Fifty years of operational research in forestry

This paper describes operational research (OR) contributions in forestry over the past 50 years, based on scientific pathways along which authors have traveled. We draw our personal experiences and recall how use of OR has evolved from early linear programming Canadian forest products industry 1950s strategic management planning by U.S. Forest Service 1960s. describe widespread many aspects a 50-year timespan (1970–2020) to present day, where climate change biodiversity challenges increased data availability are important. The covers areas forestry, including management, natural disturbance processes, tactical harvesting, transportation, value chain management. Each section includes historical description OR-based key applications as well model method developments Additionally, we discuss perceptions future its importance forestry.