Layout and Beetle Infestation
July 29, 2014 11:46 am Leave your thoughts
This past week I spent more time on the planning side of the Weyerhaeuser operation. I had the opportunity to go out with Al Lawes of Lawes Forest Management, one of the planning contactors for Weyerhaeuser and walked some of the blocks that he had laid out in the winter.
At the very beginning of the layout process a broad target area is defined and then thoroughly walked. Walking the general area of the proposed block allows for the detailed mapping of different terrestrial features that are contained within it. This includes features that my cause difficulties while harvesting such as rock outcroppings or steep slopes, as well as features such as streams, and timber types that will help influence the block boundary itself. Road locations also have to be carefully planned and thought through. They have to be easily buildable (i.e. not on rock or wet areas.), they have to be drivable for loaded logging trucks and other heavy equipment (i.e. no steep slopes or sharp corners.), and they have to be in
appropriate locations for possible future and silviculture access. There is a ton of different variables to take into consideration! Thoroughly walking the terrain is the only way to come up with the best plan.
The collection of this data is also important in order to restore the area to the way it was after it is logged. The locations of drainages that have to be reestablished are mapped and biogeo zone classification helps to determine what species of tree should be planted on the site, and what to expect for natural regeneration of both trees and other plant species. I learned a ton in the four days a spent with Al!
I also spent a day with planning forester Jason Carmichael to investigate the progression of a spruce beetle infestation that has affected the spruce population in the Weyerhaeuser operating area. Salvaging affected timber as soon as possible is important because if it is left the wood dries out and it no longer becomes economically viable to harvest. This means the forest will remain stagnant and unhealthy, where as if it were harvested it would be put back into production for future harvesting opportunities.
A viewpoint while assessing Spruce beetle infestation.