Management of California Oak Woodlands: Uncertainties and Modeling

Jay E. Noel, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Richard P. Thompson, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

Article comments

This is a United States federal government document and is in the public domain. Published by the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station.

Abstract

A mathematical policy model of oak woodlands is presented. The model illustrates the policy uncertainties that exist in the management of oak woodlands. These uncertainties include: (1) selection of a policy criterion function, (2) woodland dynamics, (3) initial and final state of the woodland stock. The paper provides a review of each of the uncertainty issues. The final section of the paper describes a modeling approach that can be developed to assist policy makers in evaluating alternative oak woodland policy actions.