The Impacts of Timber Harvesting Techniques on Residual Trees, Seedlings, and Timber Products in Natural Oriental Spruce Forests

The impacts of three timber harvesting techniques (manpower, skidder, and skyline) on residual trees, seedlings, and timber products were investigated in natural oriental spruce stands in Artvin, Turkey. Each of timber harvesting techniques was used in 5 different harvesting sites. The degree of damage caused by timber harvesting techniques in the residual trees, seedlings and timber products was calculated as based on injuring size. The results showed that timber harvesting techniques resulted in damages to residual trees, seedlings, and timber products, but the degree of damages caused by the harvesting techniques was significantly different. The highest level of damage was caused by manpower, followed by skidder and skyline harvesting technique. These results suggest that the damages caused by logging can be minimized by using proper timber harvesting techniques. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]