The effect of tree size on the delivered wood cost in Northern Ontario

Abstract

To determine the effects that tree size has on the delivered wood cost, data was collected from existing literature on: average tree size (m3), average off road transport distance, volume per hectare (m3/ha), logging chance volume (m3) and average long-distance transport of wood in Northern Ontario. These variables were used to create three different modeled scenarios: Current (Extensive) Practices, Natural Regeneration with Thinning and Intensive Plantations. Of the three scenarios the Intensive Plantation had the lowest cost of wood at $39.18/ m3. While the Current (Extensive) scenario was the highest at $49.19/m3. For each a sensitivity analysis was performed on each variable to determine the variable with the most significant impact on the delivered wood cost. Through this it was found that the average long-distance transport distance played the most significant role and was capable of altering the final price by up to $12.04/m3. The average tree size was the second most significant contributing factor and was capable of altering the delivered wood cost by up to $3.82/m3. These results help define the effect intensive silvculture has on tree size and therefore on delivered wood cost.