A benefit/cost analysis of timber marking northern tolerant hardwoods in North/Central Maine

Abstract

This paper investigates various operational considerations as they relate to timber-marking tolerant hardwoods in north/central Maine. Specifically, marking productivity is examined in terms of tolerant hardwood stand and site conditions. Also, associated benefits and costs are studied. Line of sight and marking crew sizes have the greatest affect on marking productivity. A productivity equation of marking productivity (acres/man-hour)= 0.46 * line of sight +1.17 is the formula that describes how productivity values vary with varying line of sight values. Marking crew sizes three and greater have an average productivity of 2.65 acres per man-hour. Marking significantly increases the present hardwood residual stumpage value per acre. This is an increase of about thirty percent. Overall, the benefits of marking far outweigh the costs in this study.