GPI^©

Expert Based Decision Support

for

Long-Term Forest Planning

Alpine Land Information Systems has pioneered a method for assuring that landowners can achieve maximum sustained production as required by the forest practice rules. The decision support package Graphical Planning Interface (GPI^©) is combined with expert input from the user to develop viable option A and B plans for submission to CDF. GPI^© provides a seamless and user-friendly interface with the CACTOS, CRYPTOS, and SYSTUM-1 growth simulation models. These tools allow the forester to create and manage land bases of unlimited size without compromising the ability to treat and address each protection issue in the final management solution. GPI^© assists with modeling forests over a 100-year planning horizon and allows the user to evaluate long-term sustainability of management scenarios in an efficient manner.

GPI^© differs from other planning software in that it is not an allocation model. Instead, foresters with local knowledge, using an interactive process, make professional decisions about harvest type and timing. The computer is no longer the decision maker, but rather the forester. Those decisions lead to a long-term sustainable yield, over the 100-year planning horizon, while providing for consideration of other forest values. Furthermore, when laws change, there is no need for reprogramming, only changes in decisions the forester makes.

GPI^© process is composed of three steps: Data entry, Prescription creation/timing, and Data analysis/reporting.

Data Entry

GPI^© provides for fast and efficient cruise data entry. Once data entry is complete, GPI^© creates stratum specific CACTOS style tree lists, complete with site tree analysis. If your data is already in this format, GPI^© is able to use it as well. The user may, at any time, revise the cruise data and create new tree lists.

As with other Alpine applications, GPI^© can receive input directly from our Inventory Management System (IMS^©). IMS^© automates the creation of tree lists for rapid project startup from existing inventory.

Prescription creation/timing

Through GPI^©, the professional forester creates stratum specific growth, harvest, and regeneration events using self-explanatory graphical input screens. As events are created, they are combined with other events to create a stratum specific management scenario. Harvest timing choices are accomplished by arranging harvest and regeneration events in the order deemed appropriate from the forester’s perspective. After a scenario is created, it is processed and the output files stored for later analysis and reporting. Users no longer need to create command files containing cryptic codes or program batch files by hand, it is done automatically, which prevents errors. Previously, foresters would need to set up and execute each batch file individually, a time consuming, error prone, and tedious process. GPI^© can sequentially and autonomously process an unlimited number of scenarios chosen by the user, who is then free to work on other projects.

Data analysis/reporting

GPI^© provides the user with a myriad of reports on timber volume, wildlife habitat analysis, silvicultural stocking levels, and stand statistics. Reports range from analysis of individual stands to timber supply reports for a Sustained Yield Plan, or other large timber assessment area. This is where the user will analyze and compare harvest choices and timing. Most of the reports have screens that display the information on the computer monitor. All reports provide direct output to Microsoft Excel. Here, the user can format the data as desired and print final copies to be included in the THP or Sustained Yield Plan.

Landscape Level Analysis

Once all areas have been assigned a silvicultural scenario, GPI^© then assembles all scenarios and treatment areas into a long-term solution called a "Quickflow". This solution can then be assessed and revised as necessary.

GPI^© takes the errors and monotony out of prescription creation, data analysis, and report preparation. The time saved gives the user more opportunity to analyze various harvest scenarios, fine-tune yields, and thus maximize company profits while considering resource protection issues.

GPI^© is presently being used by several of the largest timber companies in California. GPI^© was used to produce the first Option A to be signed in California along with several others that have been approved, or whose approval is pending.

Alpine Land Information Services Inc.

3058 Crossroads Drive

Redding, CA 96003

(530) 222-8100

Fax: (530) 222-8108

www.alpine-lis.com

email: info@alpine-lis.com