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.