The Economic and Environmentally Friendly Tree Felling Techniques in Natural Forest

Abstract

Improper tree felling techniques may reduce productivity and log supply. This leads to an increase in production cost. Timber Utilization Efficiency (TUE) in natural forests has not been optimally implemented, thus leaving residual stands with tremendous damages. This study was carried out in late 2015 in PT Inhutani II, North Kalimantan to investigate the implementation of felling techniques and to analyze felling productivity, TUE, production cost, and residual stands damage. Productivity, felling cost, and TUE data were tabulated and averaged. Results revealed that: (1) tree felling techniques implemented on the site were the reduced impact logging (RIL) technique; (2) the average felling productivity and production cost were 38.308 m3/hour and IDR 13, 935.10/m3, respectively; (3) the average TUE was 92%, with only 8% generated-wastes; and (4) the average destruction of residual stands was 13.54%, which comprised of canopy damage, broken/cracked, stem injury, and leaning.