Forest managers in western Canada are now treating old forest roads and harvested sites to mitigate environmental concerns. This Compendium has been developed to assist practitioners in western Canada in selecting and implementing restoration measures appropriate to their needs and conditions. Watershed restoration activities, techniques and research trials in western North America are described and contacts for further information are given. Additions to the Compendium will be made on an ongoing basis.
The Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC) undertook a study to investigate the feasibility of using a grapple skidder to complement a loader-forwarding operation in a second-growth cutblock on northern Vancouver Island. This report presents productivity and cost results of the skidding operation, identifies the factors that influence performance of the grapple skidder, and describes the soil disturbance resulting from skidding.
The Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC) undertook a study with TimberWest Forest Corporation Ltd., to investigate the feasilbility of using a rubber-tired grapple skidder to complement a loader-forwarding operation on moderately steep slopes in second-growth forests in coastal British Columbia. This report presents the productivity and cost of the skidding operation, identifies the factors that influence performance of the grapple skidder, and describes the soil disturbance resulting from skidding.
During the fall of 1999, the Forest Engineering Reasearch Institute of Canada (FERIC) performed a short-term study on a Trans-Gesco TG 88 clambunk skidder working near Terrace in northwestern British Columbia. The study provided information about the skidder's productivity and cost. Production functions were derived to predict skidder performance over a range of operating conditions.
The Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC), in cooperation with Winton Global Lumber Ltd. in Prince George, B.C., studied supported and unsupported winter skidding operations with conventional rubber-tired grapple skidders. In supported operations, skidders worked with track skidders and loaders that assisted with loading and decking, respectively. In unsupported operations, skidders worked alone. This report presents the study results, and discusses factors that influenced the productivities and costs of both skidding systems.
FERIC monitored a trial of the Trans-Gesco TG88C and Tigercat 635 grapple skidders operations working in central Alberta. Harvesting was done in the summer on cutblocks designed to minimize road construction. Skidding distances were up to 1500 m. The productivity and cost of the skidding operation are presented, and the two machines are compared.
During the summer of 1997/98 and 1998/99, Weldwood of Canada Limited Hinton Division conducted partial cutting trials in riparian forests adjacent to the McLoed River near Hinton, Alberta. FERIC monitored the harvesting operations to determine harvesting productivities and costs, and to assess the operational suitability of using mechanized harvesting systems for partial cutting in riparian areas. Ways to improve productivity and decrease residual stand damage are suggested.
During the fall of 1997, FERIC performed a short-term study of an Owren 400 hydrostatic yarder working near New Hazelton in northwestern B.C. The study provided information about the yarder's productivity and cost. Production functions were derived to predict system performance over a range of operating conditions.
During the summer of 1999, the Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC) studied a roadside harvesting operation in a hardwood-dominated mixedwood stand in central Alberta. This report presents productivity and cost information on equipment used to harvest the study block.
