(MC) MODELING FOREST MANAGEMENT AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

A variety of models and approaches will be used to address management relevant forest problems. I expect to continue to collaborate with colleagues working on forest management issues. Examples of this type of work will include: 1) Old growth longleaf pine savanna ecosystems will be simulated to provide estimates of carbon storage with the possibility of periodic harvests. 2) Matrix population models typically use constant parameters that do not change with changing environmental conditions. As a test case for methods to include climate variability in this type of model, we will use rainfall records coupled with extensive population data for a Brazil nut tree population. Brazil nut tree population viability will be assessed as influenced by the harvesting of the nuts. 3) Finally, we explore how to improve the SSAND model for tropical and subtropical soils with low P availability. This type of highly weathered soil is common in the Coastal Plain of our region.