This study analyzed the suitability of socially acceptable native tree species to reforestation sites in Nueva Vizcaya using GIS to generate a species-site match map and data for the use of planners and managers in implementing reforestation projects in the province. Reforestation managers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Nueva Vizcaya listed the socially acceptable native tree species in a Focus Group Discussion based on desired economic and ecological benefits from reforestation. The researcher determined the suitability of the identified socially acceptable native tree species to the reforestation sites in Nueva Vizcaya by validating the existence of these species within the degraded forestland in the province, gathering spatial data and information on the location and elevation of the observed species using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data receivers, converting GNSS vector data into a geospatial vector data format (shapefile) and overlaying the geospatial data of observation sites to existing land cover, elevation, soil type, slope, and climate type shapefiles from the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) and DENR; and analyzing map overlays using ArcMap 10.5 geoprocessing tools.

The results of this study showed 12 native tree species that are highly suitable for reforestation in the degraded forestland of Nueva Vizcaya, namely binunga, narra, antipolo, binayuyo, mamalis, tibig, Benguet pine, tuai, akleng parang, alibangbang, anabiong, and tangisang bayawak. This study further revealed that 36 combinations of these native tree species can adapt well in the reforestation sites in the province based on land cover, elevation, soil type, slope, and climate suitability. The final output is a GIS database in shapefile format of the suitable sites of the different native tree species combinations that can serve as a guide or reference for reforestation managers in planning and implementing reforestation projects in Nueva Vizcaya.

Thesis (Master of Science in Forestry - Forest Resource Management)

Includes appendices and bibliographical references