Landscape Modeling for Forest Restoration: Concepts and Applications

Abstract-Restoration planning, evaluation, and implementation are of paramount importance in many areas where the magnitude of the abiotic and biotic disturbance agents has altered the resources and conditions of forest landscapes. However, the effect of restoration practices is difficult to measure, and in many areas the restoration goals are yet less clear. Landscape modeling provides useful tool for effectively evaluating the outcomes of various management practices and restoration strategies. Here we provide a framework of using landscape models for forest restoration; in particular we present a case application of using a landscape model, LANDIS, to simulate the effects of forest management strategies of the Southern Pine Beetle damaged forests in southern Appalachians. Our research suggests that landscape models can be an effective management tool, and in conjunction with other assessment techniques, could be a valuable aid in forest restoration decision-making process.