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Impacts of Climate Change on Economics of Forestry and Adaptation Strategies in the Southern United States

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 January 2015

Andres Susaeta
Affiliation:
School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
Douglas R. Carter
Affiliation:
School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
Damian C. Adams
Affiliation:
School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

Abstract

This article analyzes the impacts of different levels of forest productivity scenarios, disturbance risk, and salvageable rates resulting from climate change on the economics of loblolly pine in the southern United States. Potential adaptation strategies examined include reduction in planting density and use of slash pine instead of loblolly pine. Economic returns are most sensitive to changes in disturbance risk and productivity changes as compared with the salvage rate, planting density, or species selection. Loblolly pine with low planting density economically outperforms high-density loblolly pine. Slash pine is generally a less viable option compared with loblolly pine in most cases.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Southern Agricultural Economics Association 2014

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