A forest planning problem solved via a linear fractional goal programming model

We present a linear fractional goal programming model to a timber harvest scheduling problem in order to obtain a balanced age class distribution of a forest plantation in Cuba. The forest area of Cuba has been severely reduced due to indiscriminate exploitation and natural disasters (fires, hurricanes, etc.). Thus, in this particular case, the main goal is to organize and regulate the forest. This involves a significant change from its current distribution by ages to obtain a more even-aged structure over a planning horizon of 25 years which coincides with the rotation age. This has been formalized as fractional goals which take into account the evolution of the forest and ensure attaining a balanced age class distribution in a progressive and flexible way. The proposed model aims at achieving this new distribution while bearing in mind the economic aspects of the forest as well as other factors. In order to test its potential we have applied the model to a Cuban plantation belonging to the forestry company "Empresa Forestal Integral Pinar del Rio". We obtained several solutions that provided a regulated forest while respecting the economic and other targets of the decision-makers. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.