Impact of Timber Logging on Neighbouring Stands in a Forest of the South Western Cameroon

Abstract

During conventional logging operations, there is always some damage to nearby stands. This study therefore assessed the damage caused after logging operations to surrounding stands in a Forest Management Unit (FMU) in south western Cameroon after logging operations. The damages assessed were snapped branches/trunks and uprooted trees. A total of 304 trees with a diameter ≥ 30 cm were cut and a total of 770 neighbouring harvestable and future trees were affected. It was observed that 375 of the neighbouring stand had their trunks snapped, 312 had their branches snapped, and 15 were uprooted. It was noted that 80% of the trees affected were those with diameters between 30 - 50 cm, which were called future trees for the next harvest, while the least damage was on protected/seed trees. Lophira alata caused the highest stand damage due to its abundance and large size, while Distemonanthus benthamianus caused the least domino damage. Damage to future trees negatively affects future concession holders as these trees are supposed to mature before the next harvest, hence the yield will be greatly reduced. Sustainable timber exploitation will greatly reduce residual damage as care will be taken to ensure falling timber causes less damage to the surrounding stand.