Research

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14 pages, 1394 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Initial Planting Density on the Optimal Economic Rotation of Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) in an Experimental Forest Plantation

by Lin Liu, Yan Li, Jianguo Zhang and Honggang Sun

Forests 2019, 10(9), 713; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10090713 - 21 Aug 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1996

Abstract

The amount to be invested and the timing of clearcutting are central concerns in timber production. To assess the impact of the initial planting density on optimal economic rotation, we explicitly included the distribution of stand diameter classes and price differences representing the [...] Read more.

The amount to be invested and the timing of clearcutting are central concerns in timber production. To assess the impact of the initial planting density on optimal economic rotation, we explicitly included the distribution of stand diameter classes and price differences representing the quality of stumpage in a model of forest land expected value (LEV). We selected five initial planting densities of 35-year old China fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) plantations to fit the distribution of diameter classes along with stand age using a three-parameter Weibull theoretical growth model and then the Faustmann formula was used to calculate LEVs under different conditions. We found that the difference in the values of the growth rate of the stand volume and the discount rate affected the direction of the impact of initial planting density on the optimal economic rotation. If the value of the growth rate of the stand volume exceeded that of the discount rate, then the initial planting density had a negative impact on optimal economic rotation and vice versa. In addition, the quality effect, which means the shift in diameter class to a higher value attributed to the initial planting density, determined the extent of the impact of the initial planting density on the optimal economic rotation. The proportion of large-sized timber increased at a faster pace in accordance with the age of the stand in stands where the planting density was low compared with the proportion of such timber in stands with a higher initial planting density. The corresponding net stumpage price difference resulted in significant differences in LEVs. We concluded that a low-density stand of China fir was a preferred planting option for obtaining the highest LEV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management Strategies for an Ecologically, Economically and Socially Sustainable Future)

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21 pages, 1103 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Socioeconomic Impacts of the Billion Trees Afforestation Program in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KPK), Pakistan

by Naveed Khan, Syed Jamal Shah, Tariq Rauf, Muhammad Zada, Cao Yukun and Jun Harbi

Forests 2019, 10(8), 703; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10080703 - 19 Aug 2019

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 8224

Abstract

In recent decades, the terrestrial ecosystem in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KPK), Pakistan, has undergone tremendous destruction. To restore environmental conditions, the government implemented the Billion Tree Afforestation Program (BTAP), with a high target to impact multidimensional aspects of the terrestrial ecosystem. The government [...] Read more.

In recent decades, the terrestrial ecosystem in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KPK), Pakistan, has undergone tremendous destruction. To restore environmental conditions, the government implemented the Billion Tree Afforestation Program (BTAP), with a high target to impact multidimensional aspects of the terrestrial ecosystem. The government claims that it is local residents who have benefited the most from the BTAP. Hence, the objective of this research was to examine the socioeconomic impact and local rural perception of the BTAP in three districts of KPK. Primary data were collected from 406 households. Fundamental orientation theory was used to assess the social impacts of the BTAP, while cost–benefit analysis was applied to examine its economic impact. The results show that the overall social impacts of the BTAP are satisfactory and beneficial, increasing social sustainability by 69% between 2014 and 2018. Additionally, based on the cost–benefit analysis and perception-based analysis, it was found that the BTAP positively affects the economic conditions of rural households. The community livelihood increased during the program, with a total net income of 6.9 million USD in the three districts of KPK. It is concluded that the majority of respondents have benefited from participation in the BTAP. The sustainability of rural livelihood is one of the main concerns related to the establishment of the BTAP. Effort is needed by the government and other parties to both increase rural household income and to protect the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management Strategies for an Ecologically, Economically and Socially Sustainable Future)

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18 pages, 4096 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Static and Sliding Frictions of Roundwood Exposed to Different Levels of Processing and Their Impact on Transportation Logistics

by Joachim B. Heppelmann, Eric R. Labelle and Stefan Wittkopf

Forests 2019, 10(7), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10070568 - 09 Jul 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2652

Abstract

Load safety is a critical component of successful logistic operations. Different influencing factors can affect the necessity of intensive load securing methods. The most dominant factor is the friction characteristics of the intended cargo. A cargo with special requirements on load safety is [...] Read more.

Load safety is a critical component of successful logistic operations. Different influencing factors can affect the necessity of intensive load securing methods. The most dominant factor is the friction characteristics of the intended cargo. A cargo with special requirements on load safety is debarked roundwood. Due to modern forestry challenges, larger amounts of debarked roundwood assortments are now being produced within German forest operations. To assess the influence of debarking onto the static and sliding frictions of Norway spruce, pulling tests were performed and compared to barked assortments. Results showed that a significant difference in both static and sliding frictions exists between barked and debarked assortments within the first seven days after harvesting. However, this significant difference became less prominent after the logs continued to dry out and no difference was detected after 21 days. Over the monitored period, debarked assortments presented a 40%–45% faster drying rate than barked assortments. This resulted in a calculated 11%–28% additional transportable net load (m³) of debarked roundwood assortments for long trailer systems. Hence, debarked roundwood can be treated similarly to barked roundwood if stored long enough prior to road transportation, while having the potential of increased savings within the wood logistic chain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management Strategies for an Ecologically, Economically and Socially Sustainable Future)

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14 pages, 5175 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of an Adaptive Forest Management Simulation Model Based on Zoning in a Man-Made Forest

by Katsuaki Sugiura and Waka Sonohara

Forests 2019, 10(6), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10060482 - 03 Jun 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4175

Abstract

In this study, shifts from the current forest physiognomy to a target forest physiognomy were modeled by applying the concept of zoning simulation. The objective was to present the process of generating management options for man-made forests in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The assessment [...] Read more.

In this study, shifts from the current forest physiognomy to a target forest physiognomy were modeled by applying the concept of zoning simulation. The objective was to present the process of generating management options for man-made forests in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The assessment method was a wide-ranging and long-term simple simulation based on several indicators, such as geographical distribution and tree species, and adapted the concept of changes in forest physiognomy. A headwater forest in Kanagawa Prefecture, which covers an area of about 3784 ha and consists of 4445 forest stands, was investigated. Four plans were established based on the present state of the forest stands. The results indicated that factors for expressing forest physiognomy and their expression methods should be determined, and physiognomy models should be constructed to establish the actual state of the forests in each region. With this simulation, it is possible to forecast long-term changes at forest stand and basin levels for each scenario. However, only data from forestry register were used in this study, and it is expected that different results would be obtained by conducting a determination of stand position in the forest physiognomy together with a field survey. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management Strategies for an Ecologically, Economically and Socially Sustainable Future)

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19 pages, 1089 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Building a Social Discount Rate to be Applied in US Afforestation Project Appraisal

by María José Muñoz Torrecillas, Julian Roche and Salvador Cruz Rambaud

Forests 2019, 10(5), 445; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10050445 - 23 May 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2588

Abstract

This paper is focused on searching for the suitable discount rate to be applied to the valuation of a project related to forests in the USA, e.g., a recreational area inside a national park. To do this, we propose a new model based [...] Read more.

This paper is focused on searching for the suitable discount rate to be applied to the valuation of a project related to forests in the USA, e.g., a recreational area inside a national park. To do this, we propose a new model based on hazard rate concepts, i.e., based on the risk that waiting time implies. More specifically, we derive the discount function whose instantaneous discount rate is the hazard rate of the system supporting the investment. We determine the rate of failure corresponding to different partition criteria of the whole system; in our case, we can use the information on forest fires caused in different ways, in different states or in different types of forest surfaces. After showing independence between the forest fires by states and causes, we derive a specific discount function for each cause which can be applied to every state or set of states which agree to fight against a concrete cause of forest fire. Additionally, we obtain a unique discount function by weighting the partial discount functions by type of forest surfaces. Our results are in line with the recommendations from several authors about using decreasing discount rates for projects with very long-term impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management Strategies for an Ecologically, Economically and Socially Sustainable Future)

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20 pages, 2041 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Local Users and Other Stakeholders’ Perceptions of the Identification and Prioritization of Ecosystem Services in Fragile Mountains: A Case Study of Chure Region of Nepal

by Ram Prasad Acharya, Tek Narayan Maraseni and Geoff Cockfield

Forests 2019, 10(5), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10050421 - 15 May 2019

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5073

Abstract

Forest-based ecosystem services (ES) play a vital role in improving people’s livelihoods, the environment, and the economy. Prior studies have focused on technical aspects of economic valuation such as biophysical quantification through modeling and mapping, or monetary valuation, while little attention has been [...] Read more.

Forest-based ecosystem services (ES) play a vital role in improving people’s livelihoods, the environment, and the economy. Prior studies have focused on technical aspects of economic valuation such as biophysical quantification through modeling and mapping, or monetary valuation, while little attention has been paid to the social dimensions. Taking case studies of two dominant community-based forest management systems (community forestry—CF and collaborative forestry—CFM) in the Chure region of Nepal, we investigate how local users and other stakeholders perceive the valuation of forest-based ecosystem services based on proximity (nearby vs. distant users), socio-economic class (rich vs. poor users), and forest management modalities (CF vs. CFM). We found that local users and other stakeholders in the Chure region identified a total of 42 forest-based ecosystem services: 16 provisioning, 15 regulating, and 11 cultural services. While all local users prioritised firewood, water quality improvement, and bequest values as the top three services, genetic resources, hazard protection, and hunting services were valued as having the lowest priority. The priorities placed on other services varied in many respects. For instance, rich users living near a CF showed a strong preference for fodder, grasses, and soil conservation services whereas users living far from forests prioritised timber, fresh water, and flood control services. In the case of CFM, rich users adjacent to forests preferred timber, soil conservation, and carbon sequestration services but those living far from forests chose timber, poles, and flood control as their top priorities. Differences in rankings also occurred among the regional managers, national experts, and forest users. The reasons for these differences and their policy implications are discussed, and ways of reaching consensus between the users are suggested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management Strategies for an Ecologically, Economically and Socially Sustainable Future)

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19 pages, 1507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling Lean and Agile Approaches: A Western Canadian Forest Company Case Study

by Francisco P. Vergara, Cristian D. Palma and John Nelson

Forests 2018, 9(9), 529; https://doi.org/10.3390/f9090529 - 31 Aug 2018

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2978

Abstract

In the forest supply chain of the coast of British Columbia, the material flows are directed toward the push production of commodity products. This industry has not adopted lean and agile principles due to unclear economic impacts on the supply chain in changing [...] Read more.

In the forest supply chain of the coast of British Columbia, the material flows are directed toward the push production of commodity products. This industry has not adopted lean and agile principles due to unclear economic impacts on the supply chain in changing market conditions. We tested the ability of lean and agile principles to improve performance in the coastal integrated forest industry. Mixed integer programming formulations were subject to over–under production capacity, and over–under demand fulfillment penalties to emulate agile, lean, and hybrid manufacturing environments, when solving the planning problem. Assuming that the coastal integrated forest industry performs as a hybrid environment, the profit results of each manufacturing environment were judged. The results show that, opportunities for profit improvement were 11% for adopting an agile environment when demand was stable with low variation and large batches of production. However, profit improvement was non-existent when the same demand attributes apply but with high variation. The opportunities for profit improvement were 12% when an agile environment or lean environment was adopted when demand was stable with low variation and small batches of production. However, opportunities for profit improvements of 15% existed for adopting an agile environment when demand was unstable with high variation and small batches of production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management Strategies for an Ecologically, Economically and Socially Sustainable Future)

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Review

Jump to: Research

11 pages, 1267 KiB

Open AccessReview

Socioeconomic Aspects of the Forests in Portugal: Recent Evolution and Perspectives of Sustainability of the Resource

by Leonel Jorge Ribeiro Nunes, Catarina Isabel Rodrigues Meireles, Carlos José Pinto Gomes and Nuno Manuel Cabral de Almeida Ribeiro

Forests 2019, 10(5), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10050361 - 26 Apr 2019

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4130

Abstract

Portuguese forests have always played an essential role in the socioeconomic development of national rural areas, but also in several forest-based industrial sectors, such as the cork, pulp and paper, and wood panels industries. In addition to these dominant sectors, there are also [...] Read more.

Portuguese forests have always played an essential role in the socioeconomic development of national rural areas, but also in several forest-based industrial sectors, such as the cork, pulp and paper, and wood panels industries. In addition to these dominant sectors, there are also several other uses for forest timber, such as being the major raw materials to the production of furniture or devoted to the growing biomass pellets production industry. This review article presents the evolution of the forest industrial sector throughout the recent past, and its impact on the development of the rural environment, from a socioeconomic perspective, namely concerning the jobs and value-added creation, as well as the importance of the forest in national industrial development. It shows the importance of sustainable forest management for the development of the rural environment, as an essential sector for the creation of wealth and for the establishment of populations in the interior regions of the country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management Strategies for an Ecologically, Economically and Socially Sustainable Future)

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