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CLUSTER:

A cluster-based approach for identifying farm forest resources to maximise potential markets

 

A new research project co-funded by COFORD and Teagasc hopes to provide a framework for quantifying the wood resources from farm forests in order to maximise potential markets. The study will utilise a Geographic Information System (GIS) in order to provide information about the location of forest plantations.

This will be achieved using a cluster based approach for locating areas with large concentrations of private forest cover that are approaching first thinning. Geographic Information System (GIS) will be used in order to provide information about the location of forest plantations. In order to maximise the area covered by the survey cluster analysis will be employed to identify areas with large concentrations of private forest cover that are approaching first thinning. A number of target clusters will be identified based on the amount of forest and the proximity to a market place.

In addition, remote sensing techniques will be employed, a combination of aerial photography and satellite imagery will be examined to provide information about the current state of plantations within clusters. Information will be derived from the latest ortho-photography as well as from Quick Bird TM and IKONOS TM satellite imagery. Using these techniques information on access, productive area, roading and thin status will be captured; furthermore data on forest stand parameters such as height, and crown assessment will also be identified.

In the second phase, all plantations within a cluster that are approaching first thinning stage will be visited in the field where an assessment of timber quality and volume will be performed in each stand. The field survey will capture forest growth parameters such as area of stand, top height, basal area and stocking.

Data collected in the field will be compiled into a field database and the volume of each stand will be computed using the COFORD Dynamic Yield Model “Growfor” (COFORD, 2007). These models will be used to generate forecasts of volume production by projecting the growth of stands forward to a reference age.

Information on volume, thinning cycle, thinning yield, thinning year and windthrow risk for each stand in the cluster will be made available in a database and will be used as the main tool for further development work or in the identification of suitable locations for new market opportunities.

Available downloads:


For further information, contact Niall Farrelly, Forestry Researcher, Teagasc


Page last revised: 26 Aug 2011

Email: forestry@teagasc.ie