Ned-2: a Decision Support System for Integrated Forest Ecosystem Management

NED-2 is a Windows-based system designed to improve project-level planning and decision making by providing useful and scientifically sound information to natural resource managers. Resources currently addressed include visual quality, ecology, forest health, timber, water, and wildlife. NED-2 expands on previous versions of NED applications by integrating treatment prescriptions, growth simulation, and alternative comparisons with evaluations of multiple resources across a management unit. The NED-2 system is adaptable for small private holdings, large public properties, or cooperative management across multiple ownerships. NED-2 implements a goal-driven decision process that ensures that all relevant goals are considered; the character and current condition of forestland are known; alternatives to manage the land are designed and tested; the future forest under each alternative is simulated; and the alternative selected achieves the owner's goals. NED-2 is designed to link with .> The computer programs described in th~s documcnt are available with the undcntand~ng that the U.S. Departrnent of Agriculture cannot assure their accuracy, completeness. reliability. or %uitability for any purposes other than that reported, The use of trdde, firm, or corporation names In this publication IS for the information and convenience of the reader. Such use doe\ not constrtute an official endoriiement or approval by the U.S. Department of A&+culture or the Forrst Sert rce of any product or wrvlce to the exclttsion of others that nlay be suitable. " Conesponding dutho~. Tel.: + 1 802 95 1 677 1 : fkx: + 1 802 951 6365. E-mnaii izd&e.s.s: mtwery@)fs.fed.us (M.J. Twery). 01681699it3 see front matter. Published by EIscvier B.V. doi: 10.101 61j.compag.2005.03.001 the NedLitc package for field data cc?llection using a handheld PDA, and is constructed to be easy to link to third-party applications. The NED proccss is being field tested to demonstrate its utility and identifq weaknesses. Results of case studies are summarized for two ouners, a pritate indicidual and the City of Baltimore, Mawland, and its reservoir lands. Published by Elsevier B.V. Ke.t tictrds: Ecosy$tem management; Deciiion support \y\tern: Knowledge-based system; Muitiresource decisions; Treatment prescript~on: Growth \imulatlon