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.
Level
Landscape suitability criteria
Competition criteria
High suitability
Forest 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/km2
Competition index ≤ 4
Moderate suitability
Forest 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/km2
Competition index ≤ 4
Low suitability
Forest 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/km2
Competition index ≤ 5
Unsuitable for forests
Forest 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/km2