Challenges and opportunities for linking the modeling of forest vegetation dynamics with landscape planning models

Landscape planning and analysis, landscape simulations, and landscape projections all seek to either evaluate the current or past condition of a landscape or project future conditions. The level of spatial and computational resolution chosen should be carefully considered because it will restrict or empower future developments in large-scale, integrated landscape planning projects. In this paper, the basic challenges and opportunities associated with using forest vegetation growth and yield models and databases in large-scale, long-term forest landscape simulation projects are outlined. We pose several questions that integrated landscape modeling teams should consider when evaluating whether to use forest growth and yield data in landscape planning efforts. When managers and other professionals involved in landscape planning efforts are prepared for the challenges and opportunities inherent in modeling forest vegetation dynamics, they may then be positioned to implement a fast and smooth modeling process. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.