Estimating harvest costs and projecting quantities of logging residues for small-scale forestry in Nasushiobara, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan

Abstract

We used GIS on a regional scale to estimate and compare supply potentials and costs of small-scale logging systems, a mini-forwarder and a 4-ton truck operated by private logging contractors, and manual logging and a light truck operated by individual forest owners, with the mechanized operational system of the Forest Owners’ Association. Total potential yields of timber and logging residues were estimated as 418,895 m³ and 254,962 m3, respectively. The economic balances were estimated and available amounts were projected as supply potentials from profitable sub-compartments. As a result, available amounts of timber and logging residues were estimated at 376,466 m³ (89.9%) and 203,850 m³ (80.0%), respectively. Because their transport expenses were lower than for other systems the most profitable sub-compartments were operated by private logging contractors who sold logging residues at a plant. The profitable sub-compartments operated by individual forest owners were few because the extracting distances were usually greater than 20 m. Raising logging residue prices from 3,000 yen·m⁻³ to 4,080 yenn·m⁻³ or 6,800 yen·m⁻³, and establishing forest roads, which reduced some extracting distances to less than 20 m, increased the number and area of profitable sub-compartments, and increased available amounts of logging residues.

Keywords

GIS / supply potentials / private logging contractor / individual forest owner / Forest Owners’ Association

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