Application of the Logical Framework Analysis for planning and evaluation of oak decline’s forest management plan

Vast areas of Zagros forests of Iran have been affected by oak decline in the last decade. Due to the rapid outbreak caused by charcoal disease and its destructive consequences on the natural ecosystems, it is essential to develop forest management plans that address innovative and appropriate practices and control techniques. This study used logical framework analysis (LFA) to assess oak decline in Ilam province and thereby determined the most related criteria for planning and control in forest management plans. Following LFA procedure, the surrounding circumstances were analyzed to recognize the problems and consequently develop the problem tree. Corresponding factors of oak decline were evaluated by pairwise comparisons using the analytic hierarchy process, which resulted in objective tree and planning matrix. The planning matrix consisted of goals and objectives at strategic and operational levels of planning as well as activities and indicators. Results showed that external factors including climate change and soil weakness, and internal factors like aging of trees, inconsistency with climate change and lack of regeneration are the most importance factors for oak decline in Ilam forests. We suggested that management should pay particular attention and attempt to cope with internal factors. The outcome of this study could be used as a guide to develop planning and control matrix in forest management plans.