Notes

Outline

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Mountain Pine Beetle Epidemic in BC  (2000, BC Ministry of Forests ) Spread over more than 5.7 million ha More than 41 million m3 (or $3.4 billion value) of trees infested Largest epidemic in BC’s history Lodgepole pine: 50% of the growing stock in the Interior of BC

“Snip & Skid” logging Air crew: locate red-colored trees Ground crew: evaluate trees in the locations Trees baited with an artificial pheromone to attract adult beetles => create small patches less than 1 ha Remove and process them at the mills => create many, long skid trails

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Study objectives Determine the logging costs ($/m3) of Snip and Skid operations . Determine skidding productivity. Quantify time spent for machines moving between patches. Measure skid trail width, stump height, residual stand damage, and soil disturbance.

British Columbia

Study methods Harvesting production data: Detailed time study: DAP MicroFlex PC9800 Shift-level data recorded by machine operators. Moving time (delay): shift-level data form Post-harvest survey Walking through each skid trail and patch Trail width at every 10 m, stump height, residual stand damage, and soil disturbance

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RESULTS

Stump-to-truck logging cost

Stump-to-truck logging cost

Skidding cycle time

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Delay Summary

Snip & Skid logging cost Overall cost: $22.28/m3 including overhead and profit allowance Overall cost of conventional mechanized harvesting in the study area: $ 12.00 - $17.50/m3 Cost increases of 30.3 to 85.7% High cost factors: long skidding distance low volume to remove at each cutting area scattered volume over a large area increased delay for moving machinery higher level of logistical and coordination requirements

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Post-harvesting survey 17 skid trails used => 5,973 m in total Average skid trail width: 4.4 – 6.5 m 3 skid trails wider than 6 m 5 trees damaged per 100 m of skid trails No stump higher than 30 cm Minor soil disturbance

Conclusion Higher cost in the Snip & Skid logging Much time spent for moving Detailed pre-work planning and effective coordination necessary to maximize operation efficiency Satisfied the operational requirements for skid trail width, damage to trees, stump height, and soil disturbance

Harvesting system option

Foreman’s Tasks Locate road and landing areas Check each skid trail location before feller-buncher moves in Organize low-bedding and walking Help transition between day and night shift Help fuel supply Assess each patch for missed and severely damaged trees and organize a plan to cut them