Logging residue sampling methodology for Northeastern Ontario
Abstract
The objective of this study was to develop and test
statistically justifiable methods of estimating logging
residue in cutover areas of northeastern Ontario. Two
sampling designs and ten sample units were chosen and tested
using computer simulation in both finite and infinite sample
frames for six cutovers with merchantable residue. All six
populations showed clustered spatial distributions. Degrees
of clumping were strongly related to residue density rather
than cutover type. Precision of estimating residue volume
was poorer than that of estimating residue density.
Measuring butts only on plots or narrow strips resulted in
poor estimation of residue density because of void sample
units. Measuring partial logs or using transects achieved
higher precision of estimation. A circular transect design
was developed for avoiding biased estimation caused by
residue orientation. The use of circular transects resulted
in better estimates than double or triangular transects.
Systematic sampling using randomly oriented transects is
unbiased but gave no advantage over simple random sampling.
Random sampling with poststratification using circular
transects and simple random sampling measuring partial logs
on narrow strips are two alternatives to single line transect
methods. However, none of the above methods could provide
precise estimates of residue pieces per hectare for cutovers
with low densities of residue. The reliable minimum estimate
method could apply to residue inspection in certain low
density cutovers, but no satisfactory results for cases with
very low density of residue (less than 17 piecesper hectare)
occurred. Alternate methods of assessing stumpage aimed at
eliminating the problem of residue should be investigated.
Collections
- Retrospective theses [1604]