Roles of growth and yield models for informed forest management decisions in the Pacific Northwest United States

Abstract

This essay examines the important roles of growth and yield models in forest management decision-making in the Pacific Northwest United States. It outlines how these models help managers evaluate and optimize forest productivity on commercial timberlands by incorporating site indices, growth responses to silvicultural treatments like thinning, fertilization, and vegetation control, the potential impacts of climate change, and other factors. The essay reflects on how growth and yield models help forest managers optimize stand development, balance multiple objectives, and adapt to changing environmental conditions. It also analyzes key challenges, including limitations in site index estimation for young stands and areas without trees, the derivation and application of the maximum stand density index, complexities in generating initial tree lists, error propagation in long-term projections, and uncertainties in quantifying climate change impacts. Carbon accounting is an increasingly important consideration, highlighting how growth and yield models can help forest managers address new demands in carbon markets. Recommendations are provided to improve model accuracy and reliability in management applications. In conclusion, the essay underscores the necessity of enhancing model predictive accuracy while integrating technological advancements for sustainable forest management in the Pacific Northwest. It acknowledges the complex balance among productivity, financial returns, and conservation objectives in an evolving environmental and economic landscape.

Citation

Joo, Sukhyun; Temesgen, Hailemariam; Frank, Bryce; Weiskittel, Aaron R.; Reimer, Don. 2025. Roles of growth and yield models for informed forest management decisions in the Pacific Northwest United States. Journal of Forestry. 123(5): 593-627. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44392-025-00041-0.