Spatial analisys (GIS) as a tool for timber extraction and forest management optimization. A study case in Basilicata Region, south Italy.

ArcGIS software was used for timber harvesting planning in five (5) different mountainous broadleaf forest areas from Basilicata region, located in South Italy. Orographic characteristics, such as slope, watershed systems features, hydrogeological risk and other natural obstacles (accidental nature of ground) were considered. The different manual and mechanical timber extraction and concentration methods used by local timber companies were also considered. The different typologies of roads network to access forests were also introduced in the models. The analysis allowed identifying forest areas with territorial constraints and orographic restrictions, and with different accessibility, for a new planning of additional roads necessary for timber extraction optimization, as well as optimized site-by-site timber extraction methods. This methodological approach should be tested in other mountainous forest regions.