bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional Distribution and Dynamics of Coarse Woody Debris in Midwestern Old-Growth Forests
Authors: Spetich Martin A. , Shifley Stephen R. , Parker George R. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Old-growth forests have been noted for containing significant quantities of deadwood. However, there has been no coordinated effort to quantify the deadwood component of old-growth remnants across large regions of temperate deciduous forest. We present results of a regional inventory that quantifies and examines regional and temporal trends for deadwood in upland old-growth forest remnants within Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa. From 1992 to 1994, down wood ≥ 10 cm in diameter and standing trees ≥ 10 cm dbh were inventoried on 328 one-tenth ha plots at 12 sites. The mean ratio among the sites by diameter class of the number of standing dead to standing live trees (dead/live ratio) ranged from 0.08 to 0.11 and was consistent for trees ≤ 65 cm in diameter. The dead/live tree ratio was generally greater for old-growth than for mature second-growth forests (70 to 90 yr old). Mean volume of standing dead trees across all old-growth sites was 21.4 m³/ha and down wood was 60.4 m³/ha. However, both standing and down wood volume (total deadwood) increased along a regional gradient of increasing productivity from southwest Missouri to northeast Indiana and also increased with increasing age of dominant and codominant trees. Old-growth forests on high productivity sites averaged more pieces/ha of down wood in all diameter classes and higher volume/ha of down wood in nearly all diameter classes than did old-growth forests on low productivity sites. A chronosequence of forests from 10 yr to more than 200 yr since stand establishment indicated a sharply declining down wood volume from age 10 to 70 yr followed by increasing volume between 80 and 200 yr. For. Sci. 45(2):302-313.
Age-Related Changes in Production and Below-Ground Carbon Allocation in Pinus Contorta Forests
Authors: Smith Frederick W. , Resh Sigrid C. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
A decline in wood production and above-ground net primary production (ANPP) following an early maximum is a widely observed feature of forest development. Why should relatively young, seemingly vigorous even-aged forests undergo this decrease in production? We measured above-ground net primary production and below-ground carbon allocation in an age sequence of lodgepole pine forest in south-central Wyoming spanning 260 yr of forest development. ANPP and total root carbon allocation (TRCA) are examined to determine if there is an increase in TRCA of sufficient magnitude to offset the observed decrease in ANPP in developing lodgepole forests. Also, we examined changes in canopy structure, leaf area efficiency (E), and above-ground carbon allocation patterns to determine their potential role in the age-related decrease in ANPP.
ANPP declined by 50% between peak production of 192 gC m-2yr-1 at age 30 to 92 gC m-2yr-1 at age 260, largely as a decrease in stemwood production. TRCA was similar for forests from 30 to 100 yr old, but was significantly less in 260-yr-old forest at 391 gC m-2yr-1 than in younger lodgepole forests at 516 gC m-2yr-1. Declining ANPP was not due to an increase in carbon allocation to below-ground production. Net primary production (NPP), the total of above-ground and below-ground NPP, declined by 36% from 450 gC m-2yr-1 at age 30 to 288 gC m-2yr-1 at age 260. This progressive decline in NPP was associated with changes in stand structure that occur during stand development, including decreased leaf area, shifting carbon allocation, and decline in leaf area efficiency. Our results suggest that a combination of several factors, acting in concert, produce the observed decline in ANPP associated with the development of even-aged lodgepole pine forests. For. Sci. 45(3):333-341.
A Framework for Designing Forest Subsidies: Linking Landowner and Regional Impacts in the Mississippi Delta
Authors: Sullivan Jay , Amacher Gregory S. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
We examine the economic impacts of land use shifts from agricultural to forestry production in the Mississippi Delta at both landowner and regional economy levels. The economic impacts that we consider include net revenues to farmers who convert Delta soybean lands to forest, and the changes employment, income, value added, industry output, and taxes that we expect to occur across a three state regional economy. We develop a framework that links these landowner and regional impacts in order to compare economic impacts of land use changes at landowner and regional levels, and to investigate the self-financing potential of subsidies. Results at the landowner level indicate that conversion may provide positive returns on better soils for some tree species. Results at the regional economy level indicate that the impacts would be generally negative, although landowner subsidies are computed that could equalize the regional impacts of forestry and soybean production. Further, for limited combinations of tree species and soil type, landowner subsidies could be self-financing, providing tax revenues that could offset government outlays. Our results imply that if subsidies were adopted, they should target species and site conditions. For. Sci. 45(3):381-393.
Arbitrage-Free Valuation of a Federal Timber Lease
Authors: Burnes Ellen , Thomann Enrique , Waymire Edward C. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The objective of this paper is to describe a quantitative framework for offering timber harvest bids on federal lands which includes special considerations of the volatility of timber indices and the harvesting costs involved in harvesting timber. The advantage of such an approach is that it provides a precise framework in which various underlying considerations, such as volatility and cost, may be systematically defined, measured, and evaluated. The valuations derived in this paper provide a market standard against which additional value that encompasses social or environmental welfare may be evaluated. We discuss a specific USDA Forest Service timber sale as a case study to illustrate this approach. For. Sci. 45(4):473-483.
Relating Site Index to Ecological Factors in Black Spruce Stands: Tests of Hypotheses
Authors: Beaumont Jean-François , Ung Chhun-Huor , Bernier-Cardou Michè 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Modeling dominant height through site index, defined as dominant height at some fixed tree age, requires two equations. The site index must be estimated as the average height of dominant trees at base age, and dominant height must be modeled as a function of age and site index, each model having its own error term. This raises a problem when squared errors are minimized to estimate parameters of interest: the estimates are biased and inconsistent because the error terms are correlated with the explanatory variables. Two additional problems are the autocorrelation among error terms and variance heterogeneity within trees. The generalized method of moments (GMM), which simultaneously takes these problems into account, offers a tool to estimate parameters of the site index and dominant height equations consistently and without bias. Allowing parameters of the height growth model to depend on explanatory variables representing ecological region and drainage class provides useful insight into growth patterns, and improves prediction based on these models. A simulation study confirms that the GMM combined with prewhitening of the time series for each tree produces useful estimates of the parameters and valid statistical tests of hypotheses about their value. For. Sci. 45(4):484-491.
Stochastic Representation of Fire Behavior in a Wildland Fire Protection Planning Model for California
Authors: Gilless J. Keith , Fried Jeremy S. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
A fire behavior module was developed for the California Fire Economics Simulator version 2 (CFES2), a stochastic simulation model of initial attack on wildland fire used by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Fire rate of spread (ROS) and fire dispatch level (FDL) for simulated fires "occurring" on the same day are determined by making coordinated draws from compound distributions characterizing 2 PM fire behavior indices such as ROS, then adjusting these draws using diurnal adjustment coefficients derived from hourly fire weather observations. Statistical examination of historical fire occurrence and predicted behavior data validated CFES2's use of independent fire occurrence and fire behavior modeling processes. For. Sci. 45(4):492-499.
Evidence of Resistance to the Pitch Canker Pathogen (Fusarium circinatum) in Native Stands of Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata)
Authors: Storer Andrew J. , Bonello Pierluigi , Gordon Thomas R. , Wood David L. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Resistance of Monterey pine, Pinus radiata, to pitch canker, caused by Fusarium circinatum, was investigated in a naturally regenerated native stand and a planted stand on the Monterey Peninsula, California. A dose of 125 spores was selected to test resistance as it produced significant differences in mean lesion length among trees. The resistance ranking of trees remained comparable when inoculated three times over a period of seven months, but the mean lesion length decreased with each inoculation. Lesion lengths were positively correlated with symptom development. In the naturally regenerated stand, 30% of the trees formed lesions less than 5 mm long and were considered resistant to the pathogen. In contrast, only 5% of trees in the planted stand formed lesions less than 5 mm long. The use of prescribed burning of Monterey pine stands to augment natural regeneration allows a wider expression of genetic diversity in the new host populations on which natural selection in favor of resistant genotypes can be imposed by the pathogen. For. Sci. 45(4):500-505.
A New Algorithm for Stand Table Projection Models
Authors: Cao Quang V. , Baldwin V. Clark 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The constrained least squares method is proposed as an algorithm for projecting stand tables through time. This method consists of three steps: (1) predict survival in each diameter class, (2) predict diameter growth, and (3) use the least squares approach to adjust the stand table to satisfy the constraints of future survival, average diameter and stand basal area. The new method was evaluated against the Weibull parameter-recovery approach and another stand table projection method, using data from direct-seeded stands of loblolly pines (Pinus taeda L.). The constrained least squares method provided the best goodness-of-fit statistics (K-S, χ², and an error index) that were significantly different from those produced by the other two methods. This new algorithm can be employed in cases where diameter data do not necessarily follow the Weibull distribution. For. Sci. 45(4):506-511.
Seedling Leaf Structure of New England Maples (Acer) in Relation to Light Environment
Authors: Ashton P. Mark S. , Yoon Hae Soon , Thadani Rajesh , Berlyn Graeme P. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Seedling leaves of the genus Acer from southern New England were compared in relation to light. The species investigated were red maple (A. rubrum L.), a species tolerant of xeric and hydric sites; silver maple (A. saccharinum L.), a species restricted to riparian sites that are periodically flooded; and sugar maple (A. saccharum Marsh.), a mesic species of lower slopes and valleys. Germinating seedlings of all species were collected and grown within four shade treatments that had contrasting light quantity and quality: (1) approximately 100% of full sunlight, red:far-red ratio = 1.27; (2) 40% of full sunlight, ratio = 0.97; (3) 15% of full sunlight, ratio = 0.85; and (4) 4% of full sunlight, ratio = 0.46. Leaves, cuticles, and epidermal and palisade mesophyll cell layers were all thicker, and stomatal densities were higher for all three species in the full sun treatment. Dimensions of leaf structure (leaf thickness, palisade mesophyll thickness, lower epidermal thickness) were between 25 and 35% smaller for silver maple as compared to the other maples. Silver maple also allocated less biomass to roots (about 15% less) and more to stems. Its thin upper surface cuticle, thin leaves, and large leaf area predispose this species to desiccation. Phenotypic plasticity of leaf anatomical measures was greatest for red maple, suggesting it to be more of a generalist than its congeners. Red maple allocated greater biomass to roots in shade (17% and 27% more than sugar and silver maple respectively), with thicker leaves and cuticle, making it least prone to desiccation. Sugar maple had greater dry mass and total leaf area in the deepest shade than the other maples. Measures of leaf structure can provide useful insights into known ecological affinities of site and shade-tolerance among maples. For. Sci. 45(4):512-519.
Testing the Forest Rotation Model: Evidence from Panel Data
Authors: Kuuluvainen Jari , Tahvonen Olli 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The effects on harvesting decisions of intertemporal and parametric changes in prices and forest owners' nonforest income are investigated using panel data. A behavioral timber supply function is derived using a utility-based rotation model, where the forest owner decides an optimal harvesting date for an even-aged stand simultaneously with his optimal life cycle consumption and savings. Capital markets are perfect and forests are valued in situ. The effects of intertemporal changes in the exogenous variables on the annual harvest are estimated using a fixed-effects tobit model and a sample of 119 Finnish farmer-forest owners in 1982-1991. The intertemporal effect on supply of timber price is positive while the effect of nonforest income is negative. The parametric effects of price and income levels on life cycle harvest, as measured by the average annual harvest per hectare over the sample period, are studied by using the estimated fixed effects and the individual sample means of exogenous variables. The parametric effect of the timber price level is negative and that of nonforestry income level positive. These signs are predicted by the utility-based rotation model, provided forests are valued in situ and the average harvest age is lower than that of maximum sustainable yield. For. Sci. 45(4):539-551.
Prediction of Annual Diameter Growth and Survival for Individual Trees from Periodic Measurements
Authors: Cao Quang V. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
It is difficult to fit annual tree survival and diameter growth models to data that were measured, not every year, but at some interval. This study aimed to determine suitable methods to obtain parameter estimates for such a system from periodic measurements. Given a system consisting of a tree survival model and a tree diameter growth model, this article presents an iterative method for estimating system parameters. The method involves sequentially updating of the parameters of both models within the growth period. Data from 111 plots from the Southwide Seed Source Study of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) were then used to evaluate this iterative approach against the averaging method that assumes a constant tree survival probability and diameter growth rate during the remeasurement interval. Results indicated that the iterative method out-performed the averaging method in predicting future individual tree survival, diameter growth, and stand basal area. The iterative method was superior because it accounted for the variable rate of diameter growth and tree survival probability as functions of ever-changing stand and tree attributes. For. Sci. 46(1):127-131.
Duality and Faustmann: Implications for the Evaluation of Landowner Behavior
Authors: Brazee Richard J. , Amacher Gregory S. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This paper examines the behavioral consequences when landowners seek to minimize costs rather than maximize profits. We derive a cost function that is dual to the net present value function in the Faustmann Model. This cost function provides a theoretical foundation for studies that estimate forest production costs. We use comparative statics methodology to derive qualitative results for changes in selected policies and exogenous parameters. We find that the qualitative impacts under cost minimization are usually unambiguous. Qualitative impacts under profit maximization are usually ambiguous. This implies that behavioral impacts are usually easier to assess a priori, when landowners minimize costs rather than maximize profits. For. Sci. 46(1):132-138.
Relative Abundance and Species Richness of Herpetofauna in Forest Stands in Pennsylvania
Authors: Ross Brad , Fredericksen Todd , Ross Eric , Hoffman Wayne , Morrison Michael L. , Beyea Jan , Lester Michael B. , Johnson Bradley N. , Fredericksen Nell J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The relative abundance and species richness of herpetofauna was investigated to assess the impact of recent logging operations in 47 forest stands in northeastern Pennsylvania during 1996 and 1997. Stands including nonindustrial private forestlands and public lands that have received some type of harvesting within the last 8 yr ranged from near complete overstory tree cover to complete removal of overstory cover. Stands included the two dominant forest types in the region: northern hardwood (Betula, Fagus, Prunus, Acer, and Tsuga spp.) and oak-hickory/(Quercus and Carya spp.). A total of 8,181 individuals of 26 species (12 salamander, 7 snake, 6 frog, and 1 toad species) were observed in the study stands. The relative abundance and species richness of salamanders increased significantly with increasing retention of tree basal area. Forest stands containing &gt; 15 m²/ha live tree basal area appeared to be a threshold level for high salamander abundance. Snake species abundance and richness increased significantly with increasing removal of tree basal area. The abundance of anuran species showed no significant relationship with amount of tree basal area removal, but the relative abundance and species richness of anurans depended on the presence of water within or bordering the stands. Forest type did not change the overall response of herpetofauna community composition to forest harvesting, although salamanders were more abundant in northern hardwood stands, and snakes were more abundant in oak-hickory stands. Patterns and threshold levels of abundance and species richness of herpetofauna determined in this study may be used to maintain the abundance and richness of selected species when harvesting forest stands. For. Sci. 46(1):139-146.
Valuing a Forest as a Call Option: The Sale of Forestry Corporation of New Zealand
Authors: Hughes Warren R. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In September 1996, the New Zealand (NZ) Government sold its 100% shareholding in the Forestry Corporation of NZ (FC) to a consortium led by Fletcher Challenge Forests (FF), a publicly listed company, for NZ $2.06 billion. Option pricing methodology is used to value the forest assets that were listed in FC's 1996 Annual Report at $1.853 billion. Total net assets had a book value of $2.03 billion, about $30 million less than the selling price. Assuming a 7.5% real cost of capital and a maximum tax rate of 33%, the actual value of the forest assets realized in the sale (taken to be $1.853 billion) are at a 12.9% discount to the "fair" value of $2.128 billion derived by the option pricing approach. The advantage of this approach to forest valuation over the traditional approach (based on discounted cash flow using projected future prices over long horizons) is that only the volatility of future log prices need be estimated. The relative insensitivity of forest value to this parameter suggests less spread between bid and ask prices by forest buyers and sellers with similar costs of capital, tax rates, and so on. For. Sci. 46(1):32-39.
The Impacts of Deregulation and Privatization on Cost Efficiency in New Zealand's Forest Industry
Authors: Grebner Donald L. , Amacher Gregory S. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we investigate whether deregulation and privatization induced changes in cost efficiency within the New Zealand wood industry. Unlike previous work, the effects of privatization, deregulation, and removal of log export bans are compared to determine which shock had the most influence on efficiency changes. Cost efficiency is measured by estimating stochastic frontier models using the recent cost function approach, which does not suffer from the endogeneity problems associated with stochastic frontier production function estimation. The results show that cost efficiency decreased after each policy reform, but deregulation was more important in this regard than privatization. This suggests that countries with comparative advantages in wood processing, who also implement deregulation or privatization, may suffer through a short-run period of lower efficiency as the economy adjusts to higher input costs in those sectors. In New Zealand's case, the adjustments most likely affecting efficiency have been investments in new technologies, where time is required to attain maximum efficiency. The results are contrary to other studies that have predicted increased efficiency as a result of privatization. For. Sci. 46(1):40-51.
Impacts of the Time Horizon for Adjacency Constraints in Harvest Scheduling
Authors: Hoganson Howard M. , Borges Jose G. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Adjacency constraints, constraints which limit the harvest timings of adjacent management units, are a challenge to address within forest management scheduling models. Four large test cases were examined to consider the need to recognize site-specific adjacency constraints over a long time horizon within a forest management scheduling model. Results suggest that the costs of adjacency constraints tend to be short-term in nature. Immediate periods tend to be influenced most because there is less lead time to prepare for the constraints. Little may be gained in planning by addressing adjacency constraints for more than a full rotation length. Adjacency constraints can likely be satisfied efficiently without having large shifts in harvest timings for most all management units. Results are consistent with an interpretation of the dual formulation of a relaxed linear programming formulation of the problem. For. Sci. 46(2):176-187.
Validation of a Forest Values Typology for Use in National Forest Planning
Authors: Brown Gregory , Reed Patrick 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Public values for national forestlands are assumed to underlie preferences for actual forest use and define the context for forest planning and decision making, but the relationship between preferences and attitudes toward forest management activities and public forest values (both use and nonuse values) is not well understood. Using data from a survey of Alaskan residents in the Chugach National Forest plan revision process, the relationship between attitudes toward forest management actions and forest values is examined using a variety of statistical procedures. Key findings indicate that: (1) survey respondents were able to identify with 13 distinct forest values based on a modified forest value typology developed by Rolston and Coufal (1991), (2) no obvious latent structure of variables or constructs emerged from factor analysis of the 13 forest values indicating that the forest value typology may not be easily simplified without compromising the exclusiveness of measured forest values, (3) small, but statistically significant correlations were found between attitudes toward specific forest management practices such as logging and mining and held forest values, and (4) forest values are modestly predictive of respondent preferences for specific forest planning decisions. For. Sci. 46(2):240-247.