Alternate Strip Clearcutting in Upland Black Spruce: VII. Planning and Implementation

Planning and organization of operational strip cutting was demonstrated with a 4 500-ha study block scheduled for harvest by Domtar Forest Products during the 1986-1988 annual work schedule periods. The potential impact of two harvesting systems on road intensity and subsequent strip delineation and layout was examined. Specifically, conventional "cut-and-skid" harvesting, with maximum skidding distances of 180 m, resulted in 13.3 km of production road within the study area over and above that obtained with a fully mechanical-to-roadside system (360-m maximum skidding distance). Furthermore, the mechanical system reduced fragmentation of the cutting pattern and established relatively long leave strips, factors that should reduce volume losses from windfall and mortality. The step-by-step procedures for operational planning, layout and harvest of this proposed modified cut study area are examined and described.