The Latest Logging Research and Technology News

Did you know the United States ranks fourth on the list of most forest-rich countries, following the Russian Federation, Brazil, and Canada, with 8 percent of the world's primary forest? As part of this huge, vibrant industry, we're pleased to share some of the latest logging research and technology news in this week's Super Six.

• The fourth-place ranking of the U.S. is just one piece on interesting news in the Society of American Foresters' comprehensive, peer-reviewed report on the status of America's forestland. This 68-page report outlines the latest facts and figures in easy to read graphs, charts, tables, and supporting commentary. 

• The amount of R&D taking place in today's forestry industry is astounding. For instance, researchers in New Zealand have examined machine stability related factors for steep slope harvesting; if you are logging on steep hillsides, you need to read this report from the International Journal of Forest Engineering shared by loggingon.net. Also for harvesting on slopes, we recommend the Primex LogStomper Extreme tire which features an innovative variable angle lug design that is tapered from center to the shoulder. This provides excellent hill side stability, superior traction, and exceptional performance on varied ground conditions. 

• In more research from New Zealand from tandfonline.com, researchers carried out production studies at two harvesting operations, where the mechanized processing was studied in different market scenarios (5, 9, 12, and 15 log sorts). Nine log sorts were estimated to be the optimum number when considering the value produced per productive machine hour.

• The Working Forest newspaper shares a CBS News report on an interesting step by the Yukon government. The territory has drafted a new "biomass energy strategy" that would see a move toward more use of wood fuel to heat buildings. 

• Manufacturers like John Deere are devoting enormous R&D resources to develop equipment that addresses the latest research and forestry equipment user needs. The company has introduced their L-Series wheeled feller bunchers with several productivity-enhancing features.

• All of the latest research and technology is of no use, however, unless it's in the hands of well-trained, experienced professionals. We end this week's Super Six with a story about training the next generation of foresters and loggers; hundreds of students across northern California recently attended a live logging demonstration. The kids are learning about biology, forest management and what it takes to be a logger. The Sierra Cascade Logging Conference, along with several other organizations, have been hosting the event since 2008.   

You may also be interested in this recent Hub story on how the right tires can help loggers minimize their impact on the environment.