An assessment of logging disturbance using the Koehring Feller Forwarder and conventional skidders in northwestern New Brunswick

Abstract

There are differences in the disturbances resulting from harvesting operations. An attempt was made to compare two systems: conventional using skidders and full tree using the Koehring Feller Forwarder. Also, there was an attempt to identify factors which contributed to the amount of disturbance. Four case studies, two for each system, were conducted in the summer of 1982 upon Fraser Inc.'s limits. Neither system produced any significant amount of scarification or severe soil disturbance. However, there was less advance growth destruction where the Koehring Feller Forwarder was employed. It is concluded that the advance growth destruction resul ting from harvesting is the main factor to consider when assessing the damage caused by harvesting. Key Words: Advance growth, Destruction, Disturbance, Duff, Harvesting Systems, Slash