bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Integer Programming Model to Optimize Resource Allocation for Wildfire Containment
Authors: Donovan Geoffrey H. , Rideout Douglas B. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Determining the specific mix of fire-fighting resources for a given fire is a necessary condition for identifying the minimum of the Cost Plus Net Value Change (C+NVC) function. Current wildland fire management models may not reliably do so. The problem of identifying the most efficient wildland fire organization is characterized mathematically using integer-programming techniques. This mathematical exposition is then solved using the LINGO optimization language. Sensitivity analysis is conducted on model inputs to demonstrate the flexibility of the model architecture. Further, the model is used to model budget constraints commonly faced by fire managers. FOR. SCI. 49(2):331–335.
Satellite Change Detection of Forest Harvest Patterns on an Industrial Forest Landscape
Authors: Sader Steven A. , Bertrand Matthew , Wilson Emily Hoffhine 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Multiple dates of Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) imagery were analyzed to compare a decade of forest harvest activity in northern Maine's industrial forest. Unsupervised clustering on three-date sequences of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index classified the harvest type and time period when change occurred. Problematic clusters were reclassified using the Normalized Difference Moisture Index, which improved the detection of light partial harvests. The procedure classified clearcuts and partial cuts in all time periods with at least 80% agreement with 250 reference sample points. Patch characteristics of the harvest areas revealed a shift from large clearcuts in the late 1980s and early 1990s to fewer and smaller clearcuts in the middle to late 1990s. By the late 1990s, large clearcuts (&gt;40 ha) were eliminated, and partial cuts increased in size. Partial cuts affected more land area than did clearcuts in all time periods. Comparison of harvest patches between the two largest landowners in the study area revealed significant differences in the number and distance between clearcut harvest areas. The trends in decreasing clearcut harvesting practices over the past decade appear to have been influenced by forestry legislation, according to the results of this study and an independent report by the Maine Forest Service. The changing harvest patterns on the landscape were detectable on time-series satellite imagery. FOR. SCI. 49 (3):341–353.
Comparing Two Area Estimation Techniques for Established Surveys Using Remotely Sensed and Ground Data
Authors: Williams Michael S. , Patterson Paul L. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Estimates of the area of forest using remotely sensed and ground data can be derived using two distinctly different paradigms. The first, which will be referred to as the “tessellated population paradigm,” relies on the assumption that the area is divided into contiguous blocks that constitute an area frame. Inference is drawn using traditional finite population sampling methods. The other approach will be referred to as the point paradigm, which assumes that the sampling unit is a point on the ground. The estimators are derived assuming the number of ground plots in each remotely sensed category is random. The mechanisms that determine the variance of the estimators are different for both paradigms, with the variance of the point paradigm depending on the accuracy and size of each remotely sensed class, while the variance of the tessellated population paradigm depends predominantly on the fragmentation of the landscape in comparison with the size of the sampling unit. An analytical comparison of the estimators is not possible because of the difficulty associated with relating landscape fragmentation to the accuracy of the remotely sensed data. Thus, both estimators were tested by drawing samples from a series of artificial landscapes and satellite images using a plot configuration similar to the one used by the Forest Inventory and Analysis program of the United States. It is concluded that if the landscape is heavily fragmented and the accuracy is reasonably high, the point paradigm estimator is likely to have a smaller variance. The tessellated population estimators will usually have a smaller variance when the landscape has only a small degree of fragmentation. For the majority of the artificial populations studied, the estimator based on the tessellated population paradigm had the smallest variance. In situations where there would not be sufficient prior knowledge to determine which paradigm is superior or when the variance of both is expected to be about equal, the point paradigm is recommended because it is theoretically more tractable and easier to implement in the field. FOR. SCI. 49(3):392–401.
Estimation of Tree Height and Stem Volume on Plots Using Airborne Laser Scanning
Authors: Holmgren Johan , Nilsson Mats , Olsson Håkan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Airborne laser scanning has the ability to measure the vertical and horizontal structure of forest vegetation. The aim of this study is to investigate how measures derived from laser scanning data can be used in regression models for estimation of basal-area-weighted mean tree height and stem volume on 10 m radius field plots. Influence of laser scan angle on tree height estimation and on crown coverage area estimation is also investigated. The study area was located in southern Sweden (lat. 58°30′N, long. 13°40′E). The dominating tree species were Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst .), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and birch (Betula spp.). Linear regression functions (R2=0.89–0.91) used to predict basal-area-weighted mean tree height had a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 1.45–1.56 m, corresponding to 10–11% of average height. Scanning angle was not significant for estimation of basal-area-weighted mean tree height. Two regression models were used for prediction of stem volume. The first model (R2 = 0.90), with laser derived mean height together with laser derived crown coverage area as predicting variables, gave RMSE of 37 m3 ha-1, corresponding to 22% of average stem volume. The second model (R2=0.82), with laser derived tree height together with laser derived stem number as predicting variables, gave RMSE of 43 m3 ha-1, corresponding to 26% of average stem volume. The results implies that airborne laser scanning, if combined with a field sample, has potential of retrieving information with high spatial resolution (10 m radius plot) about tree height and stem volume for a forest area. FOR. SCI. 49(3):419–428.
Developing a Well-Behaved Dynamic Site Equation Using a Modified Hossfeld IV Function Y3 = (axm)/(c + x
m–1), a Simplified Mixed-Model and Scant Subalpine Fir Data
Authors: Cieszewski C.J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
I developed a dynamic height growth model by using a simplified form of mixed effects modeling and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa [Hook.] Nutt .) stem analysis data. The new dynamic equation uses directly heights at any age to predict consistent heights (e.g., y2 = f(t2, t1, y1) ⇔ y1 = f(t1, t2, y2)) and f(t3, t1, y1) = f(t3, t2, f(t2, t1, y1))), and therefore constitutes compatible site index and height models in one common equation. The parameters for the model were estimated by analysis of fixed and random effects with corrections for first- and second-order serial autocorrelation. The correction for second-order autocorrelation was necessary to assure the model's proper representation of the data and to remove a seeming cross-sectional autocorrelation across different sites/series. Estimating the errors in site indices as random effects eliminated the effects of stochastic predictive variables. The proposed model has outperformed all other base-age specific and base-age invariant models in both the fit to the data and in its behavior during extrapolations. It also outperforms the model (developed on amabilis fir data) that is currently, operationally used for subalpine fir. The new model's advantages are parsimony, mathematical tractability, base-age invariance, and greater consistency in curvatures of the generated height-age trajectories. FOR. SCI. 49(4):539–554.
Comparison of Neural Networks and Statistical Methods in Classification of Ecological Habitats Using FIA Data
Authors: Liu Chuangmin , Zhang Lianjun , Davis Craig J. , Solomon Dale S. , Brann Thomas B. , Caldwell Lawrence E. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Two artificial neural networks (ANN) and three traditional statistical classification methods are used to classify Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) plots into six ecological habitats in the U.S. Northeast. Four variables (overstory and understory species composition, hardwood basal area percentage, and current FIA forest type) are identified from a list of available stand variables as the most important discriminating variables for habitat classification. The error matrix and accuracy indices are used to assess the classification accuracy of the models and to test the differences between the five classifiers. The ANN models (MLP and RBF) are superior to the traditional statistical methods such as linear discriminant analysis and minimum-distance classification. The classification accuracy of the ANN models is 90% or higher for overall classification, and exceeds 92% in five of the six habitat categories. The K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) method classifies the six ecological habitats as accurately as the two neural network models. This study shows that the ANN models and KNN method have a great potential for the classification of ecological habitats using FIA data, due to their flexibility of modeling algorithms and robustness to the problems in FIA data such as non-Gaussian distributions, nonlinear relationships, outliers and noise in the data. For. Sci. 49(4):619–631.
Book Reviews: Applied Ecology and Natural Resource Management
Authors: Jenkins M.A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The incorporation of ecological information is probably the most critical step in making decisions about the management of natural resources. However, because of the complexity of both ecological information and its potential application to management prescriptions, it is also among the most difficult tasks facing resource managers. There has long existed a divide between researchers, who are often searching for generality among ecological relationships, and managers, who seek specific information about the systems they manage. For managers, bridging this divide is critical to preserving biological diversity, ensuring sustainability, and meeting the resource needs of an ever-expanding population. For researchers who are interested in applied ecology, bridging this divide is critical if their efforts are to move from the journal page to real world applications within the field of resource management.
Risk-Aversion and the Short-Run Supply of Timber
Authors: Gong Peichen , Löfgren Karl-Gustaf 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This article examines the effect of risk-aversion on the short-run supply of timber, when the harvest revenue is invested in a portfolio of a riskless and a risky asset. Assuming that the future stumpage price and the rate of return on the risky asset are independent and normally distributed, it is shown that the effect of risk-aversion on the optimal harvesting behavior depends on the sign of a marginal variance function. This shows the effect of a marginal increase in the harvest volume on the variance of the future wealth, evaluated at the optimal harvest-investment decision under risk-neutral preferences. If the marginal variance is negative, then risk-aversion increases harvest in the first-period. If it equals zero, then only high degrees of risk-aversion affect (increase) the harvest. Finally, if the marginal variance is greater than zero, then high degrees of risk-aversion increase the harvest, whereas low degrees of risk-aversion have the opposite effect. The result has implications for the analysis of the harvesting behavior of any renewable resources.
The Influence of Forest and Stand Conditions on Spruce Budworm Defoliation in New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: MacKinnon Wayne E. , MacLean David A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The species composition of stands and surrounding forest have been suggested as important factors influencing the amount of spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana [Clem.]) defoliation and, consequently, budworm-induced growth loss and mortality. We measured spruce budworm defoliation from 1989–1993 in 40 spruce (Picea sp.) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea [L.] Mill.) stands in north-central New Brunswick, Canada, and evaluated the influence of surrounding forest type (softwood, mixedwood), species group (balsam fir, spruce), and site quality (wet/nutrient poor, moist/nutrient rich) on defoliation. Surrounding forest type had a significant effect on the amount of defoliation in white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) stands; stands in softwood forests sustained 11% more (P = 0.0485) defoliation than those in mixedwood. There was evidence that hardwood species have to be within, rather than surrounding, a spruce-fir stand to significantly influence defoliation. Site quality had a significant effect (P = 0.0039) on balsam fir defoliation, with stands on moist/rich sites sustaining 19% more defoliation than those on wet/poor sites. In softwood forest, white spruce stands sustained an average of 16% more defoliation than red-black spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.-Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.) stands.
Time Trends in Genetic Parameters for Height and Optimal Age for Parental Selection in Scots Pine
Authors: Jansson Gunnar , Li Bailian , Hannrup Björn 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Data used to estimate time trends in genetic parameters and the optimal age for parental selection were obtained from 13 Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) progeny tests in southern Sweden. The final age at measurement was between 24 and 39 yr, corresponding to approximately half the rotation age in southern Sweden. Trees in each test have been measured for height 4–6 times, covering ages from 5 to 39 yr. Individual tree heritability for height averaged 0.16, and increased slightly over time, although there were differences among tests. The average additive coefficient of variation for height (CVA), which decreased with age, was 6.0% while the average nonadditive coefficient of variation (CVD) was 3.8% and did not show any significant trend over time. A model based on the natural logarithm of the ratio between the two ages at measurement was used to predict genetic age-age correlations. The efficiency of early selection was also examined, in an analysis considering total height at age 30 as the target trait. The optimal age for parental selection based on gain per unit time peaked at 11 yr, with a time lag for breeding of 10 yr. In the southern tests, the peak came some years earlier than in the northern tests. Selection efficiency based on present value with an interest rate of 5% showed the optimum at 11 yr.
Acquisition of a Forest Estate: A Stochastic Optimization Approach for Financing and Management
Authors: Rutegård Gunnar , Lönnstedt Lars , Kallio Markku 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This article addresses the financing and managing problem of a private investor who considers purchasing a forest estate. The focus is on financing the investment, timing of harvesting, and financial and nonfinancial benefits over years succeeding an acquisition. We take into account uncertainty concerning future timber prices, real rate of interest, and rate of inflation. To aid in the solution of the problem, we propose a multistage stochastic optimization model. The total amount of loan available is assumed given, while alternative interest and repayment schedules are considered for loans. The model accounts for the initial state of the forest, growth, and allowable cutting. The objective function is the expected utility. In an illustrative example, the utility for a risk averse investor is based on income for consumption. Variations of this model demonstrate the use of decision aids. These concern valuation of a forest estate, initial age distribution of forest stands, timber price volatility, initial equity, time-varying preferences for consumption, and nonfinancial benefits.
The Effects of Exchange Rate Volatility on U.S. Forest Commodities Exports
Authors: Sun Changyou , Zhang Daowei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This article addresses the impact of exchange rate volatility on U.S. exports of four forest commodities. Exchange rate volatility is measured by the standard deviation of the growth rate of real effective exchange rate of the U.S. dollar. The nonstationarity of individual time series is explicitly taken into account by employing multivariate cointegration analysis and error correction models. The results show that exchange rate volatility has a negative impact on U.S. exports in the long term, but short-term dynamics vary for different commodities. A stable currency policy in the long run helps promote U.S. exports of forest commodities, although some commodities may benefit from exchange rate volatility in the short term.
Sense of Place and Forest Science: Toward a Program of Quantitative Research
Authors: Stedman Richard C. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Sense of place is rich in theory, but quantitative research approaches often fail to reflect this richness. This schism between theory and application not only impedes the development of theory, but also the ultimate utility of the concept for integration into resource management planning. Here, several fundamental points in sense of place theory that can readily be translated into testable hypotheses are identified, as are suggestions for how they may be reformulated into hypothesis language. Sense of place is composed of descriptive and evaluative components that are a function of landscape attributes, experience with the landscape. In turn, any of these elements may affect place-related behaviors.
Diversity in Ponderosa Pine Forest Structure Following Ecological Restoration Treatments
Authors: Waltz Amy E.M. , Fulé Peter Z. , Covington W. Wallace , Moore Margaret M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
We tested the effectiveness of ponderosa pine forest restoration by comparing forest restoration treatments to untreated forest and to reconstructed forest structure in 1870 (date of Euro-American settlement) using an experimental block design at the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument in northwestern Arizona. Forest tree density averaged more than 20 times the historical tree density, and basal area was 4 to 6 times higher in contemporary forests than in historical forests. Restoration treatments consisted of thinning young trees to emulate the forest density, tree composition, and spatial distribution in 1870, followed by prescribed burning. Following restoration treatment, tree density was significantly reduced but remained 6 times higher than historical forests. Basal area in restored forests was still 2.5 times greater than reconstructed basal area values. Ponderosa pine dominance changed little from pretreatment data across the four blocks, averaging 60% of stems and 87% of the basal area prior to treatment and 56% of stems and 85% of the basal area following treatment. Ninety-eight percent of contemporary forest trees were less than 100 yr old prior to restoration treatment; this proportion was reduced to 82% following treatment. Restoration treatment also significantly reduced canopy cover and increased total tree regeneration. However, treatment effects on forest fuels were highly variable. Litter and duff fuel layers were significantly reduced by prescribed fire but woody debris increased. Overall forest structural diversity following treatment implies that fire behavior, wildlife habitats, and other ecological attributes will vary relatively widely in the future landscape.
Sapling Diversity in Canopy Gaps in an Ecuadorian Rain Forest
Authors: Eysenrode D.Salvador-van , Bogaert J. , Zak-Mnacek V. , Ceulemans R. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In a “terra firme” rain forest (Amazonian Ecuador) we quantified the species abundance distribution, gap size, gap isolation, sapling diversity, and gap community similarity for 24 initial gap communities. The pooled community distributions showed a log-series distribution, mainly because 2-D space was partitioned during the forest cycle's first stages, and randomness is accepted as influencing both species arrival and gap formation. Gap size interacted with species richness and evenness due to the low species abundances. The species composition in each gap was an almost unique set: on average, a gap shared &lt;20% of its species with any other gap. A cluster analysis confirmed this observation: the first fusion occurred at a similarity level of 0.42, which related to &lt;27% of common species. Despite this high intergap dissimilarity, association analysis showed that 33.7% of all pairwise gap comparisons represented a significant association, indicating that more species were in common than expected with random assumptions. A principal components analysis revealed three dimensions in the data; sapling diversity, community similarity, and gap size were found to be independent of gap isolation. The uniqueness of the communities in terms of sapling composition highlights the value of gaps for conservation.
Population Growth, Urban Expansion, and Private Forestry in Western Oregon
Authors: Kline Jeffrey D. , Azuma David L. , Alig Ralph J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Private forestlands in the United States face increasing pressures from growing populations, resulting in greater numbers of people living in closer proximity to forests. What often is called the “wildland/urban interface” is characterized by expansion of residential and other developed land uses onto forested landscapes in a manner that threatens forestlands as productive socioeconomic and ecological resources. Prevailing hypotheses suggest that such forestlands can become less productive, because forest owners reduce investments in forest management. We develop empirical models describing forest stocking, thinning, harvest, and tree planting in western Oregon, as functions of stand and site characteristics, ownership, and building densities. We use the models to examine the potential impacts of population growth and urban expansion, as described by increasing building densities, on the likelihood that forest owners maintain forest stocking, precommercial thin, harvest, and plant trees following harvest. Empirical results support the general conclusion that population growth and urban expansion are correlated with reduced forest management and investment on private forestlands in western Oregon (USA). Results have potential implications for both economic outputs and ecological conditions, as well as for wildfire risks at the wildland/urban interface. FOR. SCI. 50(1):33–43.
An Assessment of the Impacts of Forest Management on Aboriginal Hunters: Evidence from Stated and Revealed Preference Data
Authors: Adamowicz Wiktor , Boxall Peter , Haener Michel , Zhang Yaoqi , Dosman Donna , Marois Juanita 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Assessing the impacts of forest harvesting activities on Aboriginal people and incorporating these considerations into forest management plans is one of the challenges facing Canadian forest managers. In this study, we model hunting behavior using stated and revealed preference data on subsistence use of wildlife resources. We use this framework to assess the impacts of forest management changes on Aboriginal people in northwestern Saskatchewan. Innovative approaches to data collection are employed to address challenges in obtaining data in these contexts. The econometric analysis combines the stated and revealed preference information to account for limitations in the revealed preference data. Monetary measures of welfare are examined, but we also assess resource compensation and zoning as mechanisms for addressing the impact of forest harvesting on subsistence wildlife use. The results also demonstrate the use of geographic information system information in linking forest management and Aboriginal resource use. FOR. SCI. 50(2):139–152.