master of forestry - oregon state university

Silvicultural Mechanical Site Preparation

by

William Wardlaw Moore

A TECHNICAL REPORT

submitted to

Department of Forest Enginee ring

School of Forestry

Oregon State University

in partial fulfillment ofthe requirements for the

degree of

Master of Forestry

Completed May 5, 1976

Commencement June 1976

APPROVED:

rofessor of Forest Engineeringa7in charge of major

tment of F4'st Engineering

Date technical report was presented May 5, 1976

Typed by Ilene Anderton for William Wardlaw Moore

AN ABSTRACT OF THE TECHNICAL REPORT OF

William Wardlaw Moore for the degree of Master of Forestry

in Forest Engineering presented on May 5, 1976

Title: SILVICULTURAL MECHANICAL SITE PREPARATION

Abstract approved:JohnE. O'Leary

The preparation of suitable sites for planting and growing of

tree seedlings following logging is recognized by British Columbia

Forest Service as a major silvicultural problem in the Central and

Northern Interior regions of the province. Over the past few

decades, scarification trials have been made with various types of

drag and blade scarifiers. Substantial areas, particularly on the dry

lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta latifolia) sites have also received

mechanical scarification on an operational scale.

The wet white spruce--alpine fir (Picea glauca ssp. glauca--

Abies lasiocarpa) sites, which often have a deep layer of undecom-

posed organic material on the forest floor, have traditionally been

winter logged. The resulting accumulation of undisturbed duff, and

logging slash, has normally been either windrow or broadcast burned.

Some recent escape fires, e. g. the Eden Fire in the Kamloops

Forest District in September 1973, caused considerable personal

property damage, and have heightened interest in mechanical scarifi-

cation as an alternative to prescribed burning.

The author had occasion during the summer of 1974 to be

employed by British Columbia Forest Service on a research project

in the Prince George area entitled, Silvicultural Mechanical Site

Preparation (S. M.S. P.). The purpose of this study was to measure

and evaluate the performance of selected mechanical scarifiers, in

producing an economically, and silviculturally acceptable level of

planting site preparation.

This report examines the findings of the S.M.S. P. project,

and where appropriate, compares them with earlier Canadian forest

scarification studies. Recommendations for the use of specific

mechanical site preparation equipment are viewed both singly, and

in combination with other forest management practices.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to acknowledge the help of many people during the

field work, research, and preparation of this report.

To Ed Nelitz of British Columbia Forest Service, and Bob

McMinn of Environment Canada, with whom I had the pleasure of

"bushwhacking" and exchanging ideas, a very special thank you.

My thanks are also extended to Ken Apt, Peter Castley, Robin

Brown and others of B. C. Forest Service, who supplied data and

information.

For the guidance and assistance provided by faculty at Oregon

State University, particularly Hank Froehlich, Ed Aulerich, Mike

Newton, Chet Youngberg and my advisor John O'Leary, my sincere

appreciation.

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

Winter cut-over on Naver Creek Road. 3

Teapot Lake cut-over in Big Valley Forest. 3

Drag scarifier used on Lodgepole pine flats. 7

Slashburn htescap&T at Mile 19 on the BowronRiver Forest Road. 7

Competitive vegetation: black twinberry, firewood,cow parsnip at Kenneth Creek Block. 14

Re-establishment of vegetation one month followingblading at Kenneth Creek. 14

Bateman Road Block. T. S. H. L. A04098, C. P."A", Unit 7. 16

Swampy section in Bateman Road Block. 16

Trakmac crossing swamp between drumlinridges in Vama Vama Creek Block. 18

C. P. 223, Unit 1A at Mile 19 on Tumuch SouthRoad. 18

Site Assessment crew taking slash measurementsat Bateman Road Block. 22

Washington Iron Works, model TM 72 Trakmac inKenneth Creek Block. 31

Trakmac planting spots at Kenneth Creek. 31

Beales brush blade mounted on Caterpillar D7ETractor. 34

Figure Page

Brush bladed planter access road at Kenneth CreekBlock. 34

V-plow moving heavy logging slash in KennethCreek Block. 37

V-plow planting spots at Kenneth Creek. 37

Sharkfin drag scarifier at Kenneth Creek. 40

Sharkfin planting spots and planter access trailat Kenneth Creek. 40

20, Finnish T. T. 5. model 35 Disc Trencher. 43

Disc Trencher at Kenneth Creek Block. 43

Swedish Bracke.Cultivator in Bateman Road Block. 47

Bracke Cultivator planting spots and planteraccess trail at Kenneth Creek. 47

Rubber-tired skidder trail in salvage cutover atVama Vama Creek. August 1974. 64

Skidder tracks in Bateman Road Block. 64

Morbark Chiparvestor on Northwood logging showat Vama Vama Creek. 66

Logging residue at Tumuch Lake. 66

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page

INTRODUCTION

OBJECTIVES 9

STUDY DESCIUPTION 11Treatment Areas 11Testing Procedure 20Equipment Trials 23

SUMMARY OF RESULTS 48Prime Movers 48Self-Propelled Scarifiers 51Site Preparation Attachments 52Work Specification Comparison 54Site and Planting Productivity Rating 58Planting Trials 59

HYDROLOGIC IMPLICATIONS 61Vegetation and Litter Removal 61Mechanical Equipment Passage 62Topography 63

ALTERNATIVE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES 65Residue Logging 65Slashburning 67Chemical Treatment 67

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 69Prescarification 69Logging 69Site Preparation 70Cost Benefit Consideration 71

BIBLIOGRAPHY 72

APPENDIX A - Maps 74APPENDIX B - Production Tables 84APPENDIX C - Forms 92

LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

1,, HD 16 Backhoe Production and Cost Data. 29

TM-72 Production and Cost Data. 32

Brush Blade Production and Cost Data. 35

V-Plow Production and Cost Data. 36

Sharkfin Production and Cost Data. 41

Finnish Disc Trencher Production and Cost Data. 44

Swedish Bracke Cultivator-Production and Cost Data. 46

Machine Production in Minutes Per Acre Treated. 56

Anticipated Planting Production. 58

SILVICULTURAL MECHANICAL SITE PREPARATION

I. INTRODUCTION

At the "big bendtT, near Prince Goerge in central British

Columbia, the silty glacial-fed Fraser River leaves its northerly

route through the narrow Rocky Mountain Trench, to plunge south-

ward to the Pacific Ocean. The broadened "trench", a rolling,

glacial and fluvial-incised plateau extends north-westerly through

the headwater drainage of the Peace River. This waterway in turn

cuts through the Rocky Mountains to join the Slave and Mackenzie

Rivers in their northward flow to the Arctic Ocean (Appendix A).

To the north lies the boreal forest which extends eastward

across Canada. To the south, the wet interior cedar- -hemlock

(Thuja plicata_ -Tsuga heterophylla) forest type reaches the limits

of its interior range, as does the dry Douglas-fir- -lodgepole pine

(Pseudotsuga menziesii--Pinus contorta latifolia) type of the Cariboo

region.

The vast area lying between these extremes is covered with a

sub-alpine forest comprised mainly of white spruce (Picea glauca

ssp. glauca) and alpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) on the wetter lowland

sites, and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta .latifolia) on the drier ridge

sites. The encompassing Prince George Forest District harvests

annually, by clear cut logging of 100, 000 acres (40,470 hectares),

2

in excess of 400MM cubic feet (11,327,400 meters3), of the prov-

ince's total annual cut of some 2,000 MM cubic feet (56, 637,000 m3)

of timber. Over half of this volume is white spruce (Picea glauca

ssp. glauca), the majority of which is logged during the winter

months, when the frozen snow-covered ground facilitates access and

log transport. It has been estimated (Appendix II) that 60 percent of

the logged area requires site preparation; 79 percent of this by

mechanical scarification, and 21 percent by prescribed burning

(Figure 1).

The variable local climates can be generalized for this region

as: rainfall, 20 to 36 inches (51 to 91 cm.); average monthly temper-0 0 0 0 0 0atures: July, 58 to 60 F. (14 to 16 C.), January, 5 to 14 F.

(-15° to _10 C.) with extremes of -59° to 102° F. (-51° to 390 C.);

frost-free period is 50 to 100 days.

The white spruce- -alpine fir (Picea glauca ssp. glauca- -Abies

lasiocarpa) forest types which predominate here are generally over-

mature, and occur in the heavier precipitation zones. Wood fibre

productivity on five different site types ranges from 8, 000 cubic

feet per acre (226 M3), down to 4,000 cubic feet per acre (113 M3);

with average corresponding heights of dominant spruce from 130 feet

(40 M) to 95 feet (29 M), and co-dominant alpine fire from 108 feet

(33 M) to 81 feet (25 M), as reported by Illingworth and Arlidge (6).

These conditions often result in a deep organic or duff layer,

Figure 1. Winter cut-over on Naver Creek Road.

Figure 2. Teapot Lake cut-over in Big Valley Forest.

3

4

with a thick ground cover of shrub species, particularly the site type

indicator devil's club (Oplopanax horridus), and black twinberry

(Lonicera involucrata). Because of stand overmaturity, windfalls,

rotten wood, and snags are common. Soil types are generally

moderately-well to imperfectly drained, and heavy textured. Springs,

swamps, and perched water tables are typically dispersed through-

out the region, and account for the high proportions of winter logging.

The aforementioned situation creates moderate to heavy concentra-

tions of cull logs, slash, and undisturbed duff following logging

(Figure 2) particularly in valley bottoms. The resulting ground condi-

tions are considered by B. C. Forest Service to constitute a serious

fire hazard, as well as a significant impedance to the progress and

success of subsequent reforestation operations.

As reported by Rieche (14), scarification for the amelioration

of seed bed conditions was attempted in British Columbia as early as

1929. However, it was not until 1956 that the first formal mechan-

ical scarification program was initiated by Decie and Fraser (3).

These trials, which extended through 1959, were conducted on

twenty-five timber sales, and covered some 2, 000 acres (809 ha.)

in the Prince George Forest District. The ultimate aim was to

provide a seed bed suitable for natural regeneration through

scarification, either prior to, or following logging (Figure 3).

Further detailed work studies in 1960 and 1961 assessed influencing

5

physical factors such as soil condition, topography, and slash; and

grouped mechanical equipment by performance ratings (15).

During the period from 1950 to 1956, mechanical scarification

trials were also conducted in Alberta (2), and northwestern Ontario

(5), on ground and stand conditions somewhat similar to those

covered in this report. Results of these antecedent forest soil

scarification projects will be referred to where appropriate herein.

The establishment in the sixties of three large pulp mills at

Prince George converted the local economy from sawmilling to an

integrated forest products orientation. Subsequently, in the result-

ing large clearcut areas, many extending over hundreds of acres,

it soon became apparent that planting of tree seedlings was a silvi--

cultural necessity.

A greatly accelerated Forest District planting program was

up fromfive million seedlings in 1973, to nine million in 1974, with

further increases to twelve million in 1975, and a forecasted sixteen

million seedlings in 1976. This fact, which can only magnify an

already critical manpower situation, as requirements soar from

12, 000 planter days to 50, 000 planter days (13), points up the need of

improving conditions for planter access, and of assuring the success

of planted stock.

Of the 49, 430 acres (20, 004 ha.) which received site prepara-

tion treatment in 1974 in the Prince George Forest District, 18, 390

6

acres (7, 442 ha.) was broadcast burned, and 10, 342 acres (4, 185 ha.)

was windrow burned, for a total of 58 percent receiving prescribed

burning treatment (Appendix B). It was shown earlier that only 21

percent of the total area requiring site preparation should be burned.

It follows that there is considerable scope for expansion of mechan-

ical site preparation activities.

Even with the increased vigilance and precautionary measures

taken on prescribed burning, there were 36 escape fires that burned

3,075 acres (1, 244 ha.) in this Forest District in 1974 (1). The

inherent dangers of summer slash burning (Figure 4), and public

pressures aroused by smoke pollution and personal losses incurred,

indicate the desirability of investigating alternative methods such

as mechanical site preparation.

In answer to this rapidly growing need, British Columbia

Forest Service, during the summer of 1974, instituted Experimental

Project 740--Silvicultural Mechanical Site Preparation (S.M.S.P.).

The author of this report worked on the project, and during the

summer of 1975, re-visited ce.rtain of the treated areas in order to

assess the results achieved.

The following is an account of the machine trials, with related

cost and production data. Conclusive results of related seedling

growth success will not be known for a few years. However,

recommendations are made herein, on the basis of evidence

Figure 3. Drag scarifier used on Lodgepole pine flats.

I

Figure 4. Slashburn tiescapel? at Mile 19 on the Bowron RiverForest Road.

7

obtained during S. M. S. P., during previous studies of a similar

nature, and alternatively or in conjunction with other management

practices which are currently being tested, and which indicate

promising results.

II. OBJECTIVES

The aim of the Silvicultural Mechanical Site Preparation pro-

ject has been to examine available site preparation equipment to

select the more promising machinery for field trials, and to

assess their performance in obtaining a given standard of work, at

an acceptable cost level, under varying site conditions.

The following S.M.S. P. standards were established:

Trafficability

A general improvement of site conditions should beachieved which will allow unimpeded planter movementbetween planting spots. T rafficability improvement shouldreduce unproductive and often arduous walking time, thusimproving working conditions, and permitting mc reasedplanter production.

Plantability

Improvement of planting spots for planting should beaccomplished by disturbing, mixing or breaking up theduff-grass-litter layer, and by eliminating upper rootsof competing vegetation. Plantability improvementshould also stimulate growth, and increase survival rateof planted seedlings.

Spacing

Resulting planting spot distribution of not less than 450spots per acre (0.4 ha.) should be attained with generallyan 8 foot by 8 foot (2. 5 m. by 2. 5 m.) spacing.

Fire Risk

Fire hazard abatement should result from the elimina-tion and rearrangement of logging slash fuel.

E. Environment

Environmental impact should be minimized by elimina-tion of surface scalping, downhill ditching, and othererodible and undesirable site conditions.

10

III. STUDY DESCRIPTION

Treatment Areas

11

In June of 1974, B. C. Forest Service operational and support

personnel made an inspection tour of cut-over areas in the Naver,

Big Valley, and Purden Forests, to the south and east of Prince

George (Appendix A).

The following is a description of the areas selected for

scarification trials, in the order in which treatment was initiated.

The sequence and success of operations was unavoidably modified by

local site, weather, and machine supply constraints. Heavy rains

in July drenched low-lying areas, and washed out an access road

bridge crossing. Completion of a wood residue chipping operation

signalled the start-up for scarification in another area; while machine

availability from suppliers, dictated timing, location, and duration

of certain of the machine trials.

Despite the above obstacles to a complete and systematic

analysis of all systems, the trials generally proceeded toward

increasingly difficult operation conditibns. Thus the range of machine

capabilities was evaluated on the basis of recorded data, and visual

observations, as well as by judgement of optimum performance

limits, based on trials where comparison was feasible.

13

divided almost evenly between Class 1, or up to 2,500 eubic feet

peracre (29 m3/ha), and Class 2, between 2,500 and 5,000 cubic

feet per acre (29 to 58 m3/ha.). The above condition slowed machine

progress during trials, and also contributed to hang-ups, upsetting,

and equipment breakage. The major portion of the machine trials

were carried out in Block A.

Annual plants had become re-established within a month of

treatment in August 1974 (Figure 6). A heavy ground cover over-

shadowed many of the white spruce (Picea glauca ssp. glauca) seed-

lings planted in June 1975, when the area was re-visited in August

of that year. However, growth of the seedlings appeared vigorous

despite the abundance .of competitive vegetation.

Bateman Road- -Block 2 (Appendix A, Figure 7)

This was a 306 acre (124 ha.) clear-cutblock, logged in 1972-

73 and located at Mile 26 on the Bateman Road, three miles (4. 8 km.)

south of the Highway 16 crossing of the Bowron River. It comprised

Unit seven, of Cutting Permit "A", in Timber Sale Harvesting

License A04098. The area, lying between 2,600 feet (800 m.) and

3, 100 feet (945 m.) elevation, had a general southerly aspect, with

slopes ranging from zero to 30 percent. The drier glacial till ridges

had supported a lodgepole pine-aspen (Pinus contorta latifolia-

Populus tremuloides) stand. Very sparse ground vegetation,

light logging slash, and thin duff were present in these conditions.

Between the ridges in the wet spruce-alpine fir-cottonwood (Picea

glauca ssp. glauca-Abie s lasiocarpa-Populus trichocarpa) types,

heavy slash and deep organic matter were encountered. These

wet areas delayed treatment, and even during the dry period in

August 1974 they were subject to deep rutting by crawler tractors

pulling scarifiers, as the ground surface had been during logging by

rubber-tired skidders (Figure 8).

Vama Vama Creek-Block C (Appendix A)

This was a generally flat to rolling 220 acre (89 ha.) clear-cut

block located five miles (8 km.) north of Highway 16 between the

Willow and Bowron Rivers. It comprised Unit two, of Timber Sale

Harvesting License AO5 321. The dry, glacial drumlin ridges were

separated by swampy bottomlands covered by a deep organic layer.

The area was logged by a Northwood Mills Ltd. contractor during

the winter 1973-74. Considerable loss of timber in the form of

broken and buried trees resulted from heavy snowfall conditions dur-

ing logging. This situation was improved by salvage logging and

chipping of residues by the licensee with a Morbark Chiparvestor,

prior to scarification trials. The wet, heavy clay soil was subject

to deep rutting by rubber-tired skidders and crawler tractors. A

15

Figure 7. Baternan RoadBlock. T.S.H.L. A04098, C.P. !AT?,

Unit 7.

Figure 8. Swampy section in Bateman Road Block.

16

notable exception was the low ground pressure Trakmac, the only

machine used for site preparation on this area (Figure 9).

Tumuch Lake-Block D (Appendix A)

This 320 acre (130 ha.) clear-cut block, constituting Unit 20,

Cutting Permit 221, in Timber Sale Harvesting License A01846 was

located at mile 18 on the South Tumuch Road. It was a generally flat

area, with several swampy sections in the central and northern

portions, and a 20 to 30 percent slope along the south-eastern timber

boundary. Five seed blocks, each some three to four acres (1.2 to

1. 6 ha.) in size had been severely windthrown, and consequently

were salvage logged during the summer of 1974. The block was

operationally scarified during September and October 1974, with

only one acre (0.4 ha.) treated for Experimental Project 741.

Consequently, as no time studies were made on Block D, it is

only considered in this report because of its inclusion in the overall

project.

Tumuch Lake-Block E(Appendix A)

This area was located at Mile 19 on the Tumuch South Road.

The 273 acre (110 ha.) flat to rolling clear-cut block, comprising

Unit 1A of Cutting Permit 223, in T. S. H. L. A01846, had been winter

logged in 1973-74. Stumps and heavy slash (Figure 10) were

17

Figure 9. Trakmac crossing swamp between drumlin ridgesin Vama Vama Creek Block.

Figure 10. C. P. 223, Unit 1A at Mile 19 on Tumuch SouthRoad.

.

I

18

19

the result of deep snowfall conditions during harvesting.

This area was deleted from the scarification trials in order

to avoid excessive machinery breakage. Subsequently, Block E was

salvage logged, and broadcast burned. For this reason it is not

included in the appendices.

Tumuch Lake-Block F (Appendix A)

This was a 246 acre (140 ha.) clear-cut block. Comprising

Unit 14 of Cutting Permit 221, in T.S.H.L. A01846, it had been

winter logged in 1972-73. The six seedblocks left on this area had

not produced a significant level of natural regeneration. They had

suffered the same wind damage effects as those in Block D above,

and were therefore salvage logged during the summer of 1974.

Limited machine trials were carried out in this area, with the major

portion of the block being operationally scarified by brush blade

Hungary Creek West-Block G (Appendix A)

Located just north of Yellowhead Highway 16, the Hungary

Creek area was selected, along with Block A above, for limited

winter trials of the HD-16 backhoe. The results obtained in this

block, in December 1974, serve to illustrate the impracticality of

forest soil scarification in two to three feet (one meter) depth of

snow (Appendix B).

Testing Procedure

Block Subdivision

Each "block" was subdivided into "test areasit of approximately

30 to 40 acres (12 to 16 ha.) in size. The boundaries of these test

areas were roads, creeks, ridgelines, swamps and timber boundaries.

One small test area of about five acres (2 ha.) was reserved within

each block for control purposes, and received no site preparation

treatment (Appendix A).

Each "test area!? was subdivided into iwork sections?! of between

one and five acres (0.4 and 2. 0 ha.). These were usually marked at

the corners with plastic flagging tape. They were homogeneous as

to slash intensity, degree of slope, and soil type. On flat ground,

work sections were usually established 150 to 200 feet (45 to 50 m.)

wide, by 600 to 1,000 feet (180 to 400 m.) long, as most site

preparation machines worked more efficiently in long strips which

minimized turning time (see Appendix A, Figure A. 3, illustrating

research design).

Site Assessment

A site assessment plot was randomly located in each "work

section", and measurements were taken prior to site preparation

treatment. Data recorded on the Forest Site Assessment Sheet

20

(Appendix C) included measurements of slash, stumps, residual

trees, soil type, slope, aspect, etc. (Figure 11).

Work Studies

During scarification of each work section, either a) motion

economy study, or b) time study was carried out.

Motion economy was continuous timing to minute accuracy,

used while familiarizing operators with new equipment,

alternative work patterns etc. , to establish an efficiency

factor.

Time study was continuous timing with stopwatch of

components of the work cycle, e.g., working, backing up,

hang-up of equipment, turning around, etc. Work Study

Data Sheet was used for recording purposes (Appendix C).

Area Survey

Following scarification, a staff compass and tape survey was

run of the perimeter of each work section. The traverse was plotted

and planimetered to determine the area of treatment.

Photography

Aerial high level control photography for mapping purposes

was made of each block, before and after equipment trials. In

21

23

addition, low level photography, using a helicopter and 70 mm

double cameras, was made for photoanalysis of logging slash condi-

tions. Typical "before and after" results can be seen in Appendix A.

Experimental Project (E. P.) 741

Within each of Experimental Project 740 Blocks A, B and D, a

typical test area was subdivided into work sections, and treated by

all scarifiers as they became available. These areas were planted

in June 1975 as part of a joint study project with the Canadian Forestry

Service. Planting trials a.re reported on page 59. Subsequent growth

studies will determine the biological effectiveness of the various

site preparation treatments. This was a separate program from the

Silvicultural Mechanical Site Preparation (E. p. 740) project.

Equipment Trials

Testing of equipment was mainly carried out from early July

until late August, with a few trials proceeding in the Fall, and final

testing in December 1974. Scarification was done as the attachments

became available from the various suppliers. Large operational

areas were scarified by brush blade when inclement weather, machine

breakdown or modification of attachments, forced curtailment of

production studies. The equipment was either owned by B. C. Forest

Service, or on rental, or loan from private operators.

24

Availability figures reflect paid machine time on the operation,

including unavoidable delays such as machine movement, adjustments,

human delays, etc. Efficiency figures represent the percentage of

available time that individual machines and attachments were actually

working.

Machine Specifications, Comparisons andPerformance

Prime Movers (crawler)

Caterpillar D7E Tractor. For the majority of the scarification

trials, two model 48A tractors driven by Prince George owner-

operators served to power, and move the push, drag, or tow-type

scarifiers. Although rubber-tired skidders are often used for this

purpose, the generally heavy slash and wimdfall conditions experi-

enced in these trials required a slow-moving (0 to 2. 2 miles per

hour in first gear), powerful (180 H. P. ) crawler machine, with

reasonable ground clearance of 15 inches (38 cm. ).

The major disadvantages of this type of machine as a power

source are::

slow travel speed of six m. p. h.(l0km./ha.)ivhile moving

on roads between test areas,

relatively high ground pressure of 10 p. s. i. (0.7 kg. 1cm.2)

on 22 inch (56 cm. ) tracks, which may cause undesirable

25

compaction on some planting sites, as a result of its

23 ton (20,866 kg.) weight.

The 1962 tractor, equipped with 22 inch (56 cm.) width track

shoes, appeared more productive than the 1966 machine equipped

with 24 inch (61 cm.) tracks. As the machines never operated side

by side in identical conditions during the trials, the apparent dif-

ference in productivity is attributed to individual operator experience,

with some slight advantage in maneuverability between stumps with

the narrower tracks. Both machines were equipped with Hyster

winches, which occasionally were used to extricate the tractors from

mudholes, or as a more convenient attachment point than the low-

slung drawbar height of 18 inches (46 cm.).

During the 1956 to 1959 scarification trials in the Prince

George Forest District, Decie and Fraser (3) reported on a compara-

tive study made on one timber sale area between three tractor sizes.

The distribution of desirable seedbeds, as measured by the propor-

tion of milacre (2m2) plots bearing one square foot (900 cm) of

mineral soil was higher (85%) for the Caterpillar P7, than for either

the smaller International TD9 (75%) or the TD6 (70%). Despite

reasonable uniformity of stand and ground conditions, and regardless

of machine size, scarification time remained constant at 1. 5 hours

per acre. Costs, therefore, were appreciably lower per seedbed

for those prepared by the smallest tractor- -6. 2 seedbeds per dollar

26

expended, versus 3. 8 seedbeds per dollar expended by the largest

tractor.

Users, faced with a choice of tractor size are recommended to

consider:

Stump density- -heavy density will favour small tractorblade width.

Degree of slash and windfall--heavy density will favourlarge tractors.

Operator--discomfort and slowing action of jolting andpitching over even light slash is experienced with smalltractors.

Wet ground--long tracks are more suitable as they donot become mired as shorter tracks, which tend to digin.

Break-down time--less with larger tractors.

Cost- -generally much lower with smaller machines.

Horsepower--except in heavy slash, horsepower is nota limiting factor.

Considered most critical, were items three and four above,

A cautionary note is added to use only tractors in good mechanical

condition, particularly with regards to the tracks which are con-

stantly turning and workizg at changing angles. This latter observa-

tion was substantiated during E. p. 74Q An old model crawler

tractor on operational scarification in the Kenneth Creek block,

spent most of the summer broken down.

FM.C. Model 200 CA (choker arch). This 197 flywheel

27

horsepower, power shift tracked skidder was rented from Cypress

Equipment Co. Ltd. in Prince George. It was used during limited

trials in Blocks B and F, as a towing unit for the Sharkfin and Bracke

Cultivator. The unit is equipped with an hydraulic-tilt apron-arch,

winch, hydraulic bulldozer blade, and enclosed operator's cab. Its

weight of 13 tons(ll,794 kg.) provides a low ground pressure of 5.1

p. s. i. (0. 4 kg. /cm. 2) on its 22 inch (56 cm.) tracks (unloaded). It

has an excellent ground clearance of 19 inches (48 cm.) for its solid

plate underchassis.

Mounted on torsion-bar sprung rubber cushioned steel wheels,

the F.M. C, can attain speeds from 0 to 15 m. p. h. (0-24 km. Ihr.)

in forvard and reverse drive. Traction and maneuverability, under

variable ground conditions, are maintained by tilting the loaded arch

forward onto the machine deck, thus increasing the track to ground

pressure.

Although tested for only a brief period, the machine appeared

well adapted to wet spruce-balsam conditions. Longitudinal rocking

occurred as a result of loading of the apron-arch by the scarification

attachment. To alleviate this situation, it is recommended that the

winch line be re-positioned to run through a fair lead to an under-

wrap winch mounted below the deck.

Since the S. M. S. P. trials, it is understood that the F.M. C.

skidder has undergone extensive strengthening modifications,

particularly to its tracks and undercarriage.

Self-Propelled Site Preparation Machines

Two machines in this category were used during the S. M. S. P,,

program. They consisted of attachments suitable for site prepara-

tion, mounted on multi-purpose tracked prime movers.

Allis Chalmers HD 16 Tractor-John Deere 410 Backhoe. This

unit, similar to that of the U. S. Forest Service in Montana, con-

sisted of a hydraulic backhoe, with the operatort s canopy and tilting

deck mounted in-line behind the tractor fuel tank, on a power take-

off bracket.

The operation of the ackhoe required full throttle operation

of the tractor, causing it to travel too rapidly. This created a

rough ride for the backhoe operator, and uneven spacing of planting

spots which were tscreefedt? with the backhoe bucket.

This was the only unit operated under both summer and winter

conditions. The wide seasonal difference in production and cost

figures is reflected in the following data (Table 1), a result of the

three feet of snow which obscured stumps and other obstacles,

causing numerous hang-ups.

This Forest Service-owned tractor was a 185 horsepower,

power shift Allis Chalmers HD-16, equipped with hydraulic-tilt,

28

angle bulldozer blade, and auxiliary hydraulic pump to serve the

backhoe attachment. Total weight, including backhoe, was 25 tons

(22, 680 kg.), which created a ground pressure of 12 p.s. i. (0. 8

kg. /cm. 2) on the 22 inch (56 cm.) tracks. Ground clearance of this

machine was 13 inches (33 cm.). Range of travel speeds was up to

five m. p. h. (8 km. /hr.) in forward, and four m. p. h. (6 km. /hr.)

in reverse.

The model 410 John Deere had a 16 inch (41 cm.) wide backhoe

bucket, of 3. 6 cubic foot (0. 1 m. 3) capacity; it could reach 18 feet

(5. 5 m.) and was mounted on a boom with 180 degrees horizontal

swing, as well as minus 11 feet (3..4 m.), and plus 16 feet (4.9 m.)

digging depth.

Table 1. ED 16 Backhoe Production and Cost Data.

Cost per acre $ 32.00 $110.00

(Cost per hectare $ 12. 95 $ 44. 52)

Trakmac. The Washington Iron Works model TM-72 Trakmac

rented from Northwood Properties Ltd. , was an articulated

29

Acres treated per hour 1. 4 0. 4

(Hectares treated per hour 0. 6 0. 2)

Summer Winter

Hourly rental rate (1974) $ 45.00 $ 45.00Availability 44% 83%

Efficiency 88% 40%

30

soft-track vehicle, with independent hydrostatic drives on the front

and rear modules. Its exceptional maneuverability and low ground

pressures of 3.00 p.s. i. (0. 2 kg. 1cm. 2) on rear, and 375

(0. 3 kg. 1cm. 2) on front, enabled movement on wet, swampy sites

with minimum site impact. The hydraulic boom had a swing of eight

feet (2. 4 rn.) center to center of a 36 inch (0. 9 m.) diameter cutter,

or optional site preparation wheel. This machine had a 130 H P.

diesel engine, and shipping weight of 14,000 pounds (6350 kg)

(Figure 12).

Production rate, as might be expected, will not match that of

the larger crawler tractors in normal conditions (Table 2). How-

ever, the quality of its planter access trails, and planting spots

(Figure 13) combined with its minimal environmental impact, appear

attractive for highly productive, wet, or steep sites.

Considerable downtime occurred as a result of frequent

hydraulic failures during the initial trial period. The piston of one

of the swing cylinders dismantled. This was followed by failure of

the hydraulic hose to the replacement cylinder. Three other hoses

controlling the cutterwheel tilt, the cutter motor control valve, and

the return swing also failed; the former of these as the result of a

piece of wood jamming in the cutter-head. Hydraulic oil leakage

also occurred around the reservoir.

Early trials were made with the 36 inch (91 cm.) cutter-wheel

Figure 12. Washington Iron Works, model TM 72 Trakmac inKenneth Creek Block.

4--- -

-d- ' 1- -

Figure 13. Trakmac planting spots at Kenneth Creek.

31

32

which was soon replaced by the site preparation wheel. Cutting

through the duff could only be accomplished with the wheel at the high

speed setting of 640 r.pm. The straight blades of the site prepara-

tion wheel tended to centrifugally throw, rather than mix the

nutrient-rich duff with the underlying mineral soil. These blades

were soon worn round on the edges, and outer corners, and had to

be rebuilt Shrouding around the cutter-head would likely eliminate

this centrifugal waste of planting site material. Lateral tilt, and

cab-controlled speed selection of the cutter-head are other

recommended improvements

Site Preparation Attachments

Since the FMC 200 CA trials were of a very limited extent,

the comments and data below pertain to operations where the

Caterpillar D7E tractors served as prime movers for the various

scarification attachments.

Table 2. TM-72 Production and Cost Data.

Rental rate per hour (1974) $24. 00

Availability 62%

Efficiency 52%

Acres treated per hour 0. 36

(Hectares treated per hour 0. 15)

Cost per acre $67.00

(Cost per hectare $27. 11)

33.

Brush Blades. Both tractors were equipped with brush blades.

These blades were 11 feet 8 inches (3. 5 m.) long, and three feet

seven inches (1. 1 m.) high. The 1962 tractor had a Beales blade

with six 18 inch (46 cm.) long shanks which curved forward sharply

below the moldboard, producing an under-shoe effect. The Beales

brush blade rides over obstacles easily, and is well suited for site

preparation work (Figure 14). The 1966 tractor was equipped with

a Panko blade with six 24 inch (61 cm.) 1ong shanks which are only

slightly curved forward below the moldboard. The Panko brush blaae

hooks obstacles, scalps the surface, and is better adapted to slash-

piling, and land cleaning operations. In addition to test areas

completed. by brush blade (Table 3), large tioperationalli areas were

also treated in this manner. The brush blade was also found to be

necessary for removal of heavy slash while using the tow-type

scarifiers. There is considerable variance in brush blade design..

The "idealt' design might incorporate a slight V configuration, with

smooth moldboard for side-casting, as well as the shoe tooth

configuration to reduce root snagging. Brush blading results

generally in well cleared strips, sometimes scalped too deeply,

with large intervening windrow accumulations of slash (Figure 15).

Table 3. Brush Blade Production and Cost Data.

(combined for Beales and Panko blades)

35

Ripper V-Plow (Figure 16). This blade designed, built by, and

on loan from Northwood Pulp and Timber Ltd. in Prince George,

was of very massive construction. It was fabricated from two, four

foot (1.2 m.) by eight foot (2.4 m.) steel sheets welded into a

V-shaped frame, forming a 12 foot 8 inch (3. 9 m.) wide moldboard.

Vertical box frames, welded to either end of the V-frame, enclosed

heavy, depth adjustable, 24 inch (61 cm.) steel shanks with the bottom

hooked forward, stinger-like, to accomodate an .in -turned plowshare.

A third fixed stub-shank was located at the V apex of the blade. This

unit was designed to fit on the C frame of a Caterpillar D7E tractor

Maximum clearance under the blade at full lift was only 12 inches

(30 cm.).

Larger material was side-cast into windrows. Short logs

and chunks, however, were usually caught by the corner mounted

Rental rate per hour(including prime mover)

$29. 00

Availability 83%

Efficiency 64%



Cost per acre $50. 00


36

plowshares, and drawn inward under the crawler track. The result-

ing roughness made it difficult to maintain a constant working depth.

The plowshare lead also, on striking rooted obstructions, pulled the

entire machine with a twisting motion downward, and further into

the obstruction, causing the opposite corner of the blade to lift

completely clear of the ground. The resulting treatment effect was

one of alternate gouging with some good furrowing in between (Figure

17). The massive blade obstructed the operators view, and limited

the air flow to the engine causing overheating of both machine and

operator. The only mechanical failure was breakage of one plow-

share cutting edge. The following table shows production and cost

data obtained with the Northwood Ripper V-Plow.

Sharkfin Drag Scarifier (Figure 18). For application in the

S. M. S. P. trials, the sharkfin was combined with other equally

simple componejits which can be readily interchanged, and attached

Table 4. V-Plow Production and Cost Data.

Rental rate per hour (1974)(including prime mover)

$32.00

Availability 92%

Efficiency 66%





I

Figure 16. V-plow moving heavy logging slash in KennethCreek Block.

Figure 17. V-plow planting spots at Kenneth Creek.

37

singly or in multiples to either winch line or drawbar of a suitable

prime mover.

Components by assembly sequence:

Boat: An eight foot (2. 4 m.) triangular shaped, one foot(0. 3 m.) deep steel towing yoke, designed by B. C.Forest Service. Attached to the leading apex was a sixfoot (1. 8 m.) long section of one and three quarter inch(4. 5 cm.) diameter tow chain This allowed the scarifierlateral flexibility to move around stumps, while permittingthe tractor to back up, and maneuver .around obstacles.Welded on the rear vertical plate were four equally-spaced attachment brackets.

Scarifier Chain: Two nine foot (2. 7 m.) long, or eightlink sections, of 30 pound (13.5 kg.) link, of two and onehalf inch (6. 4 cm.) diameter anchor chain. Ten inch(25 cm.) grouser bars extended laterally from each link.These cross pieces in Hteetl formation tended to align thelighter slash, while ripping into the duff.

Sharkfin: This drag scarifier was originally designed bythe Ontario Department of Lands and Forests. In itsS. M1 S. P. configuration it consisted of two drums, eachfour feet (1. 2 m.) long by two feet (0. 6 m.) diameter,and fabricated of one half inch (13 mm.) plate. Eachdrum had four rows of opposing spirally aligned cutterblades or fins, six inch (15 cm.) deep, six and one halfinch (16.5 cm.) top, and eight inch (20 cm.) bottomdimensions, on the longitudinal axis of the drums. Whentowed, the blades forced the drums to rotate slowly,shearing and mixing the soil surface layers in two shallowfurrows. Best rotation and results were achieved withthe drums each ballas ted with sixty gallons (227 liters)of water, through filling plugs in the rear of the drums.Partial water load caused the drums to ??nose in" and dragrather than rotating. Occasionally, the drums flippedover each other, on a stump, or while turning at the endof a strip.

Stabilizer Pads: Two, three foot (0. 9 m.) long sectionsof one and one half inch (3. 8 cm.) diameter chain,complete with swivels, served to attach and prevent

38

39

rotation of the last components. These consisted of two,three foot (0. 9 m.) lengths of discarded 24 inch (61 cm.)track from a Caterpillar D 8 size tractor. The latterserved to stabilize, and prevent the drums from bouncingabout, while also mixing the soil in the furrows cut bythe fins

This scarifier, while of simple design, produced a high

standard of performance (Table 5). Trafficability in the strips

'was adequate, and a consistent planting pattern was provided by the

furrows. The latter were five to six feet (1. 5 to 1.8 m.) apart,

but could be increased by use of a wide boat (Figure 19).

On sidehill operation, the drums tend to move laterally down-

hill. Results were generally better with the drag attached to the

tractor drawbar, maintaining boat and anchor chain in closer sur-

face contact. However, on soft ground, attaching the drag to the

winch line permitted the operator to tidrop?? the scarifier, move

ahead and winch in, as a skidder operator does on soft ground to

prevent bogging down. The only mechanical failure was breakage

of a tow chain link, when a sharkfin drum became wedged between

two large stumps on a turn.

=

.

Figure 18. Sharkfin drag scarifier at Kenneth Creek.

.

Figure 19, Sharkfin planting spots and planter access trailat Kenneth Creek.

40

Finnish Disc Trencher--Model TTS 35 (Figure 20). This

machine weighs 4,000 pounds(1814 kg.), is seven and one half

feet (2. 3 m.) long, ten feet (3 m.) wide. It consists of a V-shaped

ballast tank supported on two, three and one half foot (1. 1 m.

diameter friction motivated, toothed cutter discs.

The unit was rented from Eurocan Limited's operations

near Burns Lake, west of Prince George. It reportedly had operated

satisfactorily on site preparation in the light slash of a lodgepole

pine (Pinus contorta latifolia) cut-over. The trencher's box frame

was dented from contact with the butt plate of the rubber-tired

skidder towing nit The machine, however, is equipped with lift

hooks for the purpose of raising it with a high fairlead winch line.

This practice would prevent damage and excessive drag, while

backing up, maneuvering around stumps, turning at the end of

strips, and moving the trencher between treatment areas.

Table 5. Sharkfin Production and Cost Data.

4 1

Rental rate per hour (1974)(including prime mover)

$32.00

Availability 89%

Efficiency 78%




(Cost per hectare $ 8. 50)

The initial S. M. S. P. trial lasted only one hour. The ring

hitch attached to the tractor drawbar pin failed, as the trencher

rotated in the opposite direction to the tractor. This occurred

while passing around and over stumps. Replacement by a large

swivel ring proved to be an expedient but temporary improvement.

A double swivel hitch similar to a scraper hitch would have been

preferable, as excessive wear to the tractor drawbar and ring

resulted from the loose fit of the two components. During the last

trials in August 1974, the upper tongue of the tractor drawbar broke

off at the pin, due to this pounding action (Figure 21).

The trenching angle of the discs, which can be adjusted

mechanically to five different widths, was left at the second setting

in order to minimize drag, and possible damage to the machine.

The wider settings could be experimented with in lighter slash condi-

tions. The effectiveness of adding weights to create deeper furrows,

as the design permits, could also have been tested underless severe

conditions. In light slash conditions, the trencher is capable of

producing furrows to a maximum 12 inch (30 cm.) depth, 24 to 36

inch (61 to 91 cm.) width, spaced five feet (1.5 m.) apart.

Limited additional trials carried out in the fall of 1974

provided the production and cost figures shown in Table 6.

42

Figure 20. Finnish T. T. S model 35 Disc Trencher.

Figure 21. Disc Trencher at Kenneth Creek Block.

43

44

Swedish Bracke Cultivator (Figure 22). This is a sturdy pull-

type machine with a two-wheel suspension and drive "bogiet1, designed

for wheeled skidder winch line towing. The geared-down rotation of

two, four-spade mattock wheels, independently suspended and chain

driven from the bogie wheels, produced a grid-patterned, digging

and lifting scarification. This machine weighs 7300 pounds (3300 kg.).

The Swedish Bracke Cultivator was purchased by B. C. Forest

Service directly from Sweden where it is normally towed behind a

wheeler skidder. On EP 740, it was attached directly to the tractor

drawbar with a modified hitch plate. Frequent hang-ups of the

Bracke and towing tractor resulted from the low ground clearance

of 10. 5 inches (37 cm.). An early modification was the addition of

a small roller at the front end of the pole hitch, to prevent excessive

wear by the towing chain, or winch line, which subsequently replaced

it. Cross chains, and a separator bar, between the mattock wheels

Table 6. Finnish Disc Trencher Production and Cost Data.

Rental rate per hour (1974) $35.00(Including prime mover)

Availability 78%

Efficiency 72%





45

were other modifications to facilitate road transport. Grease

nipples were added to the mattock wheel guide cylinders and pro-

vided temporary relief to lessen impact on the support pins. These

also had to be replaced with hard steel pins, supported by welded

brackets, as the ariginal pins bent during early trials.

To provide adequate ground clearance, and the recommended

pole height of 40 inches (102 cm.), a "gooseneck" hitch was fabri-

cated. However, this hitch and two drawbar pins broke during later

trials, attesting to the severe nature of site preparation work, or

perhaps, the excessive power of the towing unit. Mattock wheel

support rods bent, as trees and heavy slash fell across them, and

were replaced by wire slings which have the necessary flexibility to

escape damage.

The mattock pattern of planting spots was often interrupted,

as heavy slash interfered with the normal pattern of the four mattocks

on each wheel. The ideal pattern is a seven foot by seven foot (2. 1 m.

by w. 1 m.) spacing of holes, three to four feet (0.9 to 1.2 m.) long

and, one foot (0. 3 m.) wide, by nine to twelve inches (23 to 30 cm.)

deep (Figure 23). Production and cost data obtained with the

Bracke Cultivator are shown in Table 7.

46

Table 7. Swedish Bracke Cultivator Production and Cost Data.

Rental rate per hour (1974) $35.00(Including prime mover)

Availability 78%

Efficiency 66%

Acres treated per hour 0.81


Cost per acre $43. 00


Figure 22. Swedish Bracke Cultivatorin Bateman Road Block.

Figure 23. Bracke Cultivator planting spots and planteraccess trail at Kenneth Creek.

S

47

Caterpillar D7E

The Caterpillar D7E (180 h.p.) crawler tractor was considered

to be the optimum size for purposes of the S. M. S. P. trials. There

is now considerable evidence to indicate the need of a critical review

IV. SUMMARY OF RESULTS

Major changes to machine design, such as turbocharged engines

and planetary final drives, have taken place during the past two

decades. Nevertheless, striking similarities exist in results achieved

on mechanical forest scarification trials over this period of time.

Earlier models were less powerful, as noted below, lacking such

refinements as today's commonplace power shift transmission.

Design features of brush blades, as well as the mattock wheels of

the Bracke, and earlier Swedish cultivator, and Imsett plough (3, 5)

do bear direct comparison. Likewise the forests of northwestern

Ontario are reasonably similar to those of central and northern

British Columbia.

For purposes of comparison, results of trials as reported by

Holt, Swan and Weetman (5) in Ontario, and Decie and Fraser (3) in

the Prince George Forest District of British Columbia, are referred

to below.

Prime Movers

48

49

of prime movers. The following machine characteristics should be

examined.

Power. On a number of occasions, breakage occurred

to attachments, and even to the heavy duty tractor drawbar. This

indicates excessive power of the towing unit for this application.

Flotation. On wet sites the D7E tractor often either

bogged down, or hung up on a stump, with visible rutting of the

forest floor. While wide tracks are used on smaller tractors for

specialized operations, such as ski hill maintenance, and Arctic

transport units, their use is precluded in logged areas by the pres-

ence of track-damaging stumps, boulders, and heavy slash.

Size and Type. A comparative brush blading trial by

Decie and Fraser (3) in 1956 produced constant time-per-acre of

1.5 hours for the three tractor sizes utilized, Caterpillar D7 (115

h.p.), International T..D.9 (65 h.p.), and T. D. 6(50 h.p.).

On the 1954-55 Ontario trials, Caterpillar D4 (60 h.p.), D6

(80 h. p.), and International T. D. 14 (80 h. p.) tractors were used

as prime movers. However, the shorter tracks of the smaller

tractors often caused them to dig in on wet ground (5).

Intensity of slash, which is largely controllable by management

practices, necessarily exercises a major influence on the selection

of prime mover size and type (15). Nevertheless, the Caterpillar

D7E is considered by the writer as oversized and overpowered for

the purpose of towing site preparation attachments

FMC 200 CA

50

This tractor depends on weight-loading of the apron-arch for

optimum balance and traction. Towing capability, and machine

stability could be improved by running the winch line through a fair-

lead mounted below the deck to an under-wrap winch drum, to

minimize longitudinal rocking of the tractor.

The F.M.C. blade assembly is not strong enough for regular

blading duties, but could be strengthened for slash moving, in con-

junction with tow-type scarifiers.

Although of limited duration, S. M. S. P. trials with the F. M. C.

proved its suitability to the wet white spruce-alpine fir (Picea glauca

ssp. glauca-Abies lasiocarpa) site types. The long track, with its

low ground pressure, and torsion bar suspension create minimum

ground disturbance.

Rubber-Tired Skidders

Wheel skiddrs are used extensively in Scandinavia, and in

northwestern Ontario for the purpose of towing site preparation

attachments. They are also used in the Ootsa Lake area of British

Columbia to pull the Finnish Disc Trencher, as reported herein.

51

These applications are on generally dry site conditions.

Due to high ground pressures, with resulting environmental

impact, these machines would not be suitable as site preparation

prime movers on the wet site conditions encountered during S. M. S. P.

trials (4).

Self-Propelled Scarifiers

Allis Chalmers HD-16--John Deere 410 Backhoe

The concept of two operators attempting to perform different

functions on the same machine, while operating over rough ground

conditions is not considered practical. This was borne out during

the S.M.S.P. trials.

Trakmac

The Washington Iron Works model TM-72 Trakmac is a rela-

tively slow, costly producer of planting spots, which show no superi.-

ority to those produced by less sophisticated scarifiers. Because of

its low ground pressure, this machine operates well on very wet

sites. However, the dish-shaped planting holes, which would be

subject to flooding, are undesirable in wet locations.

Site Preparation Attachments

Brush Blades

52

The Beales brush blade, with its seven forward-curving shanks

which ride over obstacles, was better suited for site preparation

work than the Panko blade. S. M. S. P. results, however, as with the

earlier Prince George, and Ontario trials, showed brush blading to

be costlier and less effective than other scarification methods. Pro-

duction was about half that of tow-type scarifiers; with resulting

mountainous accumulations of slash and duff piled between the

scalped planter access trails. By the next rotation the otherwise flat

forest floor, which is normally ideal for mechanical harvesting, may

well have developed a gently rolling surface. This was the case with

the pit-and-mound ground relief that developed (8) in formerly wind

thrown forests of New Brunswick. Certainly, the removal of duff

from growing sites as reported earlier (3) in the Prince George area,

resulted in slower growth of tree seedlings.

Ripper V-Plow

Although it achieved reasonable operating costs, the effective

work pattern produced by the V-Plow was very sporadic. The V

configuration does have merit for incorporation in a brush blade

design, because of its sideward deflection of slash. Such a blade,

53

mounted on a suitable prime mover, could be used in conjunction

with tow-type scarifiers.

In the writer's considered opinion based on observations, the

use of a push-type ripper to produce regularly spaced planting spots

is not a practical means of forest scarification.

Sharkfin Drag Scarifier

The sharkfin achieved the lowest operating costs during the

S. M S. P. trials It produced a continuous "planting spottt in the

form of a shallow trough, thus allowing flexibility of planting site

selection. Minimal mixing action took place between the duff and

mineral soil layers. Improved configuration, e. g. three rows of

fins on the drums instead of four, might provide better mixing action.

Finnish Disc Trencher

The model T. T. S. 35 Disc Trencher, like the Rome and the

Athens disc ploughs reported in the earlier trials (3, 5), achieved

low cost performance, while producing a good.quality continuous

"planting spot11. In all of these trials, trenching was impeded by

slash not removed by the tractor blade. Soil mixing could be

improved through the addition of small floating moldboards or discs9

mounted in the rear so as to return the cutter disc excavations back

into the furrows, thus affecting a deeply cultivated windrow

Swedish Bracke Cultivator

This refined model of the earlier Swedish Cultivator, and the

imset Scarifier, did not match this latter's low cost position in its

Ontario trials (5). Nor, does production reflect that obtained in

Sweden of 2. 5 acres per hour (1. 0 ha. per hour). However, due to

its mixing action, it is reasonable to expect the same biologically

superior results with the Bracke cultivator, as were proven with

the Imset scarifier.

Tie preparation of only the necessary planting spots, thereby

eliminating unnecessary ground disturbance, is a sound concept.

Availability figures for this machine reflect excessive down-

time for towing hitch modifications. The unit is sturdy; if provided

with a suitable hitch, and the design changes already incorporated,

it should prove to be a satisfactory scarification implement.

Work Specification Comparison

From a comparison shown In Appendix B, of work done by

five scarifiers tested during July and August 1975, the following

observations and deductions have been reached.

Strip Length

Generally, long strips permit higher speeds, and greater

54.

55

production, as turn-around time is more or less constant for each

strip. A strip length of some 700 feet (215 m.) is most suitable for

machines and planters.

Strip Width

The Sharkfin achieved the most consistent spacing with an

average strip width of 17 feet (5 m.). The Bracke also attained 17

feet (5 m.) spacing with a wider range of widths, probably due to the

heavy vegetation and slash in which it operated.

The V-Plow and the Trakmac produced inconsistent strip

widths which corroborate the planters' comments on the circuitous

path of the Trakmac. This m.chine and the brush blade both prepared

strips wider than the desired eight feet (3. 4 m.) seedling spacing.

Travel Speed

The Sharkfin had the fastest travel speed, operating at over

100 feet (30 m.) per minute on some work sections. A substantial

difference in operating speed was detected between the two Caterpillar

D7E tractors. The older tractor, which attained the greater produc-

tion, was equipped with narrower tracks, and had a more experienced

operator. The V-Plow also operated at high speed, but produced a

very erratic work pattern. The 66 feet (20 m.) per minute averaged

by the Bracke cultivator was considered as a good rate of speed

Machine Minutes per Acre

V-Plow 31

Sharkfin (Operator 1) 30

Sharkfin (Operator 2) 39

Bracke 41

Brush Blade 76

Trakmac 97

56

considering the heavy brush, slash and large stump conditions on

which it operated.

The Trakmac at 21 feet (6.4 m.) per minute had the lowest

travel speed. This is understandable, as it must stop to cut planting

spots. The brush blade at 27 feet (8. 2m.) per minute was the second

slowest scarifier tested.

Turn-around time at the end of each strip is included in all

cases. However, because of the great bulk of the Sharkfin, neces-

sitating some 35 feet (11 m.) of turning radius, its turn-around time

was timed separately and found to be 0.86 minutes, and 1.31 minutes

respectively for the two tractors.

Production- -Minutes per Acre

Table 8 shows average production rates in descending order

of productivity for the work sections sampled.

Table 8. Machine Production in Minutes Per Acre Treated.

57

These figures indicate relative rates of productivity of the

machines tested. The very real difference which may occur between

operators using the same scarifier is also evident from the above

production figures. These, incidentally, correspond with other

noted production differences. They are believed to be mainly a func-

tion of degree of operator experience.

Planting Spots

Thequality of planting spots is covered elsewhere in this

report. The following then is a production study of the discrete plant-

ing spots produced by the Trakmac.

On several work sections sampled the longitudinal spacing

averaged ten feet (3 m.) centre to centre of the planting micro-sites;

lateral or cross -spacing averaged nine feet (2.7 m.).

Cycle time for the cutter head to swing and produce two micro-

sites was 40 seconds.

Work section one containing 1. 78 acres (0. 72 ha.), consisted

of five 750 foot (230 m.) long strips, and was treated in 197 minutes;

750 micro-sites were produced during this time, or just in excess

of three per minute. This production figure compares favorably

with that of the swing cycles timed above. The number of planting

spots produced per acre (0. 4 ha.) on this work section was 421.

B - Before; A - After.

The Sharkfin scarifier made the most significant improvement

in site condition and planting productivity ratings. It also more than

doubled the number of available planting spots per acre.

Site and Planting Productivity Rating

From Site Assessment measurements taken by Reforestation

Division personnel at Kenneth Creek, prior to and after site prepara-

tion, the following ratings of site condition, and planting difficulty

were determined. These were then used by the Division to establish

anticipated planting performance standards (18).

Table 9. Anticipated Planting Production.

58

SiteCondition

Rating

PlantingProduction

Rating

PlantingSpots

Per Acre

AnticipatedPlanting

ProductionPer Day

- BC ontrol 7 11 383 842-A ---BBrush Blade -A

75

1310

327427

842994

-BV-Plow -A97

1412

180355

831940

-B 11 16 181 788Sharkfin -A 5 10 373 972

-BB racke -A87

1412

300422

799886

-BT rackmac 9 14 305 799-A 5 10 310 983

59

The anticipated daily planter production for all treatments,

however, was not attained as shown in planting trials discussed in

the following section. Furthermore, the writer does not believe that

the anticipated production is attainable, under the conditions

expe rienced.

Planting Trials

From May 22 to June 9, 1975, planting trials using 2 + 0 bare-

root white spruce (Picea glauca ssp. glauca) seedings were carried

out in the test areas of Kenneth Creek Block, in an effort to evaluate

the various scarification treatments.

The stated preference of the planters was for the brush-bladed

Test Area 1, for two reasons: 1) a continuous path of mineral soil,

and 2) straight alighnment of planter access trails.

Their second choice was for Test Area 2, treated by the Bracke

Cultivator. The winter backhoe-treated Test Area 8 was not as well

prepared as Test Area 7, treated in the Fall. Both areas had some

natural regeneration, with the result that lower daily crew produc-

tion was achieved. The zig-zag pattern of the Trakmac planting

holes was criticized by the planters.

No significant correlation is feasible from the data obtained.

Time studies, of a very limited nature, showed an average of 12 to

13 seedlings planted in a five minute period, regardless of treatment,

60

and likewise on the heavily-brushed untreated control area. The

latter point is incomprehensible, and casts doubt on the veracity of

the data. Daily production for each of the planters averaged approxi-

mately 500 trees during a seven hour planting period.

During an August 1975 visit to the area, all seedlings displayed

vigorous growth despite the abundance of competitive vegetation.

A separate study will compare tree seedling growth with site prepara-

tion treatment, over a period of several years.

V. HYDROLOGIC IMPLICATIONS

No evidence of environmental impact resulting from site pre-

paration methods was present on the S. M. S. P. Blocks, up to the

most recent inspection visit in August 1975.

It is expected that any significant hydrologic event caused by

mechanical site preparation would be the result of:

Vegetation and Litter Removal

- complete removal of the slash and duff layers withthe brush blade.

Mechanical Equipment Passage

- passage of heavy tractors over exposed mineral soil.

Topography

- site preparation work perpendicular to the contourson sloping ground.

- benching on steeper slopes.

Vegetation and Litter Removal

On aspen (Populus tremuloides) sites in northern Utah, Marston

(9) found that summer storms overland flow and soil erosion were

slight where vegetation and litter covered 65 percent or more of the

soil surface. Also Lowdemilk (7), as early as 1928, studied the

effects of forest litter on run off and erosion. Beneficial effects of

litter cover were found to be due to the protection offered to soil

61

62

from the destructive action of raindrops, rather than its water-.

absorbing capacity.

The only S. M. S. P. equipment which might create these

deleterious effects was the brush blade, with its generally excessive

scalping action. Its use should be restricted to the removal of

heavier slash in preparing planter access trails by tow-type

scarifiers.

Mechanical Equipment Passage

It has been shown by Steinbrenner (17) and others, that the

use of tractors for logging creates a soil disturbance. This may take

the form of soil displacement by blading of skid trails, of deep soil

puddling (Figure 24) under saturated conditions, and compaction of

surface layers even under dry conditions. Further tests showed that

four trips with a tractor reduced macroscopic pore space by half,

and infiltration rate by over 80 percent, while dry soil conditions

prevailed. A single trip had the same adverse effects under moist

soil conditions.

The soil disturbance on skid roads reduced stocking of natural

regeneration by nearly 50 percent. Also seedlings were of poorer

quality, and showed less height growth. Site restoration was per-

formed with a Caterpillar D6 tractor equipped with a land clearing

blade containing seven 18 inch teeth, and dragging a 24 inch heavy

63

farm disc. The blade teeth broke up the compacted and puddled soil,

while the disc broke the large clods, and covered the tractor tracks.

The disc produced a well aerated mineral soil seed bed suitable for

planting.

Froehlich (4) points out that static rear-wheel ground pressures

of rubber-tired skidders of up to 28 p. s. 1., or more than double that

of crawler tractors, may be further. increased by the bouncing action

of the machine in motion (Figure 25).

Proper selection of equipment and timing of use may drastically

reducesoil disturbance and compaction.

Topography

Slope characteristics, i.e., the length and degree .of a slope,

as well as its aspect, are all significant factors, in determining the

amount of runoff and erosion. For this reason, a contour pattern

was followed on side slopes during S. M. S.. P. trials.

It is imperative that the formation of drainage channels

perpendicularto contours be avoided. The Bracke cultivator's

interrupted scarification pattern is a definite advantage, in this regard.

The sharkfin drums had a tendency to roll downhill, when operated

parallel to the contours.

The practice of benching on steeper slopes is to be avoided in site pre -

parationwork, as it isduring logging; in order to minimize Soil movement.

Figure 24 Rubber-tired skidder trail in salvage cutover atVama Vama Creek. August 1974.

I

Figure 25. Skidder tracks in Bateman Road Block.

S

.1

64

VI. ALTERNATIVE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

This section will deal briefly with certain practices which must

be considered, either as alternatives, or as adjuncts to mechanical

site preparation, during the preparation of a sound forest management

plan. Under certain conditions, the use of one system may either

negate, or enchance the value of another management tool.

Residue Logging

During the 1974 summer season, Northwood Mills Ltd, carried

out salvage logging in areas adjacent to, or included in S. M. S. P.

trials. Residue wood materials were chipped using a Morbark

Chiparvestor (Figure 26). Loaded chip vans were hauled from land-

ings on Kenneth Creek and Vama Vama Creek to the pulpmill at

Prince George. Production of residue materials, including deciduous

trees, was in excess of 1200 cubic feet per acre (84 m3/ha.), as

reported by Northwood production personnel on the site.

A fairly recent Canadian development to inventory slash fuels

is the use of 70 mm low-level photography. Muraro (10) reports that

volumes calculated by this method are as reliable as those obtained

from ground sampling surveys. This technique was used during the

S. M. S. P. pa?oject (Appendix A), and shows promise in planning for

residue logging or site preparation activities.

Figure Z6. Morbark Chiparvestor on Northwood logging showat Vama Vama Creek.

Figure 27, Logging residue at Tumuch Lake,,

S

66

67

Increased wood fibre yield may produce the additional benefits

of slash disposal reduction measures for fire abatement, and reduc-

tion of site preparation treatment to ensure successful regeneration

(Figure 27).

Slashburnin

During the 1974 season, industry in the Prince George Forest

District broadcast and windrow burned some 20, 000 acres (8, 100 ha.),

and Forest Service an additional 1, 300 acres (525 ha.). Even with

the increased vigilance, and precautionary measure exercised on pre-

scribed burning operations, there were 36 escape fires that burned

a total of 3, 075 acres (1, 245 ha.). Continued use of prescribed

burning as a suitable site preparation method is anticipated for some

12,750 acres (5, 160 ha.) (Appendix).

Studies by McMinn (11), in the Prince George Forest District,

show improved growth of seedlings on heavily burned patches. This

suggests that on appropriate sites, burning during periods when sur-

face organic horizons can be significantly reduced, may justify the

increased fire control. measures required.

Chemical Treatment

Effective site preparation includes control of competing

68

vegetation, and manipulation of the soil for better survival and growth

of the newly planted trees.

Mechanical site preparation, and prescribed burning may

achieve the objective of inhibiting, or delaying the growth of compet-

ing vegetation. They also tend to alter or remove the surface

organic layers. Herbicide treatment (12) inhibits competing vegeta-

tion without disturbing these horizons. The aim of the S. M. S. P.

trials, however, was to create disturbance of the duff layer.

McMinn (11) reports on 197 1-72 trials in this Forest District

to assess the value of herbicides for site preparation, and to deter-

mine the significance of removing competitive vegetation, with or

without removal of surface organic horizons. Results of these

exploratory trials showed that herbicide treatment was less effec-

tive for site preparation than even blade scarification (11).

VII. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The following conclusions and recommendations are made in

the same chronological order that they would occur during the nor-

mal course of forest operations:

Pres carification

69

This practice was used in past years with only limited success,

when natural regeneration was the silvicultural aim. It would be of

even less value for site preparation of white spruce (Picea glauca

ssp. glauca) seedlings planted following harvesting, as many of the

planting spots produced would be covered with logging slash.

Logging

The generally wet ground conditions of the white spruce-alpine

fir (Picea glauca ssp. glauca-Abies lasiocarpa) forest types have

necessitated winter logging of approximately 60 percent of the 100, 000

acres (40, 470 ha.) whic1 is clear-cut harvested annually in the Prince

George Forest District.

Skidding on the snowpack, while undoubtedly essential in some

areas, creates two undesirable site conditions:

Duff on the forest floor is left undisturbed, thus necessitating

site preparation work.

70

Broken and lost logs are left under the snow to be retrieved

and chipped when feasible, during summer salvage logging,

at additional cost.

It is recommended that a low ground pressure crawler tractor,

such as the FMC 200, be used in the Prince George Forest District

to substantially increase the volume of timber produced during the

summer and fall seasons. This practice would undoubtedly alleviate,

if not entirely eliminate, the conditions of undisturbed forest floor,

and need for salvage residue logging, which result from winter

operations.

Site Preparation

It is recommended that, where economically and ecologically

acceptable, mechanical site preparation in white spruce-alpine fir

(Picea glauca ssp. glauca-Abies lasiocarpa) cut-over be carried out

in the following manner:

Prime Mover

Use a modified FMC 200 CA, or equivalent low ground pres-

sure crawler tractor, equipped with V-shaped brush blade, winch

and suitable towing arrangement.

Site Preparation Attachment

Use a Bracke Cultivator, as modified during S.M.S.P. trials,

and equipped with suitable towing hitch for mounting. behind the FMC

type tractor.

Cost Benefit Consideration

71

In all areas of forest management, costs of programs such as

Silvicultural Mechanical Site Preparation must be weig1ed against

benefits to be achieved, or at least anticipated. Some forest sites

are more highly productive than others; consequently greater

expenditures are justified for their rehabilitation, in view of econ-

omic returns.

A guideline expenditure (13) for the combined cost of site

preparation and establishing regeneration should not exceed $1.00 per

cubic foot (0. 03 m3.) of mean annual increment. For productivity

class one, 100 cubic feet per acre per year (7 m. per ha.), a maxi-

mum expenditure of $100, 00, divided equally between site prepara-

tion, and planting costs is justified.

It would appear from S. M. S. P. results that mechanical site

preparation costs may be kept within the established guidelines, at

least for productivity class one.

It is recommended that site productivity be given prime consi-

deration when a decision on site rehabilitation is required.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Annual Report Prince George Forest District, B. C. ForestService. 1974.

Crossley, D. I. Mechanical scarification and strip clear-cutting to induce lodgepole pine regeneration. CanadaDepartment of Northern Affairs and National Resources.For. Res. Div. Tech. Note No. 34, 14 pp. 1956.

Decie, T. P. and A. R. Fraser. Miscellaneous notes onscarification trials Prince George Forest District 1956 to1959. B. C. Forest Service. Res. Note No. 36. 22 pp.1960.

Froehlich, H. A. Impact of even-age forest management onphysical properties of soils. Even-Age Management Sym.Proc. 0. 5. U. Paper 848. 23 pp. 1973.

Holt, L., H. S. D. Swan, and G. F. Weetman. Forest soilScarification. Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada.50 pp. 1956.

Illi.ngworth, K. and J. W. C. Arlidge. Interim report onsome forest site types in lodgepole pine and spruce-alpinefir stands. B. C. Forest Service. Res. Not No. 35. 44pp. 1960.

Lowdermilk, W. C. Influence of forest litter on runoff,percolation and erosion. Journal Forestry 28: 474-491.1930.

Lyford, W. H. and D. W. MacLean. Mound and pit micro-relief in relation to soil disturbance and tree distribution inNew Brunswick, Canada. Dept. Fish.8z Forest. Can. For.Serv. 17 pp.

Marston, R. B. Ground cover requirements for summerstorm runoff control on aspen sites in northern Utah.Journal Forestry 50: 303-307. 1952.

72

Muraro, S. J. Slashfuel inventories from 70 mm. lowlevel photography. Dept. Fish. & Forest. Can. For.Serv. Pub.. No. 1268. 12 pp. jllus.

McMinn, R. G. Unpublished experiment 70-F4. Pac. For.Res. Centre. Environment Canada.

Newton, M. (ed.) Herbicides in vegetation management inforests, ranges, and non-ciop lands. Syn. Proc. 0. 5. U.School of Forestry, 356 pp. 1967.

Revel, J. The need for mechanized silviculture and reforest-ation systems. B. C. Forest Service. 5 pp. 1974.

Rieche, K. W. A preliminary study of the economic useof crawler, tractor equipment for scarification. B. C.Forest Service. Eng. Div. 1961

Forest soil scarification in the Interiox ofBritish Cohimbia. B. C. Forest Service, Eng. Div. 81pp. 1963.

Project outline EP 740. B. C. ForestService Res. Div. 26 pp. 1974.

Steinbrenner, E. C. Effect of repeated tractor trips onthe physical properties of forest soils. N. W Sd. 29:155-159. 1955.

Vyse, A. H. How to calculate planting performancestandards. B. C. Forest Service Res. Div. 1974.

73

74

APPENDIX A

Maps of Forest Districts, Study Area, and Blocks

Figures Page

A. 1 British Columbia Forest Districts 75

A.2 S.M.S.P. StudyAreas (Blocks Ato G) 76

A. 3 Kenneth Creek- -Block A 77

A. 4 Bateman Road- -Block B 78

A. 5 Vama Va.ma Creek- - Block C 79

A..6 Tumuch Lake--BlockD 80

A.7 Tumuch Lake--Block F 81

A.8 HungaryCreekWest--BlockG 82

A. 9 Aerial Photographs (before and after treatment) 83

APPENDICES

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I,'..h 46.47

uI370.00

6,,.h 77.8., 1,4,6*,V.77 7' .5..., 0.rIh,Oh., III., 77.0, Mr _2.!

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Figure A. 3. IKenneth Crecl--I31ockA.

-iw327.07

77

J.i, ip...... ILEGENDSIANCO 00009IL 0*114 SCC!6$ 00*0SIOICTIOO C 78007.7L)T *771* b0UND*KL.

r 5.. 7 4 r. tI..r 4 72 Ar.. 0.6. y..7e4

30.37 23.61 J.lp 1171

33.23 24.37 A...0 2474

17.11 22.00 J.Iy 2470

37.32 23,40 l74

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Estimated I

Plaritable Area Tree-

Ocres)

8.24 Jul.7.88 Jul.8.74 Aug.4.97 Sept4.58 Oct..83 Dec.

P1OVLNCE OF BTISH COWMBIA - DEPARTMENT OF LANDS,FORESTS AND WATER RESOURCES FOREST. SERVICE, VJCTOA

ENGINEERING DIVISION

18.00 Aug.

LEN

A

7.00 July

60.24

8RANCI( ROADSDIRE CTIOF4 OF WORKTEST AREA BOUUOARY -

LL N3.

78

SCALE: I" 20 C

Test Area

64 J

0

achine AreaNetTreated

(Acres)

Work Sections

1 Control Plot No treatment2 12 Brush Blade 13.743 14 racke Cultivator 15.754 12 Sharkfirlsh fin 20.805 5 FMC 20O-Bracle 9.946 7 .Backhoe 18.327 2 Backhoe 3.32

Operational Brush Blade 30.00

EP 741 B.Blade,Backhoe,Trencher ,Bracke,Sharkfin,Trakmac

15.00

126.87

BATEMAN ROAD1BLOCK B Figure A. 4.

Test Area

VAMA VAMA CREEKBLOCK C

EJ'

' /I(

4,-I, ) /WI TEST AREA

4,

0

Figure A.. 5.

Net Area EstimatedTreated Plantable Area

Work Sections Machine (Acres) (Acres)

F'ROVNCE OF IRITlSH COIUMI3IA - DEPAREMENT 01- LANDS,IORESTS AND V/ATER RESOURCES FOREST SERVICE, VICTORIA


LEGEND= C.

13RANCH ROADSDIRECTION OF WOR}<TEST AREA ROUNOARY -.

79

1'

Date Treated

1 7 . Trakmac 9.95 5.97 August/74

lilt NO. LI

SCALE: !' 20 CH.

TUMUCH LAKEBLOCK D Figure A. 6.

PROVINCE OF BRIUSH COLUMBIA - DEPARTMENT OF LANDS,FORESTS AND WATER RESOURCES FOREST SERVICE, VICTORIA


LEGEUD

BRANCH ROADSDIRECTION OF V0RKTEST AREA DOUUOARY

I IL UO.

SCALE: t" 20 CH.

po

NetArea Treated

EstimatedPlantable Area

Test Area Machine (Acres) (Acres) Date Treited

Operatioual Brush blade 484 290.40 Sept.-Oct./74

EP 741 SharkfinBracke

1 00 50 Sept.-Oct./74

485.00 290.90

Test Area

1

2

Oporationel

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TEST AREA2 'a\\ F

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OPERATIONALi

0

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Work Sections Machine

7 Brncke Culti'ator22 Shnrkfin

Brush blade

II

EstimatedPlant able

Net Area Area DateTreated (Acres) (Acres) Tredm

12.73 6.37 Sept59.24 21.88 Se3t120.00 72.00 Sept

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA - DEPARTMENT OF LANDS,FORESTS AND WATER RESOURCES FOREST SERVICE, VICTORIA


TEST AREA BOUNDARY -liLt NO.

SCALE: I 20 CF

PLO)'

LEGEND

BRANCI ROADS

81

= = -C- .0 = =

TUMUCH LAKEBLOCK F Figure A. 7.

191.D7 103.25

Test Area

1

Work Sections

5

LLO

Net Estimated

Area Treated Plantable Area

Machine (Acres) (Acres)

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COWMBIA - DEPARTMENT OF LtNDS,FORESTS AND WATER RESOURCES FOREST SERVICE, VICTORIA


HUNGARY CREEK WESTBLOCK G Figure A.8.

LEGENDBRANCH ROADSDIRECTION OF WOR<TEST AREA BOUNDARY

82

Scale: =20 c

Date Treated

December/74

IU NO.

SCALE: I " 20 C

Backhoe 7.36 1.84

(Before

Scarification)

1:;-.-: £-.Z

Mter ScarificationbyD7 and Sharkfifl

L

After Scarification

by Tra0

Figure A. 9. Aerial Photographs (before and aftertreat me nt.

83

After Scarification After Scarification

by Bracke Cultivator by D7 and Brush Blade

APPENDIX B

Forest District and S. M. S. P. Production Tables

Tables

B.l Anticipated Acreage Logged Annually- - PrinceGeorge Forest District (197 1-1980). 85

B.2 1974 Site Preparation Activities Prince GeorgeForest District. 86

B. 3 5. M. S. P. Summary of Area Treatment. 87

B. 4 5. M. S. P. Summary of Production and Costs. 88

B. 5 Machine Comparison- -Speed of Travel vs.Production 89

B. 6 B. C. Forest Service - Reforestation Division SiteCharacteristics Chart for Rating Planting Difficulty. 90

B. 7 B. C. Forest Service - Reforestation Division SiteCharacteristics Chart for Rating Planting Difficulty. 91

84

Page

Table B. 1. Anticipated Acreage Logged Annually--Prince George Forest District (1971-1980)(By Forest Type, and Post Logging Treatment)*.

*Assume close utilization, salvage of dead and down material, and summer logging wherepractical.

Source: !ISite Preparation Requirementst' by J. Revel, B. C. Forest Service.

85

Forest TypeDenuded

(Ac.)Required

(Ac.)Possible(Ac.)

PortableSpotMech.(Ac.)

PrescribedBurning(Ac.)

PlantingRequired

(Ac.)

1. Spruce-balsam(overmature)(spruce, balsamspruce) 50,000 41,000 27,500 3,500 10,000 35,000

2. Cedar-hemlock(overmature)(cedar-spruce-balsam, hemlock) 2,000 2,000 1,000 1,000 2,000

3 Spruce-pine(thrifty mature) 10,000 5,000 3,000 500 1,500 2,000

4. Pine (pine-spruce,pine-Douglas-fir) 35,000 10,000 9,500 250 250 2,000

(mistletoe)(control)

5. Douglas-fir(Douglas-fir-pine) 3,000 1,500 1,500 1,000

Subtotal Type Nos. 1-3 62,000 48,000 31,500 4,000 12,500 39,000

Subtotal Type Nos. 4-5 38,000 11,500 11,000 250 250 3,000

TOTALALLTYPES 100,000 59,500 42,500 4,250 12,750 42,000

Table B. 2. 1974 Site Preparation Activities Prince George Forest District.

*Public Sustained Yield Unit

Source: Reforestation Division, 1974 Annual Report.

86

P.S.Y.U.*

Site Preparation (Acres)

BroadcastBurning

WindrowBurning M.S.P.

ScarificationTotalBlade Drag

Big Valley 1,885 605 - 423 1,233 4,146Blueberry 325 - 65 390Canoe 372 430 - - 100 902

Carp 2,569 912 - 17 842 4,340Crooked River 1,404 187 - 1,591Fort Nelson - - - 60 - 60Finlay 1,183 3,126 461 288 2,396 7,454Land - - - - -Longw orth 937 655 1, 710 - 3,302Moberly 405 70 147 - 72 694Monkman 1,147 - 1,170 - 2,317Naver 1,893 130 - 219 2,242Nechako 899 150 50 - 1,304 2,403Parsnip 1,378 247 330 390 2,345Peace 172 997 - 25 1,194Purden 630 477 258 1,365Robson 641 250 - - 891

Stuart Lake 994 1,025 76 1,201 3,296Takla 341 105 - - 230 676Wapiti 65 167 15 279 526Westlake - 497 343 705 1,545Willow River 330 310 375 122 1,137T.F.L. 30 820 65 3,381 143 - 4,409Unregulated 124 233 - 1,848 2,205

TOTAL 18,390 10,342 7,992 2,130 10,576 49,430

Table B. 3. S. M. S. P. Summary of Area Treatment,

87

Block(Acres)

AreaTreated(Acres)

Area E.P.Untreated 740

(Acres) (Acres)

E.P.741

(Acres)Operational

(Acres)

Block A(Kenneth Creek)

Cedex

Mile 16

Block B(Batemai Rd.)

Block C(Vama Vama)

Block D(Tuinuch)

Block E(Twnuch)

Block F(Twnuch)

Block G(Hungary Creek)

TOTALS

809

50

220

306

10

281

346

7

2, 029

610

50

220

127

10

246

192

7

1, 462

199 219

-

179 82

10

35

"Relogged and burned

154 72

7

567 390

21

15

2

38 1,

370

50

220

30

244

120

034

Table B. 4. S. M. S. P. Summary of Production and Costs.

88

Machine

RateI-li.

$

Available Efficiency Acres/Hr.

Cost,Acres $

Brush Blade 29.00 83. 3 63.9 0.58 49.58

V-Plow 32.00 92.3 65.8 1.16 27.51

Shark Fin 32.00 88. 7 77. 7 1.52 21. 10

Finnish Trencher 35.00 77.5 71, 8 1. 35 25.97

Swedish Bracke 35.00 77.9 65.8 0.81 43.23

Tralanac 24.00 61.7 51.7 0.36 66.52

H.P. 16 and Backhoe(Summer) 45.00 43.5 82.6 1.40 32.07

H. D. 16 and Backhoe(Winter) 45.00 87.8 39.7 0.41 110.52

FMC 200 and S.F. andBRK 38.00 60. 1 30. 8 1.09 32. 71

Table B. 5. Machine Comparison- -Speed of Travel vs. Production (Block A - Kenneth Creek).

Average AverageT. A. No. W. S. No. Strip Strip Speed Production(Machine) No. Strips Width Length (ft. 1mm.) mm. /ac.

89

1 2 10 24 200 28 70(Blade) 4 8 22 620 33 64

6 10 26 395 24 7411 8 22 205 25 8212 9 19 290 27 90

Average 27 76

2 4 10 17 720 84 32

(Bracke) 10 6 23 370 49 4011 9 12 590 70 5513 7 19 600 63 36

Average 66 41

3 4 6 15 740 95 34(V-Plow 6 7 26 700 74 22

7 9 19 490 68 36

Average 79 31

4 1 8 19 400 86 30

(Sharkfin) 3 9 16 640 96 33

5 6 17 650

Average 95 30

12 6 19 700 58 3716 9 14 720 70 4618 8 15 750 84 35

Average 71 39

5 1 5 22 750 19 110(Trakmac 3 6 28 400 21 80

4 7 21 400 23 100

Average 21 97

Table B. 6. B. C. Forest Service - Reforestation Division Site Characteristics Chart for RatingPlanting Difficulty.

Characteristics

- Stoniness(Factor 3)

Vegetation(Factor 2)

Coarse debris(Factor 1)

Fine debris(Factor 1)

Unplantableareas(Factor 3)

Duff(Factor4

Compaction Loose(Factor 4)

Slope (Factor 5) 10 - 35%

Infrequent stonesor boulders

Infrequent grass,herbs and lowshrubs

Scattered logs

Scatteredbranches and tops

Infrequent patchesof surface water,bedrock, etc.

Frequent stozies,boulders or coarsegravel

Frequent grasspatches, herbs, lowshrubs, infrequentnatural trees.

Frequent logs, somegrouped and crossed< 3' high

Grouped branches andtops, < 3' high, loosearrangement

Frequent patches< 1/2 acre

Occasional compactareas, e. g. Landings

0 - 10% or35 - 65%

Continuous stone,layer and/or frequentboulders, gravel

Continuous grass orother vegetation,naturals, planted trees

Frequent logs, groupedcrossed > 3' high.

Piled braiohes and tops> 3' or in a contiiuousmat

Frequent patches> 1/2 acre

Definite hardpanor compact layerthroughout.

Over 65Y0

90

<2" 2 - 8" >8"

Table B. 7. B.C. Forest Service - Reforestation Division Site Characteristics Chart for RatingPlanting Difficulty.

20 points

91

DifficultyRating

SmallB/R

Mattock

RegularB/R

Mattock

LargeTranspsShovel

LargeTranspsMattock

Styro2

Dibble

5"

MP

Dibble

7"

MPDibble

Easy 1000- 800- 700- 600- 1600- 1400- 1200-

10 points 800 650 550 450 1300 1100 950

Moderate 800- 650- 550- 450- 1300- 1100- 950-10-15 600 450 400 300 1000 800 700

Difficult 600- 450- 400- 300- 1000- 800- 700-16-20 400 300 250 200 700 600 500

Severe 400 300 250 200 700 600 500

92

APPENDIX C

British Columbia Forest Service Forms

Figures Page

C, 1 Forest Site Assessment Sheet 93

C.2 Physical Factors--Classes and Symbols 94

C. 3 Work Study Data Sheet 95

93

FS 602

BRITISH COLUMBIA FOREST SERVICEFOREST SITE ASSESSMLNT SHEET

Figure C. 1. Forest Site Assessment Sheet.

PROJECT NAME: No: FIELD SAMPLE No: DATE:12 3 4 I 6JJi I

I. R/W SITE PREPARATIONSpI. Ch.O.jSonpI. Cp. E, T.T. Ch End SM LATITUDE LONGITUDEOUMS S DDMMSS

2ojcI IT, N. TI. CHG.BIGIN

I :2. NATURAL L.ND SITE PIEPARATION

SEc BLock .. IT.1.1. ACRES OLOCK ACRES

I I I I I I I I I I I III!!,LATITUDE LONGITUDEo o u M s s o uI I I

u $ s 6ItS311r

I 1 1 I

2 17 2O22 2321.25.Qhfl.

31 3? 3 34 S36'73S 40 1 L2 L3 4L46 52 554S5 565758 S9O 61162IN

t on

24Count

So

$ S IOFAN INCH

S 5!iI578!_!162.65I,3

I

Lend

Ilui.A.p

FI LendFcoI'jr,.

UN.!

IIIUM.2

) 14

uuiuui aaiuu uu uuiiu2S 2730311233 3L 356 3743 41 2 431.6 47 1.849 50

INDIVIDUAL TREE DETAILS (D.B.H MEASURED TO THE NEAREST 0thcc.e 0.8.14 4ht ISpcic DON H,9ht .ec 08.14 1gt 0.0K

iMAIUUIIIIIuIII1NISiI3Hei9flt Spe 0.8,1 Ment iS--"U. 16MUUIIINMIIUINMUIilUMUIM.I.Mu'up.InuII.JINUSIUN ___NMUlNlUIIIN IIUUIUD

21MUIMMUi .&-i RIUNLI-i--i22MUMUUIU 23

DNIUS1UUUUNUSUIMIlURNIiii 2.I 25

I

UN 4-u.26

27

STUMP AND SLASH DETAIL.S I DIAMETER MEASUREDRN

TO NEAREST

lintat $ht tilt reou,rbdHE C K ,1 q i---

NCII ) :29-XNNUUINNNU

STUMPSI:TL1t]E1Ni1riu-iL1I

IIIIMIUIM

LIII7 l-. I E'O 014.I_n9Ih

D DIA. (NO DIA.

4-4

0IA LnIfl 3D

awiuluiuuuuNMuiihuu 2

431

4 I32

MI ININN I 33

u'.uu ii

MEASUREMENTSNNMNIIUNau._.u.hh1

FOR D.B.H hEGlT

I

I

I

4- +-3S

CURVESUUl

(D.BH-NEAREST_________ :E:K

0th OFANINCH HEIGHT- NEAREST FOOT) .381

2-4 001 COUNT Soce DON 1aiQht 0DM Heqht 08.H HegM 0 8.11 Hiht 0 O.M HQht 0 B K 1PI 39___

-l--4 -4 f-4- 4-4 I -4-- I- -

. I +-T.II II4L.._44

........

SHOWN.

I

..... +- F----

III-+-

II

.4

- -

44

45

-I--I-F- F-_..I_......._.._t_.._I_I

1-4

4 It IIREMARKS

STATEMENT OF SAMPLING DONE 9Y

. PARTY CIflEF

ME AT THE PLACECCRTIFIED

SIGN

THAT

HERC

THIS ISA TRUE

B

U

B

U

LAND FORMSO - OLACIAL

OP BASAL TILLGPM Pendant Ground MoraineGPP Till PI.,r

GM A8LATION DEPOSITSGMA Ahistion Ground Moraine0MM Marginal Moro,..

OF OLACIO-FLUVIALGFK Kome Terrac.GFE E5Iter TrOutOFT GIaea- Floolnl TarroceOFF Outwash Plain

F- FLU VIALFP FLOOD PLAIN

FPC Cocered TypeFPL BorMeonder Type

FT RIVER TERRACEFF FLU VIAL FANPD DELTA

FED Fan DeltaC- COLLU VIAL

CT TALUS AND SCREECTC Can.

CL SLIDE DEBRISCLS SoIl Creep CIR Reck SlideCLE Earth Slide

CF COLLUVIO- FLUVIALCF F Col IaOieI Fon

CR SHALLOW COLLIJVIAL MATERIAL WITH SOLID ROCK%- ORGANIC

$G SWAMP ASSOCIATED WlItl GLACIAL TERRAIN02K Swamp filled k.tII.s00 F Swofltp I1II.d meltwatnr channel,

OF SWAMP ASSOCIAIEO WITH FLU VIAL DEPOSITSOFF Swamp en flood PlainaOF S Filled 0,00w LeOne end BecImai,r ChennileSWAMPS ASSOCIATED WITH SIDE HILl. SEEPAGE

ØM MARINE SWAMPS AND TIDE FLATSL- LACUST RICE

LB Lobe BedL 0 Bench or Strand Lrne

W WIND DEPOSITSWD Done.WL Lee.,

V- VOLCANICVL Leve FlewVA Volcanic Ash DepositsVC Volcanic Cinder Cane

R - BED ROCK, £.pa..d or Clot. to Sorfan.

HEIGHT CURVESTh. numb., unsanuend should be I... then 20 height, parspecie pen timber type in even - aged and young hand.. Old.,end rand, with teverdi level, OF Crowns requite t,erethan 20 rnading. .uI should not e.cned 50 needIng,.

Tree height readIng, take distributed as fallow.

PHYSICAL FACTORS-CLASSES AND SYMBOLS

DOUBLE PLOTTINGlAl Length IIIdnd W(dth(I( or Radiue(II viad ter LARGE PLOT

Ltngth(2I - (21 - 12) SMALL PLOTDON LIMIT must bOon ODD INIERGER < IS

(B) If area has betA prenouely logged USE length (I(.tC. forSTANOING TREES and/or STUMPS.USE length (21 etc far SLASH. Cit diffirent tree, lenglb (I))

DBH LIMIT MUST BE LEFT BLANK.

NOTE: Peiet the alpheb.ttc Choroclers" I aad 0 ff1.1, tadr,tInguIsh frees the number, I and 0

ROUGHNESS 1% indIcate, portIon at urea affected II. 0-10% 4. 40-60%2.IO-25% 5. 60%.3.25400/

ASPECTI.. NORTH. NN

NORTH-east NEEAST a E ESOUTH- ear a SESOUTH 0 SSSOUTH-w.st.5W

Ti WESTCWWB. NORTH-w..I.NW9. FLAT 5 NA

MAJOR LAND FEATURESFPL Flood Plain USI Upper Slap,BFL Bench Flata MSL Middle Slop.VFR Volley Flaor ILD blandLSL Lower Slope

GRANULAR SOILS WITH LITTLE FINES (410% FINES)GRAVELGRAVEL and SANDSANDGRANULAR SOILS WITH SIGNIFICANT FINES (10-55% FINES)SILTY GRAVELCLAYEYSILTY SANDFINE - GRAINED SOILS (>35 0/, FINES)SILT.CLAYORGANIC SOILS (DEPTH 2 FEET C

SOIL MATERIALlOO SOLID ROCK200 BOULDERS B ROCK FRAGMENTS3-00-10-20-30

4-00-10-20-30

5-00-1020

600

VOIL MOISTURE.D VERY DRY

DR DRYcR FRESH

94

(Mg MOISTWE WETVW VERY WET

STABILITYI-HIGH STABILITY 2-NORMALLY STABLE 3-UNSTABLE

MATURITY II-MATURE 2-IMMATURE

STUMP STATE

2-MEDIUM,EFFECT5 WALKIRG3-HEAVY, DIFFICULT WALKING AND EFFECTS WORK4-VERY HEAVY,VERY DIFFICULT AND INFLUENCES WORK GREATLY

BRA NC HIN ES SI-BRANCHES COVERING < /3 OF STEM2- BRANCHES COVEOIIIdG 1/3 TO 2/3 OF STEM3-BRANCHES CC'.ERING 2/3 OF STEM

WINDFALl.0- NO WINDFALLI-RSTTEN (mI/S OF TREE DECAYEOI2-'iOUND (-I/3 OF TREE DECAYEDI

0 PL AND ALL DECIDUOUS TREES ARE MATuRE >80 TEARSOT-IER CONIFEROUS TREES MAIURE>120 YEARS

SLASH Of TAILSRECORD SLASH IF LENGTH 4FT. AND LARGE TIAMETER S

STUMP DETAILSRECORD STUMPS IS" DIAMETER

UMI,UH2 AND PENETRATIONMEASURED 10 NEAREST 1/10 FOrTI

2 - 4_ COUNT.INCLUDES ALL TREES WITH A 0 SN of I.1 - 5.0

T.T. AND BLOCK ACRESRECORDED 10 THE NEAREST ACRE.

Figure C. 2. Physical Factors - Classes and Symbols.

SPECIESFl -CE -

FIRCEDAR

LA -CO -

LARCHCOT ION WOOD

1 lINEN> 5O°/, OF ALL STUMPS ABOVE IS "DIA. ARE IS YEARSOLD OR OLDER

2-OTHER THAN CLASS IHE - HEMLOCK AL - ALDERBA BALSAM MA MAPLE AREA STATESP -CY -PW -

SPRUCECYPRESSWHITE PINE

52 -AS -WF -

BIRCHASPEN -WINDFALL

I-NATURAL 3-BURNED AND LOGGED2-LOGGED 4-BURNED

PL - L000EPOLE PINE SN - SNAG UNDERGROWTHPY - YELLOW PINE I- LIGHT, DOES NOT EFFECT WALKING

DOMINANT (Mee.ure 1/41

CO-DOMINANT (Ueo.ure 2/41

UNDERSTORY (H 1/4)

SUPPRESSED (Do not nseaaur,)

GPO Dru,nllnlaed TillGPR Rack DrumlIn Aria

GIlL Lateral HeroIneGUK Kame-Kettle Topog.

GFV VeIl.1 TealaOFF Olacla-Fluolal FenO FO Olecla-Flunlal Delta

F PV Natural L.n,e,FPB Braid.d Type

Figure C. 3. Work Study Data Sheet.

95

ENGINEERING SERVICES DIVISION ES. 114RCV.DCC.I#54_ 0

WORK STUDYDATA SHEET

Type of study Pige NoProject Sta to St - Acres

Timer Midline unitBegin Time r.na l'h..*e To.1

?.Tca,uremrnt er,rk -(DC;crjptjøfl 01 condiiionc. acilviluc,, etc.)

i

Sb. Time

H

IL IUiuu.jU II

U

au.uiur: :::iII

i

V

psccltEl.ifllc

master of forestry - oregon state university

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