Productivity and Cost of Partial Harvesting Method to Control Mountain Pine Beetle Infestations in British Columbia

Small patch cutting (<1 ha in size) in mature lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas var. latifolia Engelmann) stands has been introduced in central British Columbia, Canada to slow the spread of mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopk.) populations. This practice is locally referred to as “Snip and Skid” logging. This article addresses the operational challenges of implementing the method, with an emphasis on the cost of each phase of logging. Total stump-to-truck expenses incurred with Snip and Skid logging in each patch at an average of C$17.00/m3 (C$14.98 to C$19.71/m3). However, if one includes other cost allowances, such as overhead and profit for the logging contractor, the overall cost is C$22.28/m3. These costs greatly increase when trees are smaller. Other costs for implementing the Snip and Skid method, such as planning and layout, ground probing, and baiting, further increase the total cost of implementation. Walking and low-bedding, that are not required for typical timber-production logging operations, accounted for 57% of the total delay in Snip and Skid logging. In this particular study, five trees were damaged per 100 m along the skid trails created to access the patches, but we found no high stumps or significant impacts on soils. West. J. Appl. For. 20(2):128–133.