Optimal Thinning within the Faustmann Approach

1. Front Matter

   Pages I-XV

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2. Problem

   • Renke Coordes

   Pages 1-8

3. Timber Growth Theory

   • Renke Coordes

   Pages 9-33

4. Investment Model

   • Renke Coordes

   Pages 35-53

5. Analysis

   • Renke Coordes

   Pages 55-144

6. Discussion and Conclusions

   • Renke Coordes

   Pages 145-216

7. Summary

   • Renke Coordes

   Pages 217-219

8. Back Matter

   Pages 221-246

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Forest stands are thinned all over the world. Yet, there was hitherto no consistent theory which allowed deriving unambiguous conditions for thinnings as the harvest of trees prior to the rotation age. Renke Coordes closes this gap by proposing a new, more general view on the Faustmann model as the basic investment model in forest resource economics. With the introduction of mutual interdependencies between the trees growing in a stand and the opportunity to harvest trees prior to the rotation age, optimal thinning regimes can be derived and analyzed. The implications of the proposed model are thoroughly discussed against the background of practical forest management decisions. The author closes with adaptations to the problems of the management of mixed, multiple-use and uneven-aged stands and entire forests. In this way, a unified perspective on the management of forests as natural resources is offered.

• forest management
• forest science
• resource economics
• thinnings in forest stands
• timber growth theory
• Forestry Management

• und Forstliche Ressourcenökonomie, Technische Universität Dresden Forstpolitik, Tharandt, Germany

  Renke Coordes

Renke Coordes is Research Assistant and Lecturer at the Institute of Forest Economics and Forest Management Planning of the university Technische Universität Dresden.

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