This book provides a focused understanding of contemporary forest management issues through real life examples to engage students. The methodology for the development of quantitatively-derived forest management plans - from gathering information to the implementation of plans at the forest level - are explicit explained. Emphasis is placed on the development of the traditional commodity production forest plans using linear programming, the development of alternative forest plans, and problem resolution in planning.
The authors have developed this book based on their personal experience in teaching forest management courses and the review of ten forestry programs (Auburn University, University of Georgia, Iowa State University, Louisiana State University, Northern Arizona University, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Florida, Virginia Tech, and Oregon State University). The integration of extended case studies of a variety of scenarios as well as the inclusion of a section on report writing will engage students. Acknowledgement and integration of various software packages for forest management provide the most useful tools for those studying forest management and distinguish this book from the competition.
* Real-life examples illustrated mathematically and graphically
* End-of-chapter questions
* Modern coverage of the planning and management of US Forest timber production
* Instructors Web site with access to geographic databases, solutions and illustrations
* Case study analysis
* Expansive applications drawn for examples in the western US, the Lake States, the northeastern US, the southern US and Canada
* Detailed descriptions of models and solution methods for integrating a variety of wildlife habitat constraints

Pete Bettinger is a professor of forestry at the University of Georgia. He teaches forest planning, forest measurements, and aerial photogrammetry; and conducts research in applied forest management with particular emphasis on harvest scheduling, precision forestry, and geospatial technologies. Dr. Bettinger has worked with the forest industry in the southern and western United States, and maintains this connection to forestry professionals through his leadership in the Southern Forestry and Natural Resource Management GIS Conference and other continuing education courses he offers. Dr. Bettinger is also a co-author of two other books published by Academic Press, Introduction to Forestry and Natural Resources, and Forest Plans of North America.