Work Studies in Skyline Thinning Operations L O R E N K E L L O G G P R O F E S S O R O F F O R E S T E N G I N E E R I N G O R E G O N S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y Action COST FP902 International Scientific Workshop
Linking Lectures 1 2-3 1. Planning Work Studies 2. Successful Uptake of Research Results 3. Lessons Learned from Skyline Thinning Research & Development in Oregon, USA
Oregon: A Diversity of Landscapes
Oregon Legacy Old Growth Forests High Quality Wood Tourism/Recreation
25 Year Timber Harvest Trend in Oregon 1000's of Cubic Meters 1 50,000 45,000 40,000 35,000 30,000 Industry Other Private Native American State BLM USFS Other Public Total 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 1 5000 cubic meters/million board feet (Scribner Scale) 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 Years 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Oregon Forests Today A Diversity of Forest Types, Ages and Owners
Presentation Topics 1. Objectives of Forest Operations Research and Work Studies 2. Work Study Planning and Implementation 3. Skyline Research and Technology Development 4. Research Uptake 5. Summary and Conclusions
Topic 1: Objectives of Forest Operations Research and Work Studies #1. Productivity and Costs of Equipment and Systems (1) Aid forest resource managers in making informed decisions about changes
What are some changes in Forestry? Silvicultural Systems
Changes in Forestry Forest Restoration, Fire Resilient Stands and Biomass Utilization
Changes in Forestry Stream Riparian Area Management and Regulations
Objectives of Forest Operations Research and Work Studies.continued #1. Productivity and Costs of Equipment and Systems (2) Identify cost savings or value adding with work method changes
761 760 Objectives of Forest Operations Research and Work Studies.continued #1. Productivity and Costs of Equipment and Systems (3) Using current technology in new applications or using new technology 700 700 761.1 761 N Boundary.shp Roads.shp Patches.shp Streams.shp
Topic 2: Work Study Planning and Implementation Using appropriate time study method(s) to match with the appropriate field conditions (including safety) and desired research output
Machine Evaluation Toolbox (Mark Brown, USC, Australia) Which evaluation method do you need? Time & Piece Count Instantaneous Observation Shift Level Study Detailed Time & Motion Study Need help selecting a method To previous menu
Work Study Planning and Implementation.Suggestions Observe operations and test research protocol on-site early-on! Keep a daily diary of working conditions! Expect the unexpected and learn from it!
Harvest Planning and Layout in Thinning Study Four replications of three silviculture treatments (heavy, light, and light thin with gaps) Three logging systems (4 thinning contactors) Chainsaw Felling & Tractor Skidding Cut-to-Length Harvester & Forwarder Chainsaw Felling & Skyline Yarding Research Data collection Unit preparation by the land owner (Forest Service) Unit layout by contractors Harvesting productivity and costs Environmental changes.soils, wildlife, vegetation
Harvest Planning and Layout Research Results Take Home Messages Harvest planning and layout costs had NO relationship to silvicultural treatment Site characteristics are important factors affecting planning and layout costs Logging contractor layout time and costs WERE RELATED to type of logging system Skyline Cut-to-Length Tractor Skyline
Importance of Logging Contractor Spending More Time on Unit Layout in Thinning Willamette Young Stand Study Forest Service Planning and Layout Components; All Sales Skyline Corridor Layout
Topic 3: Skyline Research and Technology Development Long term research planning What are the components in the forestry operation? Link the components together
Skyline Thinning Operations Development Yarders Skyline Carriages Harvesting Techniques Harvest Planning and Layout
Yarders Large towers and large mobile yarders
Yarders New yarder concepts for smallwood skyline thinning in Oregon Design and manufacture a new smallwood yarder Look around the world for existing new technology and test applications in Oregon
Yarders European yarder concepts had minimal acceptance in Oregon Local manufacture modifications and design of smallwood yarders
Yarders Current conditions and changing to new technology? Yarder manufacturing industry is down High cost of labor and limited labor pool Good local Koller yarder equipment supplier in Oregon Demonstrations and work studies
Skyline Thinning Systems and Techniques
Prebunching Logs for Skyline Thinning Operations
Prebunching Equipment Alternatives
Comparison of Steep Slope Thinning Methods Harvester (CTL) Forwarder Harvester (CTL-prebunching) K301 yarder Harvester (WT-prebunching) K301 yarder Manual Felling (TL) K301 yarder
Topic 4: Research Uptake Improve success of implementing research results and provide answers for adapting to ever-changing forestry End-user involvement in research planning Identify outreach activities during research planning Examine the technical, environmental, social and economic issues that could be hurdles to implementing research results
Facilitating Change in Forest Harvesting Environments New versus Conventional Harvesting Technology??
Evaluation of New versus Conventional Harvesting Technology Determine the Specific Needs for the New System Why change the conventional system to the new system? Are there minor adjustments with the way the conventional systems are being planned or carried out that could be modified for different results? Strategic Planning! Determine the Extent of the Need How much work is there for the new system? Can management offer and sustain a program for the new system? Tactical Planning! Make a Commitment to the New Program Will managers likely stick to the program utilizing the new equipment and harvesting systems where appropriate? Provide Support and Administration for Success What needs/opportunities are there for providing staff and loggers with the needed knowledge and skills to successfully implement new systems?
Importance of Logging Contractor Spending More Time on Unit Layout Willamette Young Stand Study Forest Service Planning and Layout Components; All Sales Skyline Corridor Layout
Operational Planning (Unit, Sale, Project) Reports Workshops Involve loggers in lectures Professional logger credits Council on Forest Engineering Seminars Improving Forest Harvesting Operations
Skyline Corridor Field Layout
Summary & Conclusions Take Home Messages 1. Forest Operations Research (Work Studies) are the tools to help implement forestry changes End-user involvement in research planning Identify research uptake (outreach) activities during research planning Research planning that links forestry system components to better facilitate change 2. Expect the unexpected during work studies and learn from it 3. Work studies help us develop a better observational eye for forestry improvements
Thank You