Results of a Re-Logging Experiment in a Selectively Cut Mixed-Conifer Timber Stand

The Diamond Match Company conducted a study of their logging operations in northern California to determine the potential utilization of: 1) cull logs left in the woods; 2) trees that had not been cut due to poor form, defects, or size limitations; 3) trees missed by timber markers; and 4) trees killed by logging operations. The study was conducted on a 60-acre area representative of old-growth timber lands, which had been logged the year previously, producing 2,028 MBM (Scribner decimal C log rule) of old-growth logs. The area was re-marked with special consideration being given to the value of chippable material as well as lumber. The minimum size specification was any log (or tree) 8-feet long to a 6-inch top diameter. All defective trees meeting these specifications were marked, whether naturally defective or damaged by the previous logging operation, the only exception being trees with extreme rot. Under this marking system, most of the salvaged volume came from trees that did not previously meet the minimum size specifications, and logs that had been culled during the initial logging operation. Re-logging obtained a net volume of 346,060 bd. ft. from the area, or 17 percent of the originally logged volume. At the mill each log was numbered, scaled, graded, carefully measured as to size and length, and the lumber volume calculated. Volume and grade of lumber recovered from each log was determined, as well as pulp chip yields from cull and residual material. The results of this study showed that consideration should be given to re-logging operations in the future. With the use of proper equipment in both woods and mill, salvage re-logging can be economically feasible. Side benefits of re-logging operations were the reduced fire hazard, removal of breeding grounds for destructive insects, and the increased annual net growth due to the thinning effect.

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