Full Project Title: Forest Operations Research

Project Identification Number: WIU8

The ability of state, federal, and private land managers to accomplish forest management goals relies heavily on the skills and capacity of the logging industry. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine if the current workforce and regionally available equipment/systems align with the potential work. This project funds several studies on the wood supply chain. The team is also exploring value-added lignin byproducts, which could represent new markets and other opportunities.  

In the South, the wood supply chain is under stress due to factors such as workforce trends and rising costs. The research team is evaluating the cost of timber transportation. Timber is mostly moved by semi-trailer trucks, but alternative technologies are included in the analysis. From their research, the team will develop a timber transportation cost estimation tool that can be used by forest industry, land managers, and log truck owners, with resources for people who are in interested in adopting new fuel saving technologies,  

In California, the team is quantifying the number of crews in the California logging industry and noting their characteristics, with a goal of improving understanding of their challenges and business outlook.  

This project was funded ​​through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Provision 40804(b)(3).