Research Article

A Spatial Index for Identifying Opportunity Zones for Woody Cellulosic Conversion Facilities

Table 5

Criteria for four levels of the combined landscape suitability and competition indices.

LevelLandscape suitability criteriaCompetition criteria

High suitabilityForest area ratio greater than 30%; and timberland annual growth-to-removal ratio greater than 1.5; and ecoregions defined as mostly forestland; and slope lower than 30%; and population density less than 39 people/km2Competition index ≤ 4

Moderate suitabilityForest area ratio greater than 10%; and timberland annual growth-to-removal ratio greater than 1; and ecoregions defined suitable for forestland; and slope equal or lower than 30% and population density equal or less than 58 people/km2Competition index ≤ 4

Low suitabilityForest area ratio greater than 10%; and timberland annual growth-to-removal ratio equal or less than 1; and ecoregions defined suitable for forestland or cropland; and slope equal or lower than 30% and population density equal or less than 58 people/km2Competition index ≤ 5

Unsuitable for forestsForest area ratio equal or less than 10%; or timberland annual growth-to-removal ratio less than 0; or ecoregions defined as mostly cropland; or negative farm net income but median family income greater than $49,445 or road density higher than 5 km/km2Competition index ≤ 6