153 -
above,
cify
that
lopment
control could have been exerted in relation to the time of day that the
imagery was taken, these shadow effects caused by the angle of the sun,
particularly in ravines and slopes facing away from the sun, may have been
reduced.
a generated
y sampling
ssessment
ing this
ional
s can
supports
APPLICATIONS
A decision as to the feasibility of imposing a wildland management
system (reduction of forest density, removal of forest overstory, etc.) to
meet any production or use objective regarding a natural resource mix
on any combination of wildland units can be aided by application of forest
stocking equations. It is assumed that the portion of wildland units
currently supporting a minimum forest density level which corresponds to
the forest density level prescribed by the management system will, sub
sequently, represent the portion of wildland units that can be subjected
to the management system (Ffolliott and Worley, 1973).
cumulative
a that
agery
alyses.
ed:
For example, suppose that a wildland management system calls for a
uniform reduction of forest density to a level assumed "optimum" in terms
of natural resource production and use. However, a frequency distribution
developed for the wildland units involved may reveal that only, say, 35 percent
of the units could meet the management system forest density objective. A
decision may then need to be made regarding the feasibility of implementing
the system. Possibly, the original prescription could be discarded in
favor of one that would place a larger portion of the wildland units in a
forest under management, such as reduction of forest density to a level
Mational
percent
that is less than the assumed "optimum". Unfortunately, this alternative
forest density level may result in a lower potential for natural resource
production and use. Due to the greater portion of wildland units subjected
to management, the outcome could be more favorable in the long-run, however.
Obviously, the final decision must be a compromise between obtaining the
maximum potential, as prescribed by the management system, and extending
the management system to the largest possible portion of wildland units.
inimum
y computer
a of a
rvel.
ill often
Regardless of what a specific wildland management system is designed
to accomplish, the application of forest stocking equations will help to
evaluate management potential and prescribe management feasibility (Ffolliott
and Worley, 1973). A hydrologist might ask, "What is the distribution of
forest density levels that relate to specific snowpack accumulation and
melt characteristics?". A range specialist may ask, "What portion of wild
associated
jrein.
to many
study.
land units in a forest is stocked in excess of a given forest density level
considered maximum to allow acceptable forage production for allotment
management?". An economist interested in direct costs of management systems
implementation might ask, "How much of a forest needs to be treated, and with
what intensity does the treatment need to be applied to bring the unit to
?ge areas
Lt difficult
l more
a predescribed forest density level?". Or, a timber manager might ask,
"What is the extent of a forest density level considered to be minimum for
profitable harvesting?".