Simulating and evaluating alternative resource-use strategies using GIS-based habitat suitability indices

Geographic information system (GIS) based models were developed for mapping the habitat suitability of pine marten (Martes americana) and woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus) using habitat suitability indices (HSI). Habitat suitability was simulated for four timber harvesting strategies. These included an existing harvesting strategy and three alternative strategies targeted specifically at maintenance of wildlife habitat and wilderness protection. The alternative strategy that restricted harvesting from some mature-age stands provided the optimal performance in balancing caribou habitat protection and marten habitat protection when compared using multiple accounts analysis. However, the alternative strategy that maximised caribou habitat retention provided the optimal performance in balancing both wildlife and timber objectives when compared using multiple accounts analysis. The approach demonstrates how the use of HSI models can be extended from simple habitat mapping to scenario testing and, coupled with GIS, can assist in the prediction of the outcomes of alternative resource-use scenarios.