Tree Quality in Southern Forests and its Economic Effects
Investigators:
Jeffrey P. Prestemon,
Southern Research Station
John Pye, Southern Research Station
Joseph Buongiorno, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Description:
Tree quality can vary substantially across stands. While controlled studies suggest that stand and tree variables, climate, and genetics affect this quality, few studies have examined the actual statistical effects of each of these factors on many major species found in the South. Further, there is only a small body of work on the economic consequences of these variables on timber values in various kinds of stands. At least two peer-reviewed papers will derive from this work, while two manuscripts have been published and one is in the peer-review process at a major scientific journal. The first three papers examined tree quality within relatively restricted geographic areas. The last of these studies involves the broader South, which should enable detection of major climatic effects on tree quality and value. It will also permit a more complete picture of species-by-species effects of human and non-human variables on tree quality and value for all major timber species in the South.
Problem Area(s):
Landscape/stand models
Status:
Ongoing
Products:
Prestemon, Jeffrey P. 1997. Predicting tree grades using tree- and stand-level data. In: Greene, John L., ed. Redefining roles in forest economics research: Proceedings of the 26th annual Southern Forest Economics Workshop; 1996 March 27-29; Gatlinburg, TN. [Knoxville, TN]: [University of Tennessee]: 71-83.
Prestemon, J. P. 1998. Estimating tree grades for Southern Appalachian natural forest stands. Forest Science 44(1):73-86.
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modified:
13-MAR-2000
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USDA FS SRS
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