A model-based approach to developing density management diagrams illustrated with Lake States red pine

Density management diagrams (DMDs) are widely used within the North American forestry community. DMDs, as traditionally implemented, have some limitations, including lack of automation, poor age and mortality accounting, and inflexible product yield reporting. We propose a model-based approach to circumvent these limitations. Resinosa, an interactive DMD for Lake States red pine, takes this approach. We describe the stand-level, self-thinning- constrained growth model that is the basis for Resinosa to illustrate our arguments. Resinosa allows foresters to make quick and easy comparisons among manage ment regimes.