Studies on an Integrated Computer-Based System of Forest Management in Natural Selection Forest

Tokyo

1990

S. 31-142

47 Abb., 21 Tab., zahlr. Lit. Ang.

Serie

9514

400090616

This paper reports on the fundamental elements in an integrated decision support system to determine the allowable cut in a selection forest. The selection cutting system is expected to maximize the multiple functions of a forest. However, such systems are put into operation in only a small proportion of forests, because of the complexity of the growth process compared to that in even-aged forests. In the Tokyo University Forest in Hokkaido, the selection cutting system has been used since 1958. It has used the concept of so-called stands based forest management. This is a large scale experiment involving 23,000 ha and has left a huge number of measurement. This is a large scale experiment involving 23,000 ha and has left a huge number of measurement document. Using these data, a large number of studies have been undertaken and valuable knowledge on the growing process of the selection forest have been obtained. Up to this time, decisions on natural forest management have depended mainly onthe manager's experience. Thus, to some extent, personal difference have existed. This was one of the reasons for not generally adopting the selection cutting system. In the present report, the information and knowledge gained from the University forest are integrated and the method of constructing a computer aided decision support system for managers is studied. In this system any operator can determine the allowable cut in a selection forest by computer simulation. Besides this, aiming at the reconciliation of the principle of sustained yield and economic criteria, a new concept of natural forest management to manage high-valued hardwoods is presented which is based on stumpage calue. This paper consists of three parts. In the first part, various point of view selection cutting and allowable cut are discussed. The position of the selection cutting system in present society and practical problems are clarified. The history of the selection cutting system in Europe and Japan is surveyed. A new concept of the working section is proposed. With this concept, the working section is seen as an effective means of adjusting the various meanings of value which is being managed on multiple-use principles. In the second part, it is shown that the selection cutting system should be implemented intensively, not only in terms of mechanization but also in informational integration. In order to give a concrete idea of information intensive forest management the decidion support system for the allowable cut is examined. The position of this system in the University forest administration and the basic concept of system planning are shown. The classification of informatin collecting methods used in this system is described. Next the method of growth prediction in natural forests is studied. In this paper a diameter transition probability is used which describes diameter ...