An economic comparison of lumber grade yields in northern hardwood stands managed under alternative cutting methods

Eight alternative silvicultural cutting methods are evaluated for northern hardwood stands. Stand quality changes, and the impacts these changes have on lumber grade yield are predicted using regression techniques. Improvements in higher grade lumber recovery were most pronounced in the 22-inch diameter limit cut and the selection type cuttings. Total economic return was greatest in the most severe diameter limit cuts of 5-, 12-, and 16-inches. When long-term future economic returns are considered, the 16-inch diameter limit or the light improvement cutting methods provided what may be the best cutting techniques in these stands, based on the predicted long-term volume of lumber grade yields.

You must be logged in to download any documents. Please login (login accounts are free) or learn how to Become a Member