Multi-Objective Scheduling of Fuel Treatments to Implement a Linear Fuel Break Network

We developed and applied a spatial optimization algorithm to prioritize forest fuel management treatments within proposed linear break network on 0.5 million ha Western US national forest. The large network, combined with the logistics of conducting management, requires that be partitioned into sequence discrete projects, individually implemented over next 10–20 years. original plan for did not consider how segments would packaged projects prioritized time, as is constructed. Using our algorithm, we analyzed 13 implementation scenarios where size-constrained were based predicted wildfire hazard, treatment costs, harvest revenues. found among scenarios, net revenue ranged from USD 3495 6642 ha−1, prioritizing encounter rate reduced harvested timber. demonstrate tradeoffs could minimized using multi-objective approach. most efficient scale was relatively small treated 300 ± 10% versus larger area. Our study demonstrates decision support model implement networks such those being or in many fire-prone regions around globe.