Modeling of Logging Industry Dynamics Under the Global Climate Change: the Evidence from Siberian Regions

As a part of global economy, forestry experiences influence of diverse factors and global climate change in particular, which can affect forestry directly or indirectly via changes in qualitative and quantitative assessment of forest growing stocks, and in positive or negative manner. Climate change effects on Russian forestry are still poorly studied and call for more attention in policy-making. One of the direct impacts is shortening of winter logging season duration, which may result in decreasing wood harvests. Using the data on logging volumes in Krasnoyarsk Krai and Irkutsk Oblast and estimated duration of winter logging season on meteorological stations for the retrospective period of 1966-2018, eight ARDL models were evaluated. The modeling results supported the idea of dependence of harvested wood volumes on winter logging season duration across all considered meteorological stations. To reduce negative impacts on logging industry in terms of wood harvest reduction, adaptation activities in forestry are sorely needed

Rationing of basic transport and operational qualities of the winter covers logging roads

The main material for the construction of the coatings of the winter forest roads is snow. The creation of this snow and ice durable material of the structural layers of pavement associated with a number of features. The main parameter that will define the structural strength of the pavement to be the hardness of the snow. In the operation of the winter timber-carrying roads this option almost never defined. We have conducted studies on the formation of a layer of compacted coating on the roadway depending on the amount of precipitation. The evaluation of the degree of influence of the density of falling snow on the magnitude of the compacted layer. When studying the degree of influence of precipitation was analyzed climatic conditions that operated hauling winter roads. It has been shown that the density of snow in the compacted layer affects the intensity of movement of trains, composition of traffic flow, the humidity of the snow and air and snow temperature. The density of the layer of the same influences and the evaporation of snow. Based on the experimental data were obtained the coefficients of evaporation of snow for the entire winter for the conditions of the Ural region. Based on these data, the calculated values of the possible maximum thickness of compacted layer at various speeds of movement of logging trucks and the different density of freshly fallen snow. The dependencies of the density layer of snow monthly. Found that to find the value of the thickness of the compacted layer to the end of the winter period, it is necessary to take into account the wear and evaporation of snow in the next months. This was carried out to estimate the depth gauge on a Packed snow surface. The recommended values for the maximum depth gauge on the surface for various road-climatic sub-zones. Set values of a compacted snow layer on the roadway by the end of the winter period for winter timber transportation trunk roads for winter logging winter logging mustache and branches.

Fifty years of forest dynamics following diameter-limit cuttings in balsam fir – yellow birch stands of the Lower St. Lawrence region, Quebec

The long-term effects of high-intensity diameter-limit cuttings conducted in the winter and summer of the 1940s and 1950s on the dynamics of softwood and mixedwood stands in southeastern Quebec were compared. Changes in composition and stand structure over a 50 year period were studied using 18 permanent sample plots located in the Lac-Métis Seigneury observation area measured in 1950, 1960, 1970, and 2003. Winter logging operations were conducted between 1942 and 1949, and summer logging operations were conducted between 1958 and 1960. The interaction between cuttings and the 1950s and 1970s spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens)) outbreaks that occurred in the area affected forest dynamics. For the two logging operation types, the most abundant softwood species observed before logging and in 2003 was balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.), whereas white birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.) were the most abundant hardwood species. Changes in the overstory composition were more significant in the summer logging operations than in the winter ones. The softwood cover type observed before winter logging was maintained in 2003. Following summer logging, an important increase in the proportion of birch species was observed. The softwood cover type observed before logging had changed to a mixedwood cover type by 2003. Forest dynamics differences between the two types of logging were the result of interactions between the density and composition of advance regeneration, the microsite conditions after logging, and the length and severity of spruce budworm outbreaks.

Winter Logging on the Tanana River Flood Plain in Interior Alaska

Flood plains in interior Alaska support an important forest resource. Silvicultural alternatives for these sites depend on access and on the effect of timber harvesting on the residual stand and site. Some aspects (i.e., road access, logging damage to residual stand, and effect of logging on snow pack) of winter logging of white spruce on an island in the Tanana River were observed. Winter roads of snow and ice were easily developed over a variety of surface conditions and appeared to have little lasting impact. Damage to uniformly spaced residual shelterwood trees was variable. Much of this damage could be eliminated by better sale administration, methods of sale layout, and harvesting methods. Logging activity created two distinct snow layers—an upper layer mixed with logging debris and a lower, compacted layer that showed little evidence of being physically disturbed. The compacted layer could provide good physical protection to seedlings and protect the forest floor frown disturbance. North. J. Appl. For. 4:11-16, Mar. 1987.

Logging Practices and Subsequent Development of Aspen Stands in East-Central Saskatchewan

A study was started in 1965 to quantify the effect of logging variables on initial sucker stand density and subsequent development of aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.). The study found excellent stocking and density of sucker regeneration after both summer and winter logging of 70- to 80-year-old stands in east-central Saskatchewan. Logging slash on the ground reduced suckering but the density of regeneration even with heavy slash cover was similar to that found in fire-origin stands. Winter logging resulted in more uniform and less dense sucker regeneration. Large initial differences in stand density diminished to a 30% range or less by 5 years of age. This suggests that flexibility may be exercised in harvest scheduling and method of logging.