This study presents the optimum cutting ages in Turkish pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) plantations including timber production
and carbon sequestration values in Turkey. Four different growing spaces are considered. The study also evaluates the
effects of different discount rates and carbon prices on the optimum cutting ages using net present value approach. The
growth and yield curves, biomass equations and carbon conversion factors as well as forest plantation costs and timber
assortments revenues for Turkish pine plantations are used to determine the optimum cutting ages. The results of the
case study showed that the integration of carbon sequestration benefits into timber production increased the optimum
cutting ages of Turkish pine plantations for each growing spaces in order to sequester more carbon. The optimum cutting
ages decreased depending on the increase in discount rates. When carbon prices increased the optimum cutting ages
also increased.
Decision Support Systems (DSS) is widely used to develop spatially explicit forest management plans through the
integration of spatial parameters. As a part of this study, a simulation-based spatial DSS, the ETÇAPSimülasyon program
was developed and tested in a case study area. The system has the capability to control the spatial structure of forests
based on a geodatabase. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) was used to generate the database, using spatial
parameters including opening size, block size and green-up delay in addition to other attribute data such as the empirical
yield table and the product assortment table. Based on the simulation technique, a spatial forest management model
was developed to link strategic planning with tactical planning on a stand base and to present results with a number
of performance indicators. One important component of the model determined all spatial characteristics with spatial
parameters and patch descriptions. A stand growth and yield simulation model (BARSM) based on the relationship between
current and optimal basal area development was also generated to project future stand characteristics and analyze the
effects of various silvicultural treatments. A number of spatial forest management strategies were developed to generate
spatially implementable harvest schedules and perform spatial analyses. The forest management concept was enhanced
by employing a spatial simulation technique to help analyzing the ecosystem structure. Spatial characteristics for an
on-the-ground forest management plan were then developed. The model was tested in Altınoluk Planning Unit (APU)
using a spatial simulation technique based on various spatial parameters. The results indicated that the spatial model
was able to satisfy the spatial restriction requirements of the forest management plan.