Understanding the compatibility of multiple uses on forest land: a survey of multiresource research with application to the Pacific Northwest.

Abstract

In this report, multiresource research is described as it has coevolved with forest policy objectives—from managing for single or dominant uses, to managing for compatible multiple forest uses, to sustaining ecosystem health on the forest. The evolution of analytical methods for multiresource research is traced from impact analysis to multiresource modeling, and examples of true joint production of forest products, goods, and services are given. Empirical results from studies related to wood compatibility in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) are compiled. We found that:In most cases, joint production research has been too specific or too theoretical to be directly applicable by land managers. Meta-analysis may prove useful for generating general management guidelines.Compatibility studies generally demonstrate compatibility between wood production and other uses. This result depends on geographic scale of analysis.Increasing sophistication in modeling method and the dramatic increase in data describing interactions among forest uses will likely make future tradeoff analysis more realistic and useful. Current work in modeling timber-wildlife tradeoffs shows promise.Compatibility analysis can be useful for policy analysis by establishing standards of efficiency against which to evaluate policy alternatives.

Citation

Stevens, James A.; Montgomery, Claire A. 2002. Understanding the compatibility of multiple uses on forest land: a survey of multiresource research with application to the Pacific Northwest. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-539. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 44 p