SPATIALLY OPTIMIZING FOREST MANAGEMENT SCHEDULES TO MEET STORMFLOW CONSTRAINTS

A spatial optimization model is developed and used to limit cumulative effects resulting from storm events by strategically arranging and sc heduling forest treatments to meet peak storm-flow constraints. A mixe d integer forest management scheduling formulation is used to select t he location and timing of forest treatments. The approach includes sim ulated spatial routing of storm-flows imbedded as hydrologic process c onstraints (in a nested schedule) within longer-term forest management planning periods in the mathematical programming model. Although diff icult to solve, the model shows promise for further research.