Salvage and Thinning 

 Operations in Second-Growth 

 Ponderosa Pine Stands 



John R. Host 

 David P. Lowery 



INTRODUCTION 



Two often-neglected wood resources are timber removed in 

 precommercial thinnings and postharvest logging residue, con- 

 sisting of branches, tops, and broken pieces. 



The small log resource is vast. In Idaho and Montana, about 

 30 billion ft^ of wood is in trees 5.0 to 8.9 inches (12.7 to 

 22.6 cm) diameter breast height (d.b.h.). Detailed data are 

 available (Troutt 1979) for small-diameter lodgepole pine (Pinus 

 contorta var. latifolia Dougl.) stands, which make up the 

 largest part of this resource. The information should be 

 generally applicable for all species in this size class, including 

 ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.). 



In lodgepole stands, through one rotation, about 65 percent 

 of the stems are in excess of growing stock needs. Many of 

 these could be removed as small logs. Removal would increase 

 the total volume from any given stand by as much as 30 per- 

 cent during each rotation. In addition, rotation length for 

 lodgepole stands on average sites could be reduced from 100 to 

 about 80 years if all thinnings were accomplished in a timely 

 manner. 



In recent years, considerable research has been devoted to in- 

 ventorying, describing, and evaluating potential uses for post- 

 harvest residue. About 10,000 acres (4 050 ha) in the Northern 

 Region of the Forest Service are clearcut annually, and many 

 tons of residue are generated on each acre. Historically, the 

 cost of collecting and transporting residue has made its use 

 uneconomical, and it was burned on the site. However, innova- 



tive logging and timber sale methods now are being used to 

 concentrate much of the logging debris at the roadside. 



Timber supplies obviously would be enhanced if small- 

 diameter trees and logging residues were better utilized. Land- 

 owners would realize a number of benefits, including (1) greater 

 spacing and faster growth for residual crop trees, (2) removal 

 of insect-infested trees and slash that should reduce insect 

 populations and thus future tree mortality, (3) improvement of 

 stand esthetics, (4) reduction of potential fire hazards, and 

 (5) more open stands that provide easier access for future sal- 

 vage, if necessary, and improved forage growth for livestock 

 and wildlife. 



To obtain additional information on utilization of small- 

 diameter trees and logging residues, two studies were made of 

 various harvesting systems applied in ponderosa pine stands. 

 The studies were made in the same area, and many of the 

 cooperators, personnel, and pieces of machinery were the same. 

 One study (study 1) was made in January 1977. The second, 

 more detailed study (study 2) began in September 1980 and 

 lasted 6 months. Results of the studies are discussed separately 

 in this report. 



STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION 



The study area was located on privately owned land in the 

 Blackfoot River valley about 40 miles (67 km) northeast of 

 Missoula, Mont. (fig. 1). The terrain is gently rolling with 

 slopes averaging less than 10 percent. 



Figure l.—Map of Missoula vicinity showing 

 the location of the study area. 



A STUDY 

 ^ AREA 



T. 14 N. 



T. 131 



