FOR 261 Forest Harvesting

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

1. evaluate a site for timber harvest potential based on slope, timber volume and quality, soil susceptibility and terrain stability as well as match a harvesting system with a silvicultural system in order to meet forest management objectives;
2. analyze and quantify cost trade-offs between road construction, multiple options of harvest systems. As well as a variety of site and stand factors, management strategies on the cost and productivity of a harvesting system;
3. prescribe safe timber harvest methods that minimize potential environmental impacts while maximizing harvest productivity, log product recovery, and timber development planning from and the student will be able to organize related mapped data and prepare to safely conduct an efficient day of field work related to timber harvesting unit layout. Health and Safety planning and hazard assessment will be emphasized;
4. evaluate and document a given site in the field for its harvest potential. They will be able to take accurate field measurements along with clear, concise field notes;
5. use and maintain manual and digital equipment involved in harvest unit layout;
6. document a site harvest plan in the form of maps and tables, detailing equipment, environmental risk mitigation strategies and harvest cost for a given site, covering all phases of a harvest operation;
7. describe and apply project management elements such as task and duration definition, accountability and scheduling; and
8. will be evaluated on their ability to work professionally in the presence of other environmental professionals and their peers. Performing tasks safely and efficiently while organising themselves in terms of project oversight, scheduling, and contingency related to project field work.