Effects of silvicultural prescriptions and roundwood markets on the economic feasibility of hardwood thinnings

Because forestland owners are often reluctant to invest in precommercial thinnings, it is important to evaluate the effects of silvicultural prescriptions and roundwood markets on the economic feasibility of commercial thinnings in hardwood stands. To accomplish this, cash flows from thinning upland oak stands were estimated for thinnings at age 30 to 70 years, with residual stocking levels of 45 to 75 percent. This analysis was conducted with forest growth and timber harvesting system simulations, and variable roundwood product prices. The results also show the effects of the 15 silvicultural prescriptions on total yield, product mix, and harvesting system production rates. Under most conditions tested, it was not feasible to thin before age 50. At ages 50 to 70 years, thinning cash flows ranged from $-61/acre to $513/acre; depending on age at thinning, residual stocking, and roundwood markets. Results indicate that silvicultural prescriptions for thinning upland oaks can have a very large impact on thinning yields and harvesting costs, which together with roundwood markets, determine if cash flows will exceed the additional costs of logging roads, tree marking, and sale administration.

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