A test for robustness in harvest scheduling models

Harvest scheduling models are decision support systems used to project sustainable harvest volumes while maintaining social and ecological objectives. We present a robustness test for these projections that measure the possible level of deviation between projection and implementation while still mee...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Forest ecology and management 2005-03, Vol.207 (1), p.121-132
Main Authors: Boyland, M., Nelson, J., Bunnell, F.L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Biological and medical sciences
Forest harvesting and working in forest
Forest management
Forest management. Stand types and stand dynamics. Silvicultural treatments. Tending of stands. Natural regeneration
Forestry
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Harvest scheduling
Robust
Synecology
Terrestrial ecosystems
Uncertainty
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Summary:Harvest scheduling models are decision support systems used to project sustainable harvest volumes while maintaining social and ecological objectives. We present a robustness test for these projections that measure the possible level of deviation between projection and implementation while still meeting projected target levels. Results using both simulation and optimization models indicate that when using a maximum sustainable volume objective, the projections have very little robustness. Reducing the target volume increases robustness, but with a large cost to the sustainable timber harvest level. Matching the level of uncertainty in the planning environment with corresponding level of robustness in projections is an important factor in creating sustainable forest management plans.
ISSN:0378-1127
1872-7042
DOI:10.1016/j.foreco.2004.10.022