Harvest Planning Research Articles

Attitudinal and revenue effects on non-industrial private forest owners' willingness-to-harvest timber and woody biomass

In the U.S., prospects for greater use of woody biomass as a source of renewable energy are largely contingent on supply from privately-owned forestlands. This study surveyed non-industrial private forest (NIPF) owners in the states of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin to elicit their willingness-to-harvest (WTH) timber and woody biomass. Results consistently showed that higher revenues, associated with higher prices, and attitudes supporting harvesting of woody biomass were associated with greater WTH levels. Intentions of not conducting a commercial harvest in the future were a strong predictor of WTH. Average effects differed by state. Else constant, Minnesota respondents reported higher WTH and showed greater responsiveness to timber and biomass revenue changes compared to their counterparts in Michigan and Wisconsin. Absentee ownerships, different opinions regarding environmental impacts of biomass harvesting, divergent ownership objectives, past harvest experiences and future harvest plans, and environmental organization membership helped explain different WTH levels across states. Marginal probability analyses suggest revenues from woody biomass, as compared to timber, had much lesser influence on potential supply of woody biomass from NIPFs. Differences in WTH estimates between states suggest that strategies to increase availability of woody biomass should be crafted to each state's conditions and emphasize alternatives to increase timber revenues.

A dynamic decision model for the optimal use of forest biomass for energy production

The use of forest biomass for energy production requires a careful attention to the sustainable silvicultural practices. This is a complex task because of the different environmental and economic issues to be taken into account. To this aim, suitable tools must be used as regards the representation of the dynamics of forest biomass and the economic assessment. In this paper, a user-friendly optimization-based decision support system (DSS) that can help decision makers in the optimal management of forest biomass use for energy production is presented. Attention is focused on the forest system in order to take into account sustainable silvicultural practices and on the minimization of costs for the collection plans over years. Specifically, a non linear optimization model (that includes forest growth models) is formalized, aiming at determining, over a certain period, the optimal exploitation policy of forest biomass through a single plant whose location and size are assumed known, in order to minimize costs and to respect silvicultural constraints. The decision model is solved through a receding horizon approach and is applied to the case study of Val Bormida (Savona Province, Italy). Different tests and sensitivity analysis have been performed to validate the model and the approach. From an application point of view, observing the obtained results, it is evident that results are strongly influenced by the old average age of the vegetation in the specific case study. However, depending on the species, different trends for the results of annual mean increment and harvesting plans are observed.

ANÁLISE TÉCNICA E DE CUSTO DO <i>FELLER BUNCHER</i> E <i>SKIDDER</i> NA COLHEITA DE MADEIRA EM DIFERENTES PRODUTIVIDADES DO POVOAMENTO

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1980509820659Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo realizar uma análise técnica e de custos dostratores florestaisfeller bunchereskidderna colheita de madeira dePinus taedaL. em diferentes produtividades do povoamento. O estudo foi conduzido em uma empresa florestal localizada na região Norte de Santa Catarina, Brasil. As análises foram realizadas por meio do estudo de tempos e movimentos, nos quais as operações de corte e extração foram subdividas em fases do ciclo de trabalho, determinando-se produtividade, eficiência operacional, consumo específico médio de energia e custos operacionais e de produção das máquinas em diferentes produtividades médias do povoamento (PMP): I (403,0 m3 ha-1); II (550,0 m3 ha-1) e III (670,0 m3 ha-1). Os resultados indicaram que o ciclo operacional doskidderfoi afetado pelas manobras adicionais nas operações de carga e descarga, ocasionado pelo baixo volume dos feixes de madeira sobre o terreno. O maior rendimento volumétrico do povoamento influenciou a produtividade e o custo de produção dofeller bunchereskidder, comprovando a importância dessa variável no planejamento das operações de colheita de madeira.

An optimization model to solve skidding problem in steep slope terrain

Abstract Designing an optimal off-road transportation network to allow access of logging systems to harvest sites is an important task in operational harvest planning. To address this issue, we have designed two variants of the capacitated network flow problem based on an integer programming (IP) approach with two sets of inter-dependent decisions. One set of decisions involves finding a feasible k -tree path network through segment linkages (routing flow) at a minimum variable cost, while another attends to the schedule of an even wood flow to the landing location(s) (transporting flow), within the scope of operational planning horizon. The mathematical models are then linked to a heuristic algorithm to identify the landing locations at the parcel level. The models were applied to a 680 ha area in the highlands of the Hyrcanian forests, in the north of Iran. The new formulation solved the problems using binary decision variables to represent transport of saw-logs from timber entry nodes to destination(s) by use of a ground-based machine skidder system. Then, the model uses continuous decision variables to represent transport of wood fuel to the same destination(s) by use of an animal skidding system. The results showed that the skidding costs and the length of the designed skid-trails were different based on the skidding systems and the types of products desired. Even though the models could generate an optimal solution, both of them could not address the real isolated timber node problem, where there is no accessible pathway for a skidding operation. As a promising point, the second model (splittable, animal systems) could partially solve the temporarily isolated timber nodes problem, where the timber nodes were not accessible by ground-based machine skidder systems.

The value of integrated tactical planning optimization in the lumber supply chain

This study investigates the integrated annual planning of harvesting, procurement, production, distribution, and sale activities in the lumber supply chain. The problem is formulated as a mixed integer programming (MIP) model in which the binary variables correspond to the harvesting schedule over the planning horizon. The proposed model is applied on a real-size case study, which leads to a large-scale MIP model that cannot be solved by commercial solvers in a reasonable time. Consequently, we propose a heuristic algorithm which iteratively updates the search step-size of the sub-gradient method in the Lagrangian Relaxation algorithm through obtaining a new lower-bound on the objective function value based on the most recent upper-bound. While improving significantly the convergence rate, this heuristic also guarantees the feasibility of the converged solution. Furthermore, in order to measure the value of integration, we compare the integrated model with the decoupled planning models currently implemented in the lumber industry. It is observed that, depending on the number of decoupled models, 11%–84% profit improvement can be achieved by considering an integrated model. Finally, the advantage of the proposed heuristic algorithm in finding high quality plans in 51%–77% less CPU time comparing to a commercial solver and the classical Lagrangian Relaxation algorithm is demonstrated through a set of real-size test instances.

Linear optimization of forest management for dynamic recursive model

Our study presents development of a forest management model based on LP which can be easily integrated into a large-scale dynamic recursive model and contain the instruments providing future consideration for harvesting plans under recursive limitations. We introduce a general structure and simulation algorithm of the model. The forest management algorithm was tested applying historical data of Ukrainian forests. Obtained modeling results demonstrate a correct age class transition. They prove as well adequacy of utilizing benefit losses and delay costs as regulative mechanisms for temporal allocation of forest harvesting. As far as statistic data concerning age structure of Ukrainian forests are not publicly available, FesT was validated by comparing projected forest age structure with results of Global Forest Model (G4M).The comparison shows that the projections of both models are fairly close to each other. The divergence between the results can be explained by difference in forest management modelling approach.

CORRELAÇÃO ENTRE VOLUMETRIA DE FLORESTAS DE EUCALIPTO E PRODUTIVIDADE E CUSTOS DE MÁQUINAS DE COLHEITA DE MADEIRA1

RESUMO A mecanização das atividades de colheita florestal tornou-se imperiosa para a sua sustentabilidade, buscando ganhos de produtividade e redução de custos operacionais. Como a produtividade e o custo operacional das máquinas florestais podem ser influenciados pela volumetria das florestas (m3/ha), o conhecimento dessa correlação vem a ser importante ferramenta de trabalho no planejamento da colheita. Este estudo foi desenvolvido em áreas de colheita de eucalipto no Estado de Minas Gerais, e seu principal objetivo foi analisar técnica e economicamente as atividades de colheita florestal mecanizada, bem como sua correlação com a volumetria das florestas. Para isso, foram aplicadas técnicas estatísticas de regressão linear e análise de correlação entre a variável volumetria das florestas e produtividade e custos operacionais das máquinas de colheita. Os resultados indicaram haver forte correlação entre a volumetria das florestas e a produtividade das máquinas, bem assim com os custos operacionais, demonstrando maiores produtividades das máquinas e menores custos de colheita com o incremento da volumetria das florestas. O feller buncher apresentou maior correlação, seguido das máquinas de extração (skidder e clambunck skidder) e da garra traçadora, sendo esta, provavelmente, mais sensível a outros fatores operacionais. A volumetria das florestas deve ser levada em consideração quando da indicação e dimensionamento das máquinas no momento da colheita, bem como no planejamento das atividades, de forma a aumentar a produtividade das atividades e contribuir para a redução dos custos operacionais.

GIS based quantitative morphometric analysis and its consequences: a case study from Shanur River Basin, Maharashtra India

A morphometric analysis of Shanur basin has been carried out using geoprocessing techniques in GIS. These techniques are found relevant for the extraction of river basin and its drainage networks. The extracted drainage network was classified according to Strahler’s system of classification and it reveals that the terrain exhibits dendritic to sub-dendritic drainage pattern. Hence, from the study, it is concluded that remote sensing data (SRTM–DEM data of 30 m resolution) coupled with geoprocessing techniques prove to be a competent tool used in morphometric analysis and evaluation of linear, slope, areal and relief aspects of morphometric parameters. The combined outcomes have established the topographical and even recent developmental situations in basin. It will also change the setup of the region. It therefore needs to analyze high level parameters of drainage and environment for suitable planning and management of water resource developmental plan and land resource development plan. The Shanur drainage basin is sprawled over an area of 281.33 km2. The slope of the basin varies from 1 to 10 %, and the slope variation is chiefly controlled by the local geology and erosion cycles. The main stream length ratio of the basin is 14.92 indicating that the study area is elongated with moderate relief and steep slopes. The morphometric parameters of the stream have been analyzed and calculated by applying standard methods and techniques viz. Horton (Trans Am Geophys Union 13:350–361, 1945), Miller (A quantitative geomorphologic study of drainage basin characteristics in the clinch mountain area, Virginia and Tennessee Columbia University, Department of Geology, Technical Report, No. 3, Contract N6 ONR 271–300, 1953), and Strahler (Handbook of applied hydrology, McGraw Hill Book Company, New York, 1964). GIS based on analysis of all morphometric parameters and the erosional development of the area by the streams has been progressed well beyond maturity and lithology is an influence in the drainage development. These studies are very useful for planning of rainwater harvesting and watershed management.

Considering the soil compaction status on logging areas in a Hyrcanian forest

This paper deals with the issue of soil compaction during timber harvesting operations on cutting areas. Soil compaction was assessed following the logging operation in Darabkola forest area by measuring soil bulk density. In this research, a completely random sampling method was used to assess the resulting changes in soil bulk density. Soil bulk density was measured using bulk density sampler on felling, bucking, delimbing and control areas. The results showed that the bulk density value in the top soil layer increased with increasing tree volume and was not dependent on the terrain slope on the felling area. Also, there was a significant relationship between the bulk density value of felling area and tree volume. Further analysis showed that there was no significant relationship between bulk density values on felling, bucking, delimbing and control areas. It was shown that careful harvesting planning, restriction, skidding and directional felling limited the soil compaction and helped the soil conservation.

Spatial Forest Harvest Scheduling for Areas Involving Carbon and Timber Management Goals

Forest carbon sequestration has become an important ecological service for human society. Given the widespread attention paid to global climate change over the last few decades, a potential need has arisen to develop forest management plans that integrate carbon management and other spatial and non-spatial goals. The objective of this research was to develop a spatial forest planning process by which one could assess either a carbon stocks objective, a timber production objective, or a spatial objective related to the arrangement of forest management activities. This process was used to evaluate the maximization of (1) volume scheduled for harvest; (2) carbon stocks; and (3) spatial aggregation of the management activities through a utility function where all are equally weighted objectives. The process was employed for the development of 30-year plans for a forested landscape in northeast China that was approximately 120,000 ha in size. In addition, the sensitivity of the results with respect to four initial forest age structures was tested. Constraints mainly included those related to the need for an even flow of scheduled harvest volume and to the need to adhere to a maximum harvest opening size. The proposed scheduling process employed a simulated annealing algorithm to schedule harvests in an attempt to produce a high value of the utility function. Results showed that carbon stocks in the case study forests could significantly increase in the next 30 years under the proposed harvesting plans. Of the case study forest landscapes, the values of both the utility function and the computing time required were significantly different between different initial forest age structures (p < 0.05), i.e., the older forest landscape obtained the highest average solution value (0.6594 ± 0.0013) with the fastest processing speed (2.45 min per solution). For a fixed harvest level, the average carbon density (tons per hectare) at the end of planning horizon also increased by 4.48 ± 9.61 t/ha, 8.73 ± 10.85 t/ha, 2.99 ± 9.19 t/ha and 1.03 ± 9.77 t/ha when maximizing the total utility functions for the actual, young, normal and older forests, respectively, when compared those at their initial conditions. This heuristic spatial forest planning process can allow forest managers to examine a number of different management activities, for both timber production and carbon stocks, prior to selecting a preferred alternative.

Using mixed integer multi-objective goal programming for stand tending block designation: A case study from Turkey

Sustainable forest management is a key to maintaining the economic, social, environmental and cultural benefits and services of forests for the long term. In Turkey, all forestry activities, such as regeneration and stand tending, are carried out according to forest management plans, which are used as a tool for achieving sustainable forest management goals. An intermediate yield harvest plan, which is a part of management plan, is used for stand tending. Every year, the compartments (stands) within the same stand tending block are thinned. Decision support systems have not been used so far in order to designate the size and location of these stand tending blocks. In this study, we used multi-objective goal programming to designate stand tending blocks for an entire decade. We developed two models: a linear goal programming model and a nonlinear goal programming model. To design these models, we only considered wood flow and distance between the centroids of compartments as the objectives. Then, we used a working circle of the Golcuk forest sub-district, which is a planning unit in Turkey, as a case study. The linear model worked very well, and for reference scenarios, the deviation in volume scheduled for the entire decade was only 16.8m3 and the deviation in total distance between compartments was 172km. Scenario 3, with weights of 0.2 for distance and 0.8 for volume, produced the best results. The nonlinear model, which in theory would better represent the problem, was not as useful due to a combination of the time required to produce a solution and the quality of the solutions. The linear model can be developed by including other factors and used by forest planners.

The Applications of Operations Research in Harvest Planning: A Case Study of the Sugarcane Industry in Thailand

The Applications of Operations Research in Harvest Planning: A Case Study of the Sugarcane Industry in Thailand

A Forest Planning Approach with Respect to the Creation of Overmature Reserved Areas in Managed Forests

Forest harvest planning to maximize economic benefits also has to consider additional criteria such as the biodiversity functioning of the managed forest. The biodiversity requirements are determined by the size, shape, and distribution of harvest units and forest stands. A multiple criteria approach is presented where the harvesting volume is maximized while the environmental aspects are also considered. Multiple criteria programming and integer programming techniques are used to find an optimal program of forest harvesting with respect to both economic and environmental requirements. The practicality of the model is shown in a case study for one particular forest management unit. Different optimal solutions are calculated depending on changes made to the criteria weights. This model includes strict spatial constraints, multiple objective functions with three objectives, and alternative solutions according to the real manager’s priority. The results show that the spatial pattern and other spatial demands affect the harvest possibilities. It was confirmed that a compromise solution from both forest management and nature conservation could be achieved using the presented harvest scheduling approach.

When do I want to know and why? Different demands on sugarcane yield predictions

The production planning processes of sugarcane mills require quantitative information to support decisions on sugarcane yield and the effects of decisions made during planning. An exploratory study was conducted at a sugarcane mill with the goals of identifying the main decisions influenced by the prospects of future yield and of evaluating the manner in which those forecasts affect planning. Key decisions and their characteristics were identified based on a series of interviews and activity monitoring. These decisions are presented and discussed in relation to various solutions proposed by the scientific community for planning, as well as within the concept of Advanced Planning Systems. The yield forecasts used to inform budgeting and harvesting plans are of critical importance because actions taken based on those forecasts affect the entire value chain, highlighting the need for a decision-making framework that assess the effects of decisions on subsequent processes. Advanced Planning Systems design to the sugar value chain should incorporate the use of yield forecasts for production and must address the uncertainties throughout the entire system. These improvements can enhance the performances of Advanced Planning Systems by producing an integrated planning approach that is based on a comprehensive assessment of the sugar value chain.

Decision Support Systems (DSS) Optimal—A Case Study from the Czech Republic

Forest managers have traditionally planned harvests using their expert knowledge. This applies mainly to the spatial distribution of harvest units. The amount of timber to be harvested is regulated by market demand. In addition to forest managers’ expert knowledge, there is a set of rules, which can be automatized. Computerized harvest planning will lead not only to saving time of forest managers, but it will also enable them to explore various scenarios in a matter of minutes. We introduce Optimal—GIS tool for spatial and temporal decisions of harvest scheduling. Optimal allows creating new harvest units, which reflects the forestry act and/or forest managers’ requirements. Optimal includes necessary tools for automatic controlling of harvest unit parameters. It allows alternative harvest scheduling, while taking into account different constraints. Optimal is a decision Support System designed and applied for clear-cut and shelterwood silvicultural systems with respect to the environmental and economic constraints.

DTM models to enhance planning of timber harvesting

This paper studies the applicability of DTM with the resolution of 4 ? 4 m for the analysis of macro-topographic factors (terrain slope, aspect, terrain ruggedness index) and one part of micro-topographic factors (occasional and constant streams) as features important for vehicle mobility during timber skidding. The analysis of directions of timber extraction in relation to the spatial position of primary forest traffic infrastructure of the study area was conducted in order to determine from which forest areas timber will be extracted up or down the slope (moving of loaded vehicle). Determination of water bodies (streams) and the surrounding sensitive areas was carried out using GIS tool TauDEM. Unevenness of the terrain was determined based on the Terrain Ruggedness Index (TRI) which showed moderately to very rugged terrain on 60.1% of the research area where vehicle mobility could be difficult (if not impossible) i.e. the necessity of a secondary forest road network is clear. DTM analysis of study area regarding vehicle (skidder) mobility and possible planning of timber extraction indicated different availability and quality of data. Digital terrain models present a good basis for the analysis of key constraints for forestry vehicles mobility or terrain trafficability (slope and direction of timber extraction). Using DTM of higher resolution (e.g. LiDAR images), will increase the accuracy of the results and the quality of the analysis.

Carbon calculator tracks the climate benefits of managed private forests

As part of California's strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, private forest landowners are now required to address carbon sequestration as a management goal when submitting timber harvest plans. Using public data on forests and forest products, we developed a calculator that tracks the carbon sequestration benefits related to live trees, wood used for bioenergy and wood going into products. The calculator is adapted for different forest types, forest management techniques and time frames. Based on current best practices used in California, we estimate that harvested and regenerated forests will provide approximately 30% more total carbon sequestration benefits than forests left to grow for an equal time. More than half of the total benefits relate to harvested wood substituting for fossil fuels and fossil fuel–intensive materials such as cement and steel. With relatively efficient management practices, harvesting a ton of wood provides more sequestration benefits than leaving that ton growing in the forest.

Cooperative, cross-boundary management facilitates large-scale ecosystem restoration efforts

In California and across the United States, landscape restoration projects often require cross-boundary cooperation, though successful examples are rare and not well understood. This case study describes the Burney Gardens timber harvesting plan, a cooperative, cross-boundary meadow restoration project undertaken by private corporate forest landowners in Northern California as part of a larger collaborative restoration effort. The project is notable because it (1) received institutional support — both financial and political — from federal, regional and local sources and (2) engaged a diverse group of stakeholders in pre-project planning with multiple agency partners. This approach enabled the project plan to pass through the rigorous California regulatory system in an unusually rapid fashion despite its complexity. The collaborative model of the Burney Gardens project is relevant to other restoration efforts, particularly as diverse ownerships across the West implement large-scale projects that cross property boundaries, including those of federal and private lands.

Effects of Catastrophic Insect Outbreaks on the Harvesting Solutions of Dahurian Larch Plantations

Optimal harvesting under pest outbreak risk was studied on a set of even-aged Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii) stands in northeastern Inner Mongolia, China. The effects of catastrophic pest outbreaks caused by the Siberian moth (Dendrolimus sibiricus) on the economic harvesting plan are compared through both deterministic and stochastic cases. Stand simulation is based on an individual-tree growth system. A scenario approach is applied when simulating the effects of catastrophic pest outbreaks. Insect damage is assumed to be a Poisson process with an average rate of 0.1 per year. One hundred scenarios of insect damage are created using the Poisson process to simulate the distribution of bare land value of each of the optimal regimes. Numerical results show that the optimal rotation is shortened with an increasing probability of a catastrophe. The average bare land values in the stochastic case are approximately 14.8% to 22.9% lower. Numbers of thinnings are decreased for most plots when seeking a highest bare land value, compared to the deterministic optima. If given a constant thinning rate, increasing risk-taking shortens the optimum rotation, as the model set used.

A AGRICULTURA FAMILIAR NO CENÁRIO DA PRODUÇÃO DE FLORESTAS ENERGÉTICAS

The aim of this study is to analyze the production of energetic forests of eucalyptus as an alternative economic in family farming region of Espumoso – RS, using resources from Harvest Plan 2012/2013. The methodology used for market research, survey implementation and maintenance cost and price was the application of open questions via phone, email and on-site for professionals, institutions and companies in the forest sector in the region. For the analysis of the economic viability of the energy market in the region has created a scenario of 1 hectare to produce wood for energy cut at 5 years of age, sale of forest standing, price and average increase of respectively R$ 50.00m³ and 250m³/ ha/year. The average costs of deployment and maintenance are R$ 2,905.50 and economic evaluation of the scenario was calculated using the NPV, IRR and B/C. The scenario was considered viable, with positive NPV, IRR greater than the minimum rate of attractiveness and B/C greater than 1. With this study we can conclude that investment in deployment of eucalyptus plantations in the region of Espumoso is a great option to increase the financial return provided by rural activity.