Harvesting costs and production rates for seed-tree removal in young-growth, mixed-conifer stands

Abstract

Ponderosa pine seed trees left from a previous cutting on the Challenge Experimental Forest, California, were removed in October 1963. Logging costs and production rates were compared with those for a seed-tree cutting on an area nearby. Production rates for seed-tree removal greatly exceeded those for the operation as a whole. Skidding production increased by 38 percent or 1,247 bd. ft. per hour. Components of this net increase were: using pre-existing skid roads (+9 percent), a larger average log volume (+59 percent), and cost of safeguarding regeneration (-30 percent). The cost of returning to the woods to harvest seed trees may vary considerably. In this study "return" costs decreased skidding production by 4 percent.

Citation

McDonald, P.M. 1969. Harvesting costs and production rates for seed-tree removal in young-growth, mixed-conifer stands. Journal of Forestry. 67(9): 628-630