Two methods for producing hardwood logs were studied: semi-length to be bucked at the mill yard and clean logs cut at the stump. For a given tree, equal sawable material can be expected from the two The clean log method offers higher pulpwood recovery and does not leave any waste at the stump. The productivity of the clean log harvesting method was lower due to the fact that it was still a relatively new approach.
The Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC) undertook a project for Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to study the transportation of hog fuel from source to consumption site. In particular, FERIC gathered information from companies engaged in the supply, transportation, or use of hog fuel through direct visits or questionnaires. This report presents the types and costs of the various modes of transportation used—specifically truck, rail, and barge—and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Oriented residue piles and constructed burn piles have different characteristics, including fuel size, composition, and fuel arrangement. The comparative ignition trials conducted in this proof-of-concept study suggest that these characteristics influence the fuel environment, with a higher potential for ignition and sustained burning and greater resultant fire intensity in constructed burn piles. The intent of this proof-of-concept trial was to determine whether logging residue piles that have been oriented for biomass extraction (placed in parallel piles by the processor operator during primary harvesting activities) is a significant fuel hazard that requires further abatement.
Disposal of woody debris and vegetative matter from forest fuel reduction treatments is a challenge and alternatives to conventional methods of pile burning and chipping are being considered. The construction of hugels is proposed as a debris management technique that would configure debris on site in a less flammable state. While flammability of piled debris (hugels) is a key consideration in the viability of this debris disposal method, the cost of the operation must also be considered.
This research design presents the development of test methods and data collection methods that can be applied in evaluating the productivity of a fuel reduction treatment that incorporates construction of hugels as a debris management tool. Comparative productivity trials will evaluate these productivity results in relation to fuel treatments that apply conventional debris disposal methods.