SNR 534: Reduced Impact Timber Harvesting (1 credit)
Instructor: Loren Kellogg
Timeframe: Four 2-hour sessions and one 4-hour lab during week 7 of the Certificate Program

Course Description

With a global projection of an increasing population and higher world wood consumption. Along with a shrinking natural forest resource base, the harmony between sustainable forest production and a healthy environment is crucial. Environmentally, socially, and economically sound timber harvesting is a fundamental requirement of sustainable forestry. One means to maintain and advance sustainable forest management is through reduced impact timber harvesting – an approach that involves appropriate planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating forest harvesting. Participants will learn about these activities using reading, personal experiences, field observations and demonstration, and class discussions.

Desired Learning Outcomes

• Ability to characterize reduced impact timber harvesting with regards to benefits and limitations in managing forest resources
• Ability to describe the wood supply chain and identify ways to enhance value
• Ability to describe the timber harvesting process and explain interactions between timber harvesting, roads and transport systems
• Ability to describe timber harvest planning objectives, different levels of plans, and the planning process related to sustainable forest resource management practices.
• Ability to recognize a range of appropriate harvesting technology matched with the characteristics of the physical, environmental, economic, and social operating environments
• Ability to recognize a range of appropriate mitigating measures to reduce timber harvesting impacts.

Lecture Topics

• Setting the stage: What is reduced impact timber harvesting and why is it important? What is the broader context of the timber harvesting process with regards to linkages with roads and transportation systems? How does timber harvesting connect with other steps in the supply chain from stand establishment to timber and non-timber product utilization.
• The tools: An overview of timber harvesting technology and road management practices for a range of operating environments. An overview of techniques for reducing impacts from different harvesting technology including designated skid trail systems, directional timber felling, and skyline corridor layout.
• Planning: The importance of different levels of harvest planning to achieve sustainable resource management objectives, and a framework for completing timber harvest plans.
• Demonstrations: Field trip to representative timber harvesting operations that highlight appropriate levels of planning, reduced impact timber harvesting methods, implementation and monitoring approaches.
• Resources: Further resources, education and training Certificate Programs available for developing proficiency in forest operations management.