Cone crop periodicity is modeled with a Monte Carlo simulation technique following the work of Fox et al. The subroutine simulates the probabilistic nature of white spruce cone crops. This periodic nature has a big impact on potential stocking levels. The AML subroutine used scalars and the random number function to simulate seed crop quality. Seed density is then calculated from the best estimated mean and standard deviation for that cone crop rating.
Winds influence general dispersal patterns.
Most studies have implicitly modeled this influence by deploying seed traps from the windward edge into the clearing in the direction of the prevailing winds. The ability to model wind influences in a simplistic manner would benefit the resource manager. This model attempts to use a wind friction parameter to describe the negative influence upon general dispersal in non- windward directions. The parameter reduces the distance and associated density of seeds dispersing in directions from the source other than that of the defined wind direction. This parameter allows for the potential simulation of wind patterns upon general seed dispersal patterns.