A stump-to-mill timber production cost-estimating program for cable logging eastern hardwoods

Abstract

ECOST utilizes data from stand inventory, cruise data, and the logging plan for the tract in question. The program produces detailed stump-to-mill cost estimates for specific proposed timber sales. These estimates are then utilized, in combination with specific landowner objectives, to assess the economic feasibility of cable logging a given area. The program output is summarized in tabular format by harvesting component, and the input parameters are also echoed in a summary table. The manager, logger, or planner can use the estimates in their cable logging planning efforts. The ECOST program also provides comparison of alternative harvesting machines; equipment selection; timber stand prescription planning; and, linked with a suitable growth model, optimization of silvicultural investment analysis and break-even analysis.

Citation

LeDoux, Chris B. 1987. A stump-to-mill timber production cost-estimating program for cable logging eastern hardwoods. The Compiler 5(4):33-34