Integrated Hardwood Logging

A description of the Calumet and Hecla, Inc., Calumet, Michigan, hardwood logging operation. Integrated logging is the harvest, in one operation, of all the selected trees that will yield marketable forest products. This requires the integration of the forester, the logger, and markets for the products. Management and logging plans for these forests need to be highly flexible and conform to the mold produced by market conditions. Tree-length and log-length logging is used. The log length method is most common because of the generally short, crooked character of the Keweenaw timber. Typical operation includes six men who daily commute to the woods, two skidding tractors, and two trailer trucks. Each logger is furnished a sheet with current specifications of products to be cut, and he is paid on a contract basis according to the value of the items. Fourteen distinct products, varying from 2 to 48 inches in diameter and from 17 inches to 40 feet in length, are obtained by Calumet and Hecla from northern hardwood timber, principally hard and soft maple, yellow birch, and oak.

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