LAUSR

Reduced-impact logging is a well known practice applied in most sustainable forest management plans in the Amazon. Nevertheless, there are still ways to improve the operational planning process. Therefore, the aim of this study was to create an integer linear programming (ILP) to fill in the knowledge gaps in the decision support system of reduced impact logging explorations. The minimization of harvest tree distance to wood log landing was assessed. Forest structure aspects, income and wood production were set in the model, as well as the adjacency constraints. Data are from a dense ombrophylous forest in the western Brazilian Amazon. We applied the phytosociological analysis and BDq method to define the selective logging criteria. Then, ILP models were formulated to allow the application of the constraints. Finally, 32 scenarios (unbalanced forest, UF, and balanced forest, BF) were generated and compared with real executed plans (RE). Robust results were achieved and the expected finding of each scenario was met. The feasibility to integrate ILP models in uneven-aged forest management projects was endorsed. Consequently, the UF and BF scenarios tested were efficient and concise, introducing new advances for forest management plans in the Amazon. The proposed models have a high potential to improve the selective logging activities in the Amazon forest. A exploracao de impacto reduzido e uma pratica bem conhecida e aplicada na maioria dos planos de manejo florestal sustentavel na Amazonia. Todavia, ainda ha a possibilidade de melhoria do processo de planejamento da operacao. Diante da falta de metodos auxiliares a tomada de decisao, o objetivo do trabalho foi desenvolver modelos de programacao linear inteira (PLI) para suprir esta demanda. Considerou-se a minimizacao da distância entre as arvores exploradas e os patios de estocagem de madeira. Aspectos estruturais, economicos e produtivos foram incorporados ao modelo, bem como restricoes de adjacencia. Os dados derivam de uma floresta ombrofila densa na Amazonia Ocidental. Previamente, utilizou-se uma analise fitossociologica e o metodo BDq como criterio de remocao. Posteriormente, modelos de PLI foram formulados para exemplificar as aplicacoes. Finalmente, 32 cenarios (para floresta desbalaceada, UF, e floresta balanceada, BF) foram gerados e comparados com o plano executado no campo (RE). Resultados robustos foram obtidos e atenderam as expectativas de cada cenario. A viabilidade da integracao dos modelos de PLI em projetos de manejo de florestas inequiâneas foi testado. Os cenarios UF e BF testados foram eficientes e concisos, confirmando seu potencial para aumentar a eficiencia de planos de exploracao madeireira e manejo florestal na Amazonia.