Goal programming approach for sustainable forest management (case study in Iranian Caspian forests)

We used a goal programming technique to determine the optimal harvest volume for the Iranian Caspian forest. We collected data including volume, growth, wood price at forest roadside, and variable harvesting costs. The allometric method was used to quantify sequestrated carbon. Regression analysis was used to derive growth models. Expected mean price was estimated using wood price and variable harvesting costs. Questionnaire was used to determine the constraints and the equation coefficients of the goal programming model. The optimal volume was determined using the goal programming method according to multipurpose forest management. LINGO software was used for analysis. Results indicated that the optimum volumes of species were 250.25 m³·ha⁻¹ for beech, 59 m³·ha⁻¹ for hornbeam, 73 m³·ha⁻¹ for oak, 41 m³·ha⁻¹ for alder, and 32 m³·ha⁻¹ for other species. The total optimum volume is 455.25 m³·ha⁻¹.