It is apparent that, based on this case study, the capital invested for skidding horses 

 is more efficient than either of the other two skidding methods. Also, on a cost per 

 cubic volume skidded, the horse is more efficient than the farm tractor. Although it 

 is beyond the scope of this study, alternative uses for the tractor could very well 

 make it the better choice. 



Land Management Implications 



1. Logging slash can be reduced considerably through logging procedures and 

 utilization standards that require removal of small roundwood products. In fact, the 

 slash disposal costs were minimal. Pile-and-burn along the road was the only slash 

 abatement work done. 



2. For processing plants where this material can be used for pulp chips and fuel, 

 the yard residues can be utilized by machine-debarking the chips. Further studies on 

 utilization economics of this material are needed to more fully evaluate the impact on 

 land management possibilities. 



3. An economical system for operating in this type of stand- -stagnant growing 

 stock size--would certainly help to get similar stands under management. The Rocky 

 Mountain area has considerable acreage in this condition. 



Product Recovered 



The product recovered is greatly dependent upon the piece diameter and length. 

 Bucking out rot reduced product options and values. 



Slash volume studies in Engelmann spruce stands show a 50 percent product recovery 

 in saw log operations. This is in higher value material with normal utilization stand- 

 ards. Hence, it is apparent that a recovery of 12,208 ft^, or 33 percent of total 

 initial volume, is a reasonably good recovery in these stands perceived to be marginally 

 inoperable. When considering the yard residues, the total volume removed, 20,883 ft3, 

 amounts to 57 percent of the initial volume. 



17 



