Current research is now focusing on alleviating the conceptual barriers to wide utilization of these tools in a collaborative environment. It is hoped that this type of infrastructure will open the simulation arena to a much wider set of participants, and facilitate the application of computer modeling to the study of complex multi-scale processes in support of policy making on all levels. GypsES , an integrated system to support pest management decisions. The primary development goal was to implement a relatively inexpensive user interface to the component subsystems. An expert system directs the evaluation of hazard, vulnerability, and risk and will provide silvicultural guidelines for amelioration of future damage.
Simulation models permit the user to investigate possible future scenarios.
The Stand-Damage Model simulates forest growth under prescribed silvicultural practices and defoliation scenarios. The phenology model predicts future gypsy moth development to assist in the timing of pesticide applications. The Life System Model predicts population dynamics of gypsy moth and its natural enemies. Behavior of a spatially explicit forest landscape succession model incorporating fire, windthrow, and dispersal. To simulate Lake States forest dynamics, the model contains interacting fire and windthrow disturbance regimes that have not previously been modeled.