Selecting Forest Residue Treatment Alternatives Using Goal Programming

The use of goal programing for selecting forest residue treatment alternatives within a multiple goal framework is described. The basic features of goal programing are reviewed and illustrated with a hypothetical problem involving the selection of residue treatments for 10 cutting units. Twelve residue-regeneration treatment combinations are evaluated by using physical, economic, and environmental goals. Empirical results are reported for four different goal priority sets. An interpretation of the sensitivity of the optimal treatment schedule associated with each priority set is also presented. Results indicate that goal programing offers considerable promise as an operational decisionmaking tool. Unresolved problems include the selection of decision variables and the quantification of goal attainment levels, goal preferences, and the relationships between forest residue treatment methods and managerial goals.