Abstract

Since the early 1960's, computer models have been used to simulate forests. Computer models allow successional studies with faster data generation and more variable control than field studies. The development of a computer model that fit forest stands in northern Louisiana was the intention of this thesis. This endeavor resulted in the NORLAFOR (NORthern LouisianA FORests) model. NORLAFOR operates much like other models of various forest types in the country. The model makes assumptions about tree dynamics in the area and "grows" a forest. The forest plot can be traced over long periods of time in order to provide long term compositional data of forest structure. The model as it now stands needs to be improved before it will accurately model a local forest. The model is functional however, and the manipulation of a few of the constants and parameters would fine-tune the model to mimic observable local forest stands. After the NORLAFOR model has been calibrated and tested, it has many foreseeable applications in forestry and forest studies. Future improvements to the model may make it applicable to global warming, disease, forest management, pollution, disease, and extinction problems by predicting long-term forest response.