Methodology for Assessing Timber and White-tailed Deer Habitat Tradeoffs

A linear programming model was used to evaluate trade-offs between timber returns and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus ) habitat in East-Central Mississippi. The model was designed to maximize capitalized present net worth of a sample forest subject to white-tailed deer habitat, wood flow, and acreage regenerated restrictions. Four levels of habitat diversity were evaluated. Enhancing habitat diversity will cost, in terms of timber revenue foregone, between $2.08 and $30.711hectare per year. These cost estimates are not applicable to all loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) forests. However, the methodology is applicable for other forests when appropriate forest inventory data and wildlife habitat restrictions are specified.