Forest Production Management and Harvesting Scheduling Using Dynamic Linear Programming (LP) Models

Fuelwood is one of the most widely used natural resources. Its major uses include household heating and energy production (heat energy plants). Its production is expected to increase in order to cover the increased demand, therefore management of fuelwood productive forests should be done in a sustainable way. Two linear programming (LP) models are presented in this work, for the optimal design of production and harvesting scheduling of fuelwood, produced from even-aged (coppice) Oak forests. Respectively, two alternative sustainable management strategies are examined. The first strategy aims at sustainable fuelwood production in the context of area control. The second one achieves maximization of the volume per unit of time and leads to a steady state forest. Actual data from the forest management plan of Achladochori-Aggistro-Sidirokastro forest are used to demonstrate models application. Both models can serve as a “rule of thumb” in the forest management practice.