Economatic: A New Tool that Integrates Financial Analysis with Forest Management Simulations
Authors: Zobrist, Kevin W.; Comnick, Jeffrey M.; McCarter, James B.
Source: Western Journal of Applied Forestry, Volume 21, Number 3, July 2006 , pp. 134-141(8)
Abstract:
Financial analysis is important for forest managers. Several good computer tools are available for quickly computing common measures of forestry financial performance. A new tool called Economatic is now available that offers unique analysis capabilities through its integration with growth and treatment models through the Landscape Management System. Harvest volume information is imported directly from the growth model, rather than requiring estimates from outside sources. This simplifies and automates the setup needed to run the analysis, and it ensures consistent assumptions for comparative analysis between alternatives. Costs and other parameters can be completely customized. Stand and landscape level financial outcomes are given in a series of tables and charts, which can be compared with other Landscape Management System outputs for comprehensive analyses.Keywords: Forest economics; technology; forest modeling
Document Type: Research article
