We are engaged in a project that fits the description of what Hannu Saarenmaa asked about. It is a decision support system for silvicultural prescriptions for multiple values. Below is an abstract describing the project in general terms. I am very interested in hearing more about the proposed meeting. Abstract: The Northeast Decision model (NED) is a computer-based, decision-support system being developed by the Northeastern Forest Experiment Station to provide site-specific expert recommendations on silvicultural prescriptions to optimize management of multiple resources on forests of the Northeastern United States. Development of NED is a cooperative effort involving over 50 scientists affiliated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, state agencies, and various universities in the Northeast. Recommendations will be based on management goals specified by the user, along with data on site and vegetation in a management unit and the surrounding forest. Management goals may include objectives for wildlife habitat, visual qualities, timber management, watershed management, and ecological characteristics. One module of the system is dedicated to definition, clarification, and resolution of the user's management objectives. A secondary function of the model is to provide the ability to test the effects of alternative management strategies on timber yields, wildlife habitat, aesthetics, and ecosystem characteristics. To accomplish this function, NED includes stand growth simulators appropriate to northeastern forests. The model incorporates four of the major growth simulators in current use in the Northeast today, NE-TWIGS, SILVAH, OAKSIM, and FIBER, and either automatically selects the best one or allows the user to select a simulator. We are now actively involved in redesigning the system using an object-oriented structure. Interim products will be available soon, including a stand-alone version of the goal-determination module. Mark Twery USDA Forest Service Research Forester Morgantown, WV, USA mtwery@asrr.arsusda.gov 304-285-1600 9 dec 92
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