Optimal Conversion Management for Spruce-dominated Forests: the Case of Drahanska Highlands

With climate change, restoration of natural tree species in areas planted artificially with Norway spruce ( Picea abies (L). Karst. ) is among the main issues in Central European forest management. However, information on particular forest conversion strategies and on understanding their economic consequences are incomplete. To contribute, we develop a deterministic finite-time dynamic optimization model to understand the driving forces in the economically optimal conversion of spruce-dominated forests planted outside of natural conditions in South Moravia, Czech Republic. In addition to the commonly researched European beech ( Fagus sylvatica (L.)), we also consider oak ( Quercus (sp.)), Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris (L.) Karst. ), and larch ( Larix decidua ) as alternatives to spruce and evaluate them from an economic point of view. The model recommends a steady reduction of the spruce fraction, replacing it preferably with oak, beech, and larch. The model validation shows that such a forest plan appears both ecologically advisable and economically optimal.