Stand Damage Following Whole-Tree Partial Cutting in Northern Forests

Eighteen mechanically harvested, partially cut hard- and mixed-wood stands in New England were examined to determine the extent of logging damage. Frequency of crop tree damage averaged 9.6%. Tree injury, both incidence and severity, was not related to location relative to skid trails or landings. Variations in damage level between sites was not explained by numbers of trees per acre, size of trees, or basal area prior to or after harvest, but cover type, rockiness, and season of harvest in combination accounted for a small part of the site-to-site differences. Residual stand damage appeared to be most influenced by the care in harvest planning and the experience of the equipment operators. North. J. Appl. For. 8(2):72-76.