Assessing the Economic Viability of Loggers Operating Tree-Length Harvest Systems in the Northeast

Factors impacting logging costs: A case study in the Northeast, US

“…Although not significant in the unit cost regression model, harvest area, number of days on the job, hours spent on BMPs and total access system distance were all significantly related to total logging costs and influential to overall profitability. In fact, Regula et al (2018) reported that total harvest site acreage, harvested volume per acre, and hours spent implementing BMPs were all found to be statistically signifi- For personal use only.…”

“…Although not a predictive variable in our model, slope can play a determinant role in logging costs when equipment must operate on steep slopes. In the Northeast, skidding is still the predominant method for extracting timber due to simplicity, species, and small parcel sizes (Erickson et al 1991;Regula et al 2018). Rubber-tired skidders are most effective for removing timber from moderately steep sites due to their flexibility, cost advantages, modest skill requirement, and reduced weather sensitivity.…”

“…We identified the number of hours implementing BMPs as significantly related to total logging costs. Regula et al (2018) reported that hours implementing BMPs was a significant factor in predicting profitability on individual logging jobs. It should be noted that field work for this study was conducted during an official drought.…”

“…The access system, including forest roads, skid trails, and landings, can have a profound impact on logging costs. However, there are few studies based in the Northeast US that isolate the relationship between access systems and logging costs (Kelly et al 2017;Regula et al 2018). Studies based in other regions of the US have documented a direct relationship between skid trails and logging costs (Greulich 2003;Contreras et al 2016).…”

“…Understanding the impact of these variables on logging costs is critical to the future viabil-ity of loggers in this region, and beyond. A recent study by Regula et al (2018) suggests that logger viability appears under threat as less than half of loggers examined were profitable on individual timber sales.…”