Forest Management in a Spatio-temporal Multi-objective Decision-making Framework: Modeling Concepts and Case Studies

Spatial and dynamic computer programs are combined with a Multi-Objective Decision Making (MODM) technique using multiple forest management objectives to provide spatio-temporal solutions for forest management on a landscape scale. Objectives are related to forest stand density as the decision variable using response functions and Compromise Programming. CP is the MODM component of the modeling effort presented in this book, while the USDA Forest Service Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) and ArcGIS are the temporal and spatial components. In ArcGIS, the FVS decision variable output is displayed spatially and is assigned a CP achievement level as an indicator of how well a forest stand meets the best possible solution given all objectives. Displaying the achievement level spatially as it changes through time provides a mechanism for solving a dynamic and spatially varied multi-objective problem at the landscape level, in order to equitably address various forest resource components and their interaction in a holistic and sustainable manner. The modeling effort presented in this work provides valuable information for project managers in their ecosystem approach to forest management.