Multiple-use tradeoffs in Swedish mountain region forests

This study investigates the tradeoffs among different uses of forests in the Swedish mountain region, where several interest groups use the forests for different and conflicting objectives. The tradeoffs information can help the involved interest groups to reach a rational compromise on the management and utilization of the forests. A multiobjective linear programming model is formulated; the considered objectives include (1) maximization of timber yield, (2) maximization of lich production for reindeer grazing, (3) maximization of recreation value, and (4) maximization of deadwood production. A set of efficient solutions is then approximated using the noninferior set estimation (NISE) method. The results show that managing the forest to maximize the net present value of the timber production profits would greatly reduce the volume of deadwood, that choices between the net present value and deadwood are flexible when the desired lowest lichen production is close to its maximum, and that choices between lichen and deadwood production are flexible as well when the desired net present value is around 93 % of its maximum.