Logging damage using an individual tree selection practice in Appalachian hardwood stands

Abstract

Four West Virginia hardwood stands, managed using individual-tree selection for the past 30 years, were examined after the third and, in one instance, the fourth periodic harvest to determine the severity of logging damage. On existing skid roads, trees were removed with a rubber-tired skidder or a crawler tractor with a rubber-tired arch. Logging damage reduced residual stand basal area by 6%, a total of 6.1 ft² per acre. Damage was concentrated in the saplings--85% of the stems lost to logging damage were less than 5.0 in dbh. An adequate number of undamaged stems in all diameter classes remained after logging to achieve individual-tree selection stand structure goals.

Citation

Lamson, Neil I.; Smith, H. Clay; Miller, Gary W. 1985. Logging damage using an individual tree selection practice in Appalachian hardwood stands. Northern Journal of Applied Forestry. 2(4): 117-120.