A Dynamic Programming Model to Determine the Optimal Harvest Decision for a Fir Forest that Provides Both Timber Harvest Volume and Carbon Sequestration Services

Carbon sequestration in forests is being considered as a mechanism to slow or reverse the trend of increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. We present results to determine the optimal harvest decision for a forest stand in the fir forest of Turkey that provides both timber harvest volume and carbon sequestration services by using a dynamic programming model. The state of the system at any point in time is described by stand age and the amount of carbon in the dead organic matter pool. Merchantable timber volume and biomass are predicted as a function of stand age. As a result of decay and litterfall, carbon stocks in the dead organic matter pool changes. The results of the study indicate that initial carbon stock levels significantly affect economic returns to carbon management while optimal harvest age is relatively insensitive to carbon stocks in dead organic matter.