Description

ANNOTATION: Data from numerous published studies were combined to estimate the costs of harvesting small trees in natural stands in the Interior Northwest of North America. This article discusses cost estimates for harvesting small trees in natural stands in the Interior Northwest of North America. The cost relationships for six harvesting systems were modeled. Specifically there were four harvesting methods for gentle terrain discussed (manual log-length, manual whole tree, mechanized whole-tree, mechanized cut-to-length systems) and two harvesting methods for steeper terrain (manual log-length, mechanized cut-to-length systems). ABSTRACT: Realistic logging cost models are needed for long-term forest management planning. Data from numerous published studies were combined to estimate the costs of harvesting small trees in natural stands in the Interior Northwest of North America. Six harvesting systems were modeled. Four address gentle terrain: manual log-length, manual whole-tree, mechanized whole-tree, and mechanized cut-to-length systems. Two cable systems were included for steeper terrain: manual log-length and mechanized cut-to-length systems. A stand-alone program incorporating all the relationships is available.