Timber harvesting in the tropics is of great concern both because of its financial costs and the potential to do serious environmental damage. In this chapter the emphasis is on harvesting techniques that minimize the deleterious environmental impacts of logging.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
Describe the basic elements of reduced-impact logging.
Explain how collateral damage to residual stands can reduce future timber yields.
Formulate a harvest plan that minimizes soil compaction and erosion.
Fundamental Topics
Instructions: Read Topics 9.1 - 9.4 from the embedded FODE014 e-Notebook below for Module 9.
Self-check Quiz (For certificate learning only)
After reading fundamental concepts for this topic, take up to 5 minutes to take an online self-check quiz for the topic. The main purpose of the quiz is for you to self-check how well you grasp the contents for this topic. You can take the quiz a second time if necessary. When you are ready, click the link Online Quiz 9 to start taking the quiz.
Recommended Supplementary Readings
Vidal, E. T.A.P. West, T. N. de Castro, and F.E. Putz. 2016. Recovery of biomass and merchantable timber volumes twenty years after conventional and reduced-impact logging in Amazonian Brazil. Forest Ecology and Management 376: 1-8.
West, T., E. Vidal, and F.E. Putz. 2014. Forest carbon dynamics after conventional and reduced-impact logging in Amazonian Brazil. Forest Ecology and Management 314: 59-63.
On the Module 9 Discussion board, post a brief (50-100 word) opinion about the use of payments for carbon retention and sequestration as a way to promote RIL.
Graded Assignments
Follow the instructions at Module 9 Assignment to complete and submit the assignments for this module.
Summary
Reduced-impact logging (RIL), which is introduced in this module, should be required in all tropical forest management areas. The benefits of RIL over conventional logging are described, and the impediments to adoption of RIL are reviewed.
Self Review (For self learning)
Please use the reflection question below as study guide to conduct self-review for the topic:
In which component of a forest management regime (e.g., worker training, harvest planning, road construction, skidding/yarding, or felling) with which you are familiar are environmental improvements most likely?