity requirements and product even-flow constraints in landscape-level management planning problems. This may contribute to enhancing the analysis of tradeoffs between ecosystem services in large-scale problems and help forest managers address effectively the demand for forest products while sustaining the provision of services in participatory management planning processes.


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