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Create Precision Forestry Systems for Optimal Forest Management

Traditional forest management relies on broad prescriptions applied across large areas, missing opportunities for site-specific optimization that could improve forest health, productivity, and ecosystem services. The challenge is developing precision forestry systems that can manage forests at tree-level resolution while balancing multiple objectives including timber production, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and watershed protection. This requires innovations in remote sensing, automated monitoring, decision support systems, and targeted intervention techniques. Current forest management often applies uniform treatments that may not be optimal for specific sites or trees, while lack of detailed information limits management precision. Technical barriers include developing cost-effective monitoring systems for large forest areas, creating decision algorithms that balance multiple objectives, and ensuring precision treatments remain economically viable. Success would optimize forest management outcomes, improve resource efficiency, enhance ecosystem services, and provide forest management approaches that can adapt to diverse site conditions and management objectives.

Applied Sciences, Specialized Agriculture, Silviculture