Forest Logging and Ecosystem Degradation 1.0.0
This model simulates a forest ecosystem affected by human logging. We explore different kind of approaches and their possible consequences for the ecosystem. Loggers can either be responsible or irresponsible, they will either take care to cut trees or not. In turn their actions will have consequences on the quality of the soil, the atmosphere as well as their profit made from logging. In this model we see that even careful management cannot prevent the degradation of the forest ecosystem.
Release Notes
Version 1.0.0 – Initial Public Release
This is the first stable release of the forest logging and ecosystem degradation model.
Implemented features include:
- Forest patches with dynamic soil quality, moisture, drought stress, and carbon stock
- Two logger behaviors (responsible vs. irresponsible)
- Endogenous carbon cycle with atmospheric CO₂ tracking
- Climate warming feedback mechanism
- Economic profit tracking for logging agents
- Adjustable parameters via user interface controls
The model has been tested for stability under a range of parameter values.
Known limitations:
- No species differentiation
- No wildfire, pests, or biodiversity dynamics
- Simplified economic system
- No seasonal variation
Developed and tested in NetLogo (7.0.0).