A MATHEMATICAL-PROGRAMMING MODEL FOR MAINTAINING STRUCTURAL DIVERSITYIN UNEVEN-AGED FOREST STANDS WITH IMPLICATIONS TO OTHER FORMULATIONS

A mathematical programming model is presented which yields an optimal diameter distribution that is at least as diverse as some antecedent o r target distribution. At the heart of this model is a set of constrai nts that ensures this outcome as long as a feasible solution to the mo del is found. The theory of intrinsic diversity ordering, which forms the basis for the constraint set derivation, is also discussed. The se t of diversity-maintaining constraints presented are completely genera l and may be added to other mathematical programming formulations wher e quantities other than horizontal structural diversity are of interes t. Two examples are given which illustrate the use of the model.