Residual damage in mixed hardwood stands after mechanized logging

Abstract

Research and data collection on the issues surrounding mechanized harvesting in mixed hardwood stands was gathered within the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest region. The silviculture prescription for the stands studied was single tree selection. Harvesting was done by two different systems; 1) Timbco T-425c feller buncher with motor manual delimbing and one 240 Timberjack cable skidder and 2) harvested by motor manual chainsaw with motor manual delimbing and 225 Timberjack cable skidder. The objective of the study is to assess residual damage as a result of certain harvesting methods, equipment choices and seasonal harvest periods. Issues regarding logging damage done by different types of machinery used on stands with high-value timber needs to be recognized. The results of the study prove to show high significance in promoting careful logging practices that will lower the rate of logging damage on Southern Ontario stands.