Logging residue volumes and characteristics following integrated roundwood and energy-wood whole-tree harvesting in central Maine

Abstract

Integrated roundwood and energy-wood whole-tree, partial harvesting has become common in Maine over the past decade, yet there is limited information about the volume and characteristics of logging residues left behind on such harvest sites. To better inform forest managers about the downed woody material remaining after whole-tree partial harvesting, we measured downed wood volume and characteristics on 12 harvested sites in central Maine using line intersect sampling. All sites were harvested using mechanical systems (feller-bunchers and grapple skidders) within a year prior to sampling. The mean volume of downed wood across all sites was 726 ± 57 ft3/ac (±SE), 47% of which was residue generated by the harvest. The variability of residue volumes was higher within sites (coefficients of variation between 36 and 69%) than between sites (coefficient of variation, 27%). Coarse woody material between 3 and 6 in. in diameter at the large end dominated the postharvest debris, while logs greater than 10 in. in diameter were scarce. The majority of harvest-generated downed wood was in decay class 1, whereas preharvest debris consisted of mostly decay classes 2, 3, and 4. The volumes of downed wood remaining on the study sites were within the range of volumes found on other managed sites of similar forest types. However, further research is necessary to assess whether these amounts and characteristics are adequate for long-term maintenance of ecological processes. Copyright © 2011 by the Society of American Foresters.