The Effects of Ice Damage on Management Decisions for Loblolly Pine Plantations located in the Piedmont Region of Virginia

Abstract

The effect of ice damage on loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantations in the Piedmont region of Virginia was examined to discover if management decisions can minimize net present value losses. A simulation approach was used for the analysis. Loblolly pine plantations were simulated using the growth and yield model, Trulob. Ice damage was factored into the model using prediction equations from a previous study. A decision tree framework was used to determine which management plans resulted in the highest net present value. The results show that ice storms can cause significant losses to the net present value of loblolly plantations. In most instances changing management plans could not minimize losses. In situations where altering management plans can result in higher net present values if ice occurs, landowners should also be aware of the suboptimal net present value they will be returned if these plans are followed and no ice storms occur.