Planning horizons and end conditions for sustained yield studies in continuous cover forests

TL;DR

This paper emphasizes the importance of defining appropriate end conditions in forest yield simulations, advocating for sustainability criteria that consider economic, ecological, and management objectives over arbitrary planning horizons.

Contribution

It introduces a framework for setting end conditions in continuous cover forest management that enhances sustainability and management flexibility.

Findings

Optimal end conditions improve economic efficiency.

Flexible planning horizons better align with ecological goals.

Sustainability definitions should be tailored to forest type and objectives.

Abstract

The contemporary forestry preoccupation with non-declining even-flow during yield simulations detracts from more important questions about the constraints that should bind the end of a simulation. Whilst long simulations help to convey a sense of sustainability, they are inferior to stronger indicators such as the optimal state and binding conditions at the end of a simulation. Rigorous definitions of sustainability that constrain the terminal state should allow flexibility in the planning horizon and relaxation of non-declining even-flow, allowing both greater economic efficiency and better environmental outcomes. Suitable definitions cannot be divorced from forest type and management objectives, but should embrace concepts that ensure the anticipated value of the next harvest, the continuity of growing stock, and in the case of uneven-aged management, the adequacy of regeneration.