Environmental Effects of Forest Land Uses: A Multi-Resource Simulation-Based Approach

B. Bruce Bare
James A. Ryan
Gerard F. Schreuder

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DOI: 10.2190/KVQE-07Q9-DMR6-DKGW

Abstract

Describes a computer simulation model for examining the physical, economic and environmental consequences of alternative land-use decisions and manipulations of a forest ecosystem. The model consists of a set of subsystems which include forest production, recreation, fish, wildlife, atmospheric and hydrologic processes. Model outputs are assessed in relation to their impacts on land, water and air resources as well as the production of utilizable goods and services. The significance of space-time model resolution in assessing the environmental consequences of alternative land-use plans and manipulations is discussed. The model is applied to a portion of the Snohomish River Basin in Western Washington through the use of four alternative management strategies. Projected impacts for the period 1974-2000 are reported in graphical form. With the exception of projected suspended sediment loads, results suggest that the forest management manipulations included in the four alternative strategies and the activities associated with developed camping will not significantly alter the pre-manipulation levels of selected environmental indices.

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