Economic Perspective on Harvesting and Physical Constraints on Utilizing Small, Dead Lodgepole Pine

This research was conducted in order to evaluate the practicality and potential for harvesting and utilizing small, dead lodgepole pine. Small diameter, dead lodgepole pine occurs in concentrated areas in various regions of western North America, often as a direct result of bark beetle infestations. The research included a case study demonstration harvest of small, dead lodgepole pine on the Umatilla National Forest in eastern Oregon during a 3-month period in 1979. Statistics were obtained during the demonstration harvest on costs, energy requirements, and physical characteristics of the small, dead lodgepole pine timber. An informal market survey of several dozen local timber buyers was conducted in order to ascertain the current problems and potential in utilizing small diameter, dead lodgepole pine. The results of the research indicated that 1) in harvesting, the cost of producing chips alone was lower and less variable than the cost of producing roundwood and chips. 2) However, chips and roundwood were found to have different and highly variable market prices over time. 3) Small, dead lodgepole was found to be currently acceptable and used for a variety of products, produced from both roundwood and chips. Harvesting of the small, dead timber was found to present no major difficulties with a conventional rubber-tired feller buncher and skidder type harvesting system, so far as the physical characteristics of the timber were concerned. 4) Energy inputs to harvesting were found to be quite small (6 to 7 percent) relative to the recoverable heat energy of the dead lodgepole if used as fuel. 5) The cost-to-energy-value ratio of delivered dead lodgepole chips was less than the price-to-energy-value ratio of oil and gas, but not less than that for coal. However, the price-to-energy-value ratio of dead lodgepole chips is likely to be higher and more variable than the cost ratio, owing to alternative and competing end uses and variable market prices. This research was conducted by the U.S. Forest Service, with support in part from the U.S. Department of Energy.

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