Author:  E.Blasco, J. R. González-Olabarria, P. Rodriguéz-Veiga, T.Pukkala, O.Kolehmainen, M.Palahí
Year Published: 2009
Category: Journal of Forestry Research
Avaialable From:
http://www.springerlink.com

Abstract:

Relative preferences of 90 images of forest stands, photos and virtual reality images were investigated by the internet to develop a quantitative model for estimating scenic beauty preferences at the stand level. The relative priority values obtained from the questionnaire of a total of 259 judges were analyzed using regression methods for pairwise comparisons. Two models were developed based on two different groups of stands. Both models indicate that the priority of a forest stand increases with an augment in the number of bushes and trees, and also with the mean diameter of trees. On the other hand, the priority is low with large number of pines and small trees. Stands represented by photos receive better priority values than those represented by virtual reality images. When the background of the judges (gender, country or occupation) was included into the model as additional predictors, no significant improvements are achieved.

Author: Wilhelmsson, L. Arlinger, J. Moberg, L.
Year Published: 2006
Category: Conference paper
Available From:  Full article available from Skogforsk

Abstract:
Results from bucking simulation (Skogforsk-TimAn and Pri-analyses) using a standard length-neutral price list applied on 9715 samples trees from 951 plots originating from five years inventories made by the Swedish National Forest Inventory (SLU Sweden).

Author:  González, J.R., Trasobares, A., Palahí, M. and Pukkala,T
Year Published: 2007
Category:  Journal article, Annals of Forest Science,  64
Available From:  www.afs-journal.org

Abstract: 

The study developed models for predicting the post-fire tree survival in Catalonia. The models are appropriate for forest planning purposes. Two types of models were developed: a stand-level model to predict the degree of damage caused by a forest fire, and tree-level models to predict the probability of a tree to survive a forest fire. The models were based on forest inventory and fire data. The inventory data on forest stands were obtained from the second (1989-1990) and third (2000-2001) Spanish national forest inventories, and the fire data consisted of the perimeters of forest fires larger than 20 ha that occurred in Catalonia between the 2nd and 3rd measurement of the inventory plots. The models were based on easily measurable forest characteristics, and they permit the forest manager to predict the effect of stand structure and species composition on the expected damage. According to the stand level fire damage model, the relative damage decreases when the stand basal area or mean tree diameter increases. Conversely, the relative stand damage increases when there is a large variation in tree size, when the stand is located on a steep slope, and when it is dominated by pine. According to the tree level survival models, trees in stands with a high basal area, a large mean tree size and a small variability in tree diameters have a high survival probability. Large trees in dominant positions have the highest probability of surviving a fire. Another result of the study is the exceptionally good post-fire survival ability of Pinus pinea and Quercus suber.

Author: González, JR., Kolehmainen, O., Pukkala, T.
Year Published:  2007
Category: Journal article, Computers and electronics in agriculture, Elsevier Vol. 55, ISSN 0168-1699
Available from: www.elesvier.com/locate/compag

Abstract:
The present study analysis the possibility of using virtual reality models, Internet questionnaires and regression methods for pairwise comparison to acquire information from experts in forest fires, and analyse it in a quantitative way. Two models were developed for estimating the vulnerability of forest stands to fire, depending on the stand characteristics, using two different sets of images. The models were based on the relative priority that experts gave to pairs of stand images with respect to their fire vulnerability. The results indicate that the abundance of an understory and the structural irregularity of the stand (expressed as coefficient of variation of diameters) have an important effect on the stand vulnerability as perceived by the experts. The vulnerability decreased with decreasing amount of ground vegetation and diminishing variation in tree size.

Author:  G.J Nabuurs, A. Pussinen, J. van Brusselen, M.G Schelhaas
Year Published:  2006
Category:  Journal article, European Journal for Forest Research
Available From:  here

Abstract: 

We provide quantitative insight in the spatial distribution of the future supply of wood as a raw material from European forests (27 countries) until 2060. This supply is tested for two scenarios: ‘projection of historical management’ and ‘new management trends’ and compared against a benchmark scenario. The new management trends scenario incorporates influences of issues as nature-oriented management, carbon credits and increased demand for bio-energy. The results of these projections provide insight in the state of the European forests and indicate that under the ‘new management trends’ supply can still increase to 729 million m3 by 2060 in Europe, whereby almost throughout Europe we allow harvest to be higher than increment for some time. Without linking countries dynamically through international trade, we identify regions where harvesting pressure is highest. Under the new management trends scenario, the harvested volume is reduced with 82 million m3/year (compared to ‘projection of historical management’) because of stricter management constraints. However, the management regimes as parameterised here allow harvesting pressure to remain highest in Central Europe and some Scandinavian countries, notably Finland and Norway.

Author:  González J.R., Palahí M., Trasobares A., Pukkala T.
Year Published: 2006
Category: Journal article,
Avaialable From: http://www.edpsciences.org

Abstract:
The study presents a model for the probability of fire occurrence in forest stands of Catalonia. It was developed based on data from the Second Spanish National Forest Inventory (II IFN) and perimeters of the forest fires that occurred in Catalonia during a 12-year period that followed the II IFN measurement.

Author:  R. Päivinen, M. Lindner
Year Published: 2005
Category: Conference paper
Available from: article PDF

Abstract:
Forest-Wood Chains (FWCs) consist of a set of processes by which forest resources are converted into services and products. In this paper, a method to assess sustainability of alternative FWCs is discussed. It is suggested that each production process included in a production chain will be characterised by a set of environmental, economic and social sustainability indicators. The volume of wood material flows through the processes is the basis for assessing the overall sustainability of optional chains.