Modelling and analyzing timber production and carbon sequestration values of forest ecosystems: a case study

The integration of carbon captured by forest ecosystems into forest management planning models has become increasingly more important, particularly in the areas of climate change, land use, and sustainable forest management. The main objective of this work is to develop a multiple-use forest management planning model that focuses on the interactions of net carbon sequestration and timber production opportunities in a forest ecosystem including forest openings. The linear programming model is used to develop various forest management scenarios for a forest that yields timber and carbon objectives. The results of forest management planning scenarios showed that increased net carbon sequestration can be attained at a significant cost in terms of forgone timber harvest and financial returns. Results also showed that reforestation of forest openings and long-term protection of forest ecosystems provides high biomass and carbon storage over the planning horizon.