Simulating nontimber forest product management in tropical mixed forests

Abstract

Models of tropical mixed forests for simulation of multiple-use forest management are of importance because of the significance of both timber and nontimber forest products (NTFP) to large numbers of rural poor. Models capable of accurately simulating multiple-use forest management and their impacts could be used to address questions such as, how much of a given NTFPs can be extracted before jeopardizing production of other products, and how should NTFPs be extracted or silvicultural treatments applied to increase timber and NTFP production? Based on a literature review, we observed that (1) there is practically no integration between studies that focus on timber and those of NTFPs and (2) in most cases, the limitations of common NTFP modeling approaches are rarely acknowledged. We identify key processes that require empirical data collection and suggest modifications to models to better represent multiple-use forest management. Copyright © 2007 by the Society of American Foresters.