Forest zoning can augment diverse forest functions

Decision Support System for Adaptive Regional-Scale Forest Management by Multiple Decision-Makers

Yusuke Yamada (a), Yuichi Yamaura (b)

(a) Department of Forest Management, FFPRI, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
(b) Department of Forest Vegetation, FFPRI, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.

Forests. 8(11): 453, November 2017, DOI：10.3390/f8110453( External link )

Local municipalities formulate regional forest administration plans (Municipal Forest Plan) based on regional forests subjected to zoning. In forestry, the term “zoning” refers to the allotment of prioritized functions to each forest plot with the purpose of clarifying the future vision and administrative policy for the forest. Zoning encourages forest owners to perform their operations (cutting, thinning, etc.) at specific times and locations, thereby augmenting the diverse functions of forests, including wood production, to benefit local communities as a whole.

In this study, the authors constructed a model that estimates quantifiable effects of zoning on various forest functions in the future. This model combines a simulation model, which predicts when and where a forest owner performs forestry operations corresponding to zoning, and an estimation model, which quantifies the functions resulting from the operations.

As a case study, the authors applied this model to a privately owned forest in the town of Ugo, Akita Prefecture. In addition to the current zoning scheme, a virtual zoning plan was established, which automatically assigned the priorities of wood production based on the state of the present forest and distribution of environmental factors. Prospective forest functions were predicted based on the respective models and compared. Consequently, the latter zoning scheme, rather than the former, was predicted to be more conducive to augmenting wood production and other publicly beneficial functions in the long term. In the future, the authors plan to conduct more case studies with the view of constructing a more practical system that actually contributes to zoning planning.


Figure: Schematic diagram of the established model

Based on the assumption that forestry operations are performed under the respective zoning conditions, the future state of the forest is estimated. In each scenario, forest functions are evaluated.