Ecological capability evaluation of forest for protection and conservation planning (Gorazbon forest, Kheyroud)

In this study, for evaluation of ecological capability in the study area, the maps of slope, aspect, elevation, soil type, vegetation type and forest density were provided. At the first step, land unit maps, basic environmental unit map, and the final environmental unit map were created respectively. Special model of protection regarding to general forestry model of Makhdoum was obtained with overlaying of wildlife map on basic environmental unit map and ecological capability of environmental units were created. Finally, the obtained environmental unit data was compared with special model of protection and ecological zoning of the area in order to protection planning was done, and priority of operations were determined based on zoning map. The results showed that 436 hectares of the entire region (989 ha) have the first conservation potential and priority. In addition, 281 hectares have the potential for the first protection class. 272 hectares of the 436 hectares, which were determined as the conservation zone, had the potential for conservation planning and were proper for operating the plans.