Estimating Cost-effectiveness of Controlling Animal Damage to Conifer Seedlings

A model for determining the benefit-cost ratio of controlling damage by vertebrate pests to conifer seedlings requires knowledge of the amount, distribution, and duration of animal damage, reduction in damage associated with control, costs of control, methodology and value of trees at harvesto Because control costs occurring in the present must be compared with savings recovered decades later in the future, the model incorporates procedures for discounting or adjusting future monetary benefits into present net worth valuations,, The model allows forest managers to evaluate a wide range of damage costs and savings accruing from use of various control techniqueso The model clearly demonstrates that application of controls before damage occurs is more cost-effective than withholding application until it is established that damage will occur.