Inventory of Wood Residues in Southern West Virginia

Abstract

Abstract Logging residues were inventoried in a 14-county region of southern West Virginia during the summer of 2002. A total of 70 sites that were harvested in 2000–2001 were sampled. The average overall weight of wood residue left after harvest in the region was 10.4 tons per acre (T/ac). Oak (Quercus spp.) was the most prevalent species group by weight, averaging 5.0 T/ac over the study area. Miscellaneous hardwoods, yellow-poplar, and maple species (Acer spp.) followed the oaks with 2.7, 1.2, and 1.2 T/ac, respectively. The average large-end and small-end diameter of the pieces measured on intensive lines was 9.2 and 4.9 in., respectively. The average length of all logging residue was 20.4 ft. Wood residue loads after timber harvesting in West Virginia continue to be substantial. Although yellow-poplar and other soft hardwood residues alone do not provide an adequate fiber resource to supply new engineered wood products facilities, these residues can supplement current needs. Attention should be given toward increasing the use of these residues in West Virginia, especially in attracting industry that can use oak and mixed hardwood logging residues in a sustainable fashion.