More Than a Chainsaw…

1. More Than a Chainsaw… A discussion of modern timber harvesting systems. Eric Johnson Program Director, NH Timberland Owners Association For the Sutton Conservation Commission September 5th, 2012

2. In 2011, there were 13 reported* timber harvests in the town of Sutton.Anyone guess the total value of the wood harvested on those jobs?

3. Sutton timber harvesting by the numbers: • Value of forest products harvested: • $480,000+ • - this is only the log/ raw wood price- not the finished product value. • Stumpage value- the money paid to landowners for their wood • $105,000+ • Timber tax revenue- estimated- • $10,500 • This is only for 2011.

4. So how does all this timber harvesting take place? With more than just a chain saw…

5. Three main timber harvesting “systems” used in New Hampshire • “Conventional” harvesting • Whole-Tree Harvesting • Cut-to-Length Harvesting Lets look at each of these in more detail…

6. “Conventional” Harvesting • Felling: Hand felling with chainsaw • De-limbing: by hand, with chainsaw • Moving wood to landing: cable skidder • Merchandizing of wood: by hand, with chainsaw

7. Whole Tree Harvesting • Felling: Feller-Buncher with hot-saw • De-limbing: pull-through or stroke de-limbing- by machine • Moving wood to landing: grapple skidder (often 2 per job) • Merchandizing of wood: log loader and hydraulic saw • Additional – Whole-tree chipper for tops and limbs

8. Feller-Buncher • Based on excavator- but hot-saw replaces digging bucket. Cost- new- $350-400,000 just to replace a chainsaw?

9. Grapple Skidder • Uses large grapple tongs to pick up “bunch” or hitch of wood. Cost: $200,000 new- Air conditioning, heat, satellite radio standard

10. Log loader/de-limber/saw Cost: $220,000 all together Often most experienced crew member or owner- why?

11. Additional: Whole Tree Chipper Cost: $500,000 new- Produces chips for biomass power plants or for making wood pellets or central heating

12. Cut-To-Length Harvesting Pioneered in Scandinavia- two machines, two operators

13. Cut-To- Length Basics: • Felling: Feller-Buncher with harvester head • De-limbing: harvester head- in the woods • Merchandizing of wood: harvester head- in the woods • Moving wood to landing: log forwarder- carrying wood

14. Harvester/Processor Cost: $500,000+ Fells Tree, Measures it, de-limbs it, and cuts logs to length More buttons on machine than any video game…

15. Log Forwarder Cost: $300,000- Basically an “off-road” log truck Carries the logs vs. skidding them on ground

16. So- Which Logging System is the Best? • It Depends! • Size of woodlot • Size and quality of trees • Are there special recreational or wildlife concerns? • Markets, other factors

17. Size of Woodlot • Smaller woodlot typically means less wood to harvest • Smaller area to use for a landing • Smaller woodlot (25 acres or less) • - typically a conventional or Cut-To-Length are best • lower cost to move • need only a small log landing On a larger woodlot, all systems can function well. Other factors help determine which system to use.

18. Log Landing for Whole Tree system

19. Size of Timber • If more than half of timber harvested is 16-18 inches in diameter or larger, then consider a “conventional” system- • A hand cutter can pay attention to higher value stems and maximize log quality • Larger wood is hard on harvester heads and hot-saws • If a majority of the wood is smaller than 16 inches in diameter, or is of low quality (firewood, poorly formed, diseased) then consider either whole-tree or cut-to-length systems- • When wood is of poor quality, one of the mechanized systems is generally a better option because cost per stem is lower with mechanization

20. Feller-Buncher in smaller wood

21. Recreation or Wildlife concerns? • If a large area is going to be cleared for wildlife habitat, recreation, or land-clearing, consider a whole-tree harvesting system • With a whole-tree system, much of the brush and tops left behind by Cut-to-length or conventional harvest systems is removed. • Easier access for people and other machines post-harvest • NOTE: Studies have shown that in whole tree harvesting operations, sometimes 40% or more of the biomass is left on site-so it is not like a vacuum cleaner in the woods…

22. The DISCLAIMER: • You can have either the simplest or the most complex logging system, but if the operator is not skilled or doesn’t care, the results will be disappointing! • Solutions: • Work with a consulting forester • Work with Professional Logger Program trained loggers • Visit a past job and check references • Attend workshops and timber harvest tours sponsored by NHTOA, UNH Cooperative Extension, SPNHF, local land trusts, etc.

23. Additional Information • New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association • www.nhtoa.org 603-224-9699 • -list of certified loggers and licensed foresters • -list of upcoming workshops and events • Legislative updates on forestry related topics • UNH Cooperative Extension • www.nhwoods.org 1-877-398-4769 • - county foresters available for FREE consultation • - listing of upcoming workshops and events

24. Thanks for your time! • Eric Johnson • Program and Membership Director • New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association • 603-224-9699 or 603-344-1130 cell • ejohnson@nhtoa.org