Small Woodlot Management: Low Impact Harvesting Peter Smallidge. NYS Extension . Cornell University Cooperative Extension. Ithaca, NY [email protected] 607 / 592 – 3640 www.ForestConnect.info

Low impact is one part of the small-scale woodlot management approach. Woodland owners are able to utilize trees that specifically meet their objectives. They are not obligated to harvest a minimum volume, value, or area to satisfy the necessary operational thresholds associated with conventional forest harvesting. Owners benefit from a more thorough knowledge of how their woodland functions. Small-scale systems allow for a more thorough utilization of trees than is possible through conventional harvesting.

Low-impact logging, with ATV or other small sized equipment, is desired by owners for many reasons. Low impact logging has a smaller impact on the woodland, often resulting in less soil disturbance and a reduced likelihood of damage to root systems and the trees left behind to grow. Do-it-yourself, or small-scale management provides options for woodland owners not available through conventional, commercial systems. Both small and conventional systems have appropriate roles.

Low impact logging is also low productivity logging. These systems are not intended to produce as much wood in a day as the equipment used in larger sized systems. Low impact equipment is less expensive, with ATV costs between $5,000 and $10,000 and a logging arch for less than $2,000. Some owner have a small 4 wheel drive tractor, and a log skidding attachment is about the cost of the arch, or a winching system for about $3,500. Low impact systems can provide a woodland owner with their wood needs for firewood or to cut into boards. Small-scale systems may produce about 0.25 to 0.75 full cords per hour, or 100 to 300 board feet per hour, assuming easy and short skids.

Low impact systems can mesh with owner objectives to utilize small quantities of wood. Owners can take classes through Cornell University Cooperative Extension to learn about selecting which trees to cut and which trees to leave. Directional felling is a safe way to cut trees. Owners operating should use a safety helmet that protects head, eyes, and ears. They should also wear cut resistant chaps or pants. Steel toe and cut resistant boots will protect their feet. A hands-on directional felling course is taught through the Game of Logging. These courses are offered through ForestConnect, county offices of Cornell Cooperative Extension, and the NY Forest Owners Association.

Videos of an example low impact system in operation are available on YouTube. Either go to www.YouTube.com/user/petersmallidge or go to YouTube and search for “petersmallidge” or “low impact logging”.

Small-Scale Woodlot Management www.ForestConnect.info

Low Impact Logging Safety Considerations

1. Be where you are! Avoid distractions that take your mind away from the task at hand. If you find yourself thinking about something other than your low impact logging activity, stop and either quit for the day or take a break.

2. Keep yourself in good physical condition. Discuss your intended activities with your physician. Exercise regularly, eat healthy food, and drink plenty of water. Do not use any equipment if you are taking any drugs, medications, or alcohol. 3. Be familiar with your equipment and know its limitations. Obtain training as needed.

4. Felling trees is the most dangerous activity in low impact logging. Participate in a certified course that allows participants to practice directional felling. Game of Logging is a nationally recognized program and has a training curriculum designed for woodland owners. An article about Game of Logging for Landowners is available at www.ForestConnect.info 5. Inspect your equipment before each use and correct any damage or wear and tear before operation. 6. Many injuries happen when there is more than one person working. If you work with a partner, use extra caution. 7. Most low impact logging equipment, ATVs and tractors, are not intended to driven on a side- slope. Avoid side-slopes and the potential to tip and crush the operator. 8. Do not exceed the safe load capacity of your equipment. You may be able to move the log, but turning and stopping may be compromised. 9. Go slowly in the woods. This reduces wear and tear on your equipment, allows you to look for hazards, and increases your ability function safely. 10. Use equipment that, minimally, lifts the front end of the log to prevent the log end from catching on a stump or rock. Examples of this equipment includes an arch, skid cone, or roller bar. Full suspension with an arch eliminates dirt that dulls and band .

Operational Strategies & Best Practices

1. Obtain and follow a management plan. 2. Apply silvicultural principles at a smaller scale 3. Focus on one area of a few acres per year. 4. Match equipment with the desired annual volume and products. 5. Anticipate merchandising, multiple objectives and improved utilization using your equipment. 6. Keep the work area clear. Invest time to create a trail that matches the limitations of your equipment. 7. Use physics to your advantage. 8. Anticipate and visualize each step of the process, from felling to unloading, before you start.

Small-Scale Woodlot Management www.ForestConnect.info