Strategic Forest Management Options for Small-Scale Timber Harvesting on Okinawa Island, Japan

摘要: Forest-related activities are important as the economic and social drivers for local residents in Okinawa Island. Therefore, strategic timber management planning is a prerequisite to achieve sustainable yield optimize forest resource utilization. In this study, practicability of Timber Harvest Simulation Model (HARVEST) developed by Eric Gustafson from USDA was tested with aim assessing spatial pattern consequence plans subtropical Yambaru Forest HARVEST evaluates options harvesting providing comparable predictions age effect, distribution edge habitat, well patch structure targeted type area. The harvest simulation 2.1 % production areas investigated using two alternative cutting methods (clustered dispersed). It found that small-area clear-cut harvesting, mimicked clustered method, practical practice an estimated volume 12 higher than selective-logging dispersed method. mean size harvested area habitat were significantly correlated spite some limitations quantified model, information generated model applicable many stakeholders effective time-and-cost consideration.