Case Study Feuerthalen
1 Feuerthalen Case Study
We use the public forest of Feuerthalen (Canton of Zurich, Switzerland) as a case study to demonstrate the capabilities of Forest Studio Edu for landscape-level forest management planning. This same landscape is also applied in the Landscape-Level Forest Management course at ETH Zurich.
The Feuerthalen forest covers approximately 105 hectares and features a diverse mix of tree species. Conifers such as Norway spruce, silver fir, larch, and Scots pine coexist with broadleaved species including European beech, oak, ash, sycamore maple, and wild cherry, among others.
Forest area distribution:
Productive forest area: 97.59 ha
Non-productive stocked area: 0.13 ha
Private forest: 7.7 ha
Public forest: 97.7 ha
Summary of the area of each of the MU used in the 2014-24 download here the csv file: feuerthalenForest_MUareas_2014-24.csv
Figure 1. Overview of the management divisions used in Feuerthalen during the 2014-24 period and the new division.
2 Management scenario BAU
We defined a BAU (Business-As-Usual) management scenario for the Feuerthalen case study based on the 2014–2024 forest management plan information.
The management follows a continuous cover forestry approach (no clear cuts are applied), with thinning from above as the primary intervention type.
It is applied at the management unit (MU) level, with different strategies depending on dominant species and management objectives.
This section describes the criteria used for the BAU management scenario following the management strategies implemented in Forest Studio.
The management plan defines spatial units as stands.
In this BAU scenario, each stand is considered a Management Unit (MU), applying consistent management strategies according to the MU’s land-use type or, where no explicit function was defined, its dominant species.
3 Dominant Tree Species Classification
Dominant species were defined in each MU based on the proportion of basal area, with a species considered dominant if it represented ≥70% of the total basal area.
When no dominant species was present, the MU was classified according to its mixture type, distinguishing among:
- Conifer mix stands
- Broadleaf mix stands
- Mixed conifer–broadleaf stands
4 Management Units considered
We excluded from the simulation all MUs designated as non-forest land uses.
In the BAU scenario, MU 1002 was assumed to have no management, as it is assigned as a forest reserve in the management plan (though it was still included in the simulation).
Meadow areas were assumed to remain unchanged and were excluded from the simulations (MUs 106, 601, 616, 618, and 905).
The Christmas tree farm (MU 620) was also excluded. Consequently, revenues from this activity are not considered, though they could be included after simulation.
We also assumed that the field_stream_wood land type (MUs 904 and 1001) represents narrow riparian strips or wooded stream margins, maintained primarily for erosion control, habitat conservation, or hydrological protection rather than for timber production.
Inventory data indicate no trees present in these MUs, and they were therefore excluded from the BAU scenario.
| MU Code | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 106 | 47_field_meadow_pasture_humus | – |
| 311 | permanently_open_area | Possibly landslide damage |
| 501 | 37_storage_area | – |
| 601 | 47_field_meadow_pasture_humus | – |
| 616 | 47_field_meadow_pasture_humus | – |
| 618 | 47_field_meadow_pasture_humus | – |
| 620 | 20_christmas_tree_farm | Revenue not considered |
| 904 | 40_field_stream_wood | – |
| 905 | 47_field_meadow_pasture_humus | – |
| 1001 | 40_field_stream_wood | – |
5 Management Strategies considered in BAU scenario
We defined seven management strategies, assigned to different MUs based on their dominant species (as defined in Section 3) and land-use type.
Target diameters were defined species-specifically according to management recommendations.
For Norway spruce (Picea abies), to reduce bark beetle risk, a lower target diameter of 35 cm (instead of 40 cm) was adopted.
The management plan recommends increasing firewood production, implying reduced target diameters or higher harvest probability in smaller diameter classes.
However, this BAU scenario does not include such adjustments.
The plan also mentions common walnut (Juglans regia), but since the inventory data provide no spatial information and the species is not yet parameterized in Forest Studio, it was excluded from this analysis.
5.1 Oak Promotion
These MUs aim to promote oak (Quercus robur).
This also generates potential income via cantonal subsidies.
The BAU scenario includes only MUs identified as oak promotion areas or dominated by oak.
No radical interventions (e.g., clearcutting or replanting) were simulated, so the oak promotion effect remains conservative.
References:
- Richtlinien Naturschutz im Wald (2017)
- Waldbaufibel (Hessen Forst, 2025)
Thinning type: From above (a = −5, b = 0.1)
Harvest intensity: Minimum 20%, and maximum 40%
Diameter threshold: 90 cm for oak; 0 cm for all other species
Large wood proportion: Minimum 32% oak basal area; oak > 50 cm retained until this threshold is met
5.2 Spruce and Silver Fir
This strategy applies to MUs dominated by Norway spruce (Picea abies) or silver fir (Abies alba).
Substitution of spruce by Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) or silver fir was allowed where feasible, especially along forest edges.
Conifers were maintained overall, while broadleaves were selectively reduced.
Thinning type: From above (a = −5, b = 0.1)
Minimum basal area: 25 m² ha⁻¹
Harvest intensity: ≥ 20%, and maximum 40%
Diameter thresholds:
- Spruce (P. abies) — 30 cm
- Silver fir (A. alba) — 30 cm
- Larix (Larix decidua) — 50 cm
- Scots pine (P. sylvestris) — 45 cm
- All broadleaves — 0 cm
Large wood proportion: None
5.3 Beech
This strategy applies to MUs dominated by European beech (Fagus sylvatica), focusing on promoting high-quality beech timber.
Thinning type: From below (a = −5, b = 0.1)
Minimum basal area: 25 m² ha⁻¹
Harvest intensity: ≥ 20%, and maximum 40%
Diameter thresholds:
- Beech (F. sylvatica) — 60 cm
- Spruce (P. abies) — 30 cm
- Silver fir (A. alba) — 30 cm
- Larix (L. decidua) — 50 cm
- Scots pine (P. sylvestris) — 45 cm
- Others — 0 cm
Large wood proportion: None
5.4 Broadleaf Mix and Ash-Dominated
This strategy applies to mixed broadleaf MUs or those dominated by ash (Fraxinus excelsior).
The goal is to maintain species diversity and mixture.
Thinning type: From below (a = −5, b = 0.1)
Minimum basal area: 16 m² ha⁻¹
Harvest intensity: ≥ 20%, and maximum 40%
Diameter thresholds:
- Oak (Quercus robur) — 60 cm
- Beech (Fagus sylvatica) — 60 cm
- Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) — 60 cm
- Others — 0 cm
Large wood proportion: Maintain 0.32 (Q. robur), 0.08 (F. sylvatica), 0.28 (F. excelsior)
5.5 Conifer Mix and Broadleaf–Conifer Mix
This strategy applies to mixed conifer or broadleaf–conifer MUs.
The goal is to maintain mixtures while promoting alternative conifers to spruce and avoiding further reduction in softwoods.
Minimum basal area: 25 m² ha⁻¹
Harvest intensity: ≥ 20%, and maximum 40%
Diameter thresholds:
- Oak (Q. robur) — 60 cm
- Beech (F. sylvatica) — 0 cm
- Ash (F. excelsior) — 60 cm
- Spruce (P. abies) — 30 cm
- Silver fir (A. alba) — 30 cm
- Larix (L. decidua) — 50 cm
- Scots pine (P. sylvestris) — 45 cm
Large wood proportion: Maintain 0.32 for Q. robur
6 New MU management scenarios
In addition to the existing MUs, we created a new MU code that divide the whole are in 5 MUs instead. In Forest Studio Edu the basic managements units are the original MUs but it is possible to filter and plot by the new MUs.
| NMU | Description | MUs included | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Northern Area | 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508, 509, 510, 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516, 517, 518, 519, 520, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 617, 619, 620, 621, 622, 1002 | Productive (same as BAU spruce fir dominated) |
| 2002 | Central Area | 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418 | Reservoir protection (same as BAU conifer broadlave mixture but with min BA of 30m2/ha) |
| 2003 | East Area | 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217 | Productive (same as BAU spruce fir dominated) |
| 2004 | South-Area | 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 714, 715, 716, 717, 718, 719, 720, 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 808, 809, 810, 811, 812, 813, 814, 815, 816, 817, 818, 819 | Productive (same as BAU spruce fir dominated) |
| 2005 | Central south area | 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, 711, 712, 901, 902, 903, 906, 907, 908, 909, 910, 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 916 | Productive (same as BAU spruce fir dominated) |
7 Prices and Wood Quality Classes in Feuerthalen
7.1 Wood Quality Classes
Wood quality is graded from A (highest) to D (lowest):
| Class | Description | Typical Characteristics | Main Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Top quality | Perfectly straight, fine-grained, no knots or cracks | Veneer logs, export logs |
| AB | High quality | Slight deviations from A (minor knots or color) | High-grade sawlogs |
| B | Good sawlog | Some knots, mild cracks or curvature | Construction, joinery |
| BC | Medium quality | More defects, lower yield | Pallets, rough sawn timber |
| C | Low quality | Cracks, rot, discoloration | Firewood, pulp |
| D | Reject / industrial | Rotten or heavily cracked | Pulp or energy wood |
7.2 Log Length Classes
Log length classes follow Swiss and Central European trade standards (Schweizer Holzhandelsgebräuche).
| Code | Meaning | Typical Log Length (m) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| L1 | Short log | 3.00–4.00 | Industrial wood, short sawlogs, pulpwood |
| L2 | Medium log | 4.01–5.49 | Standard sawlogs for construction timber |
| L3 | Long log | 5.50–7.00 (up to 8.00) | High-value sawlogs, structural/export wood |
7.3 Prices in Feuerthalen
Below are 2025 price tables (broadleaves and conifers) from the main client in Feuerthalen.
Prices remain valid until revoked.
A deduction of 2.00 CHF m⁻³ applies for non–FSC-certified wood.
- Prices in CHF m⁻³ over bark
- Diameter class = mid-log diameter (cm)
- Sorting = Swiss/Central European trade norms
- Higher letters = higher quality
Validity: Until revoked
Discount: –2.00 CHF m⁻³ (non-FSC wood)
Payment terms: 30 days, 2% discount
7.3.1 Broadleaved Species Prices 2025
7.3.1.1 Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
| Diameter class (cm) | A | AB | B | BC | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3a (30–34) | 75 | 70 | 65 | 65 | ||
| 3b (35–39) | 80 | 75 | 70 | 65 | ||
| 4a (40–44) | 100 | 95 | 85 | 80 | 73 | 65 |
| 4b (45–49) | 110 | 100 | 90 | 85 | 75 | 65 |
| 5 (50–59) | 130 | 115 | 100 | 90 | 80 | 65 |
| 6 (60+) | 150 | 125 | 105 | 95 | 90 | 65 |
Notes: Red heartwood → C; tension or cross cracks → C/D.
7.3.1.2 Oak (Quercus robur)
| Diameter class (cm) | A | AB | B | BC | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3a (30–34) | 70 | 65 | 60 | 60 | ||
| 3b (35–39) | 100 | 85 | 75 | 60 | ||
| 4a (40–44) | 300 | 250 | 220 | 150 | 90 | 60 |
| 4b (45–49) | 320 | 260 | 230 | 160 | 95 | 60 |
| 5 (50–59) | 400 | 345 | 290 | 195 | 110 | 60 |
| 6 (60+) | 500 | 415 | 330 | 220 | 120 | 60 |
Notes: Ring shake not allowed in B; decayed or wormy logs → D.
7.3.1.3 Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Lime (Tilia spp.), Elm (Ulmus spp.)
| Diameter class (cm) | A | AB | B | BC | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2b (25–29) | 85 | 60 | 60 | 60 | ||
| 3a (30–34) | 90 | 80 | 70 | 60 | ||
| 3b (35–39) | 100 | 90 | 75 | 60 | ||
| 4a (40–44) | 140 | 130 | 120 | 100 | 80 | 60 |
| 4b (45–49) | 150 | 140 | 130 | 105 | 90 | 60 |
| 5 (50–59) | 190 | 155 | 145 | 115 | 95 | 60 |
| 6 (60+) | 220 | 180 | 160 | 130 | 105 | 60 |
7.3.1.4 Sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), Wild cherry (Prunus avium), Pear (Pyrus communis), American red oak (Quercus rubra)
| Diameter class (cm) | A | AB | B | BC | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3a (30–34) | 75 | 70 | 65 | 60 | ||
| 3b (35–39) | 80 | 73 | 65 | 60 | ||
| 4a (40–44) | 170 | 130 | 100 | 80 | 70 | 60 |
| 4b (45–49) | 180 | 140 | 110 | 90 | 70 | 60 |
| 5 (50–59) | 200 | 155 | 125 | 95 | 80 | 60 |
| 6 (60+) | 230 | 185 | 140 | 100 | 80 | 60 |
7.3.1.5 Alder (Alnus glutinosa), Birch (Betula pendula), Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), Norway maple (Acer platanoides)
| Diameter class (cm) | A | AB | B | BC | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3a (30–34) | 75 | 70 | 65 | 50 | ||
| 3b (35–39) | 78 | 70 | 65 | 50 | ||
| 4 (40–49) | 110 | 80 | 70 | 65 | 50 | |
| 5 (50–59) | 150 | 130 | 90 | 80 | 65 | 50 |
| 6 (60+) | 190 | 160 | 100 | 80 | 65 | 50 |
7.3.1.6 Poplar (Populus spp.)
| Diameter class (cm) | A | AB | B | BC | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3a (30–34) | 55 | 50 | 50 | 40 | ||
| 3b (35–39) | 55 | 50 | 50 | 40 | ||
| 4 (40–49) | 55 | 50 | 50 | 40 | ||
| 5 (50–59) | 70 | 65 | 60 | 55 | 50 | 40 |
| 6 (60+) | 70 | 65 | 60 | 55 | 50 | 40 |
7.3.2 Coniferous Species Prices 2025
7.3.2.1 Norway spruce (Picea abies) — L2 + L3
| Diameter class (cm) | B | BC | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1b (15–19) | 55 | 53 | 50 | 50 |
| 2a (20–24) | 85 | 80 | 75 | 50 |
| 2b (25–29) | 105 | 95 | 85 | 50 |
| 3a (30–34) | 110 | 103 | 95 | 50 |
| 3b (35–39) | 110 | 103 | 95 | 50 |
| 4 (40–49) | 105 | 95 | 85 | 50 |
| 5 (50–59) | 95 | 90 | 85 | 50 |
| 6 (60+) | 95 | 88 | 80 | 50 |
7.3.2.2 Silver fir (Abies alba) — L2 + L3
| Diameter class (cm) | B | BC | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1b (15–19) | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| 2a (20–24) | 75 | 70 | 65 | 50 |
| 2b (25–29) | 95 | 85 | 75 | 50 |
| 3a (30–34) | 100 | 90 | 80 | 50 |
| 3b (35–39) | 100 | 90 | 80 | 50 |
| 4 (40–49) | 95 | 85 | 75 | 50 |
| 5 (50–59) | 85 | 80 | 75 | 50 |
| 6 (60+) | 80 | 75 | 70 | 50 |
7.3.2.3 Larch (Larix decidua) — L3 preferred
| Diameter class (cm) | AB | B | BC | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2a (20–24) | 60 | 55 | 55 | 55 | |
| 2b (25–29) | 80 | 70 | 60 | 55 | |
| 3a (30–34) | 120 | 100 | 70 | 55 | |
| 3b (35–39) | 200 | 160 | 120 | 80 | 55 |
| 4 (40–49) | 320 | 200 | 153 | 105 | 55 |
| 5 (50–59) | 380 | 220 | 175 | 130 | 55 |
A qualities by agreement.
7.3.2.4 Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) — L1–L3
| Diameter class (cm) | A | AB | B | BC | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2a (20–24) | 50 | 50 | ||||
| 2b (25–29) | 60 | 55 | 50 | 50 | ||
| 3a (30–34) | 70 | 60 | 55 | 50 | ||
| 3b (35–39) | 80 | 70 | 60 | 50 | ||
| 4a (40–44) | 140 | 120 | 105 | 85 | 65 | 50 |
| 4b (45–49) | 180 | 150 | 125 | 95 | 65 | 50 |
| 5 (50–59) | 200 | 170 | 140 | 105 | 70 | 50 |
| 6 (60+) | 260 | 200 | 170 | 110 | 75 | 50 |
7.3.2.5 Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) — L3 preferred
| Diameter class (cm) | AB | B | BC | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2a (20–24) | 60 | 55 | 55 | 50 | |
| 2b (25–29) | 80 | 70 | 60 | 50 | |
| 3a (30–34) | 120 | 100 | 70 | 50 | |
| 3b (35–39) | 130 | 110 | 80 | 50 | |
| 4 (40–49) | 140 | 120 | 105 | 50 | |
| 5 (50–59) | 160 | 135 | 120 | 50 |
A and AB qualities by agreement.