Overview of developing desired conditions: Short-term actions, long-term objectives
| Authors: | J. D. Chew, K. O'Hara, J. G. Jones |
| Year: | 2001 |
| Type: | Proceedings |
| Station: | Rocky Mountain Research Station |
| Source: | In: Barras, Stanley J., ed. Proceedings: National silvicultural workshop; 1999 October 5-7; Kalispell, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-19. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 11-15 |
Abstract
A number of modeling tools are required to go from short-term treatments to long-term objectives expressed as desired future conditions. Three models are used in an example that starts with determining desired stand level structure and ends with the implementation of treatments over time at a landscape scale. The Multi-Aged Stocking Assessment Model (MASAM) is used for assessing sustainable stand structures. Simulating Vegetative Patterns and Processes at Landscape Scales (SIMPPLLE) is initially applied to assess risks from disturbance processes on the current landscape without management treatments, but with fire suppression. The frequencies of process occurrence from these simulation results are input into the Multi-resource Analysis and Geographic Information System (MAGIS), an optimization modeling system, for scheduling activities that reduce these risks and address other management objectives while trying to attain desired future conditions. The derived treatment schedules are used in additional SIMPPLLE simulations to examine the change in risk of natural processes. The resulting economic impacts associated with trying to achieve the long-term desired future conditions are finally quantified by putting not only the final treatment schedule, but also the changes from disturbance processes from the final set of SIMPPLLE runs into MAGIS.