Preparation of a large-scale harvesting trial
2002
Bauernfried, Peter W.
The logging and harvesting technique currently used has not been changed since about 30 years. Still the bulldozers cut their ways excessively through the forest, the fellers cut the trees the simplest way possible regardless whether another tree is affected or not. Since the public awareness and feeling for sound environment has increased over the past years forestry as a whole is required to change its harvesting practices towards RIL (Reduced Impact Logging) methods. To reach this aim the following steps should be incorporated into the present methods. * to-upgrade the subject "Timber harvesting" within the curriculum for forestry graduates and forestry staff. * to introduce training in RIL methods for all foremen, fellers and machine operators involved in timber harvesting. * to plan a more terrain-conform road network i.e. avoiding wide openings, steep cut-ins without water drainage. * to avoid where ever possible deep cuts and openings of skid trails into the top soil. * to integrate wheeled skidders into the harvesting sequence. * to reduce any heavy impact on the residual forest by integrating more advanced equipment and working techniques into the present methods. * to introduce a simple skyline system for air-borne log transport from the felling site to the road. * to apply a more RIL oriented supervision of the entire timber harvesting operations, the laid down guide lines for road construction and logging should be stricter observed and followed at the forest. Based on the present situation any further improvement and development of equipment and working techniques must on one side fully meet the criteria of reduced-impact logging but must also be feasible in terms of productivity. Amended methods or systems are more willingly accepted, if productivity is proven. But it has to be accepeted that RIL operations will be more expensive as the present rather simple systems in use. But this question has to be weighted against the value of a sound, well managed and maintained forest for the future. To achieve RIL oriented timber-harvesting depends first of all on solving the question on who should carry the comparable higher harvesting costs caused by applying RIL rules and maintaining productive forest for the future. The need for solving this question will gain momentum once forest management and timber certification is implemented.
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