Resources to improve the efficiencies of forest operations

Abstract

As we increase the pace and scale of forest restoration, scientists and managers are leveraging a constellation of powerful new GIS and remote sensing technologies to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of forest operations. Two situations are particularly challenging and in need of innovative solutions. Compared to traditional timber sales, it is difficult to predict the location, volume, and delivered costs of the log and biomass supply flowing from fuel treatment and timber salvage operations across large landscapes. In fuel treatment and timber salvage operations, it is also difficult to integrate the capabilities of new logging systems into forest planning, especially when it comes to new equipment designed for steep slope operations. In both cases, defaulting to traditional techniques for supply chain management and harvest planning can result in sub-optimal outcomes that have greater uncertainty and higher costs.

Citation

Anderson, Nathaniel (Nate); Hogland, John. 2022. Resources to improve the efficiencies of forest operations. Science You Can Use (in 5 Minutes), March 2022. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2 p.