This paper presents results of research aiming
at the development of tools that may enhance cork oak
(Quercus suber L.) forest management planning. Specifically,
it proposes an hierarchical approach that encompasses
the spatial classification of a cork oak forest and the
temporal scheduling of cork harvests. The use of both
geographical information systems and operations research
techniques is addressed. Emphasis is on the achievement of
cork even flow objectives. Results from an application to a
case study in the Charneca Plioce´nica of Ribatejo in
southern Portugal encompassing a cork oak forest extending
over 4.8 thousand ha are discussed. They suggest that
the proposed approach is capable of effective spatial classification
of cork oak management units. They further
suggest that it may be used to select optimal cork even flow
scheduling strategies. Results also show that the proposed
approach may lead to a substantial increase in net present
value when compared to traditional approaches to cork oak
forest management planning
