A network analysis to identify forest merchantability limitations across the United States

摘要: Abstract Large-scale silvicultural programs designed to alter forest characteristics accomplish either financial or ecological goals often involve the extraction of significant volumes. The operational costs, and thus extend over which these can be applied, depend in large part on supply chain considerations degree removals merchandized. Forestry include spatial allocation products processing facilities, array primary commodities they consume, transportation infrastructure. This study conducts a network analysis utilizing location 2543 product producers contiguous United States along with national road dataset evaluate hotspots where better opportunity merchandise enables flexibility management, coldspots alternatives are limited. establishes service areas facilities for sawlogs, pulpwood, biomass at varying haul-times two scenarios as function costs constructs Cumulative Merchantability Index (CMI) by summing values defining current market extent. In Short Haul scenario, 26% (61.71 million hectares) Long 9% (21.32 forests have low merchantability all three commodities. Only 3% 20% scenario an Results helpful prioritizing differing management objectives evaluating potential cost saving afforded selling