Project Number: WVA00088
CRIS Number: 0184733
Modeling Stand, Harvest, and Machine Interactions in Harvesting and Management of Central Appalachian Forests.
Investigators: Wang, J.
Performing Department: Forestry -- 1240
Start Date: 02/01/2000
Termination Date: 12/31/2004
Reporting period: 01/01/2001 to 12/31/2001
Progress Report:
The first product of this project should be an updated computer simulation system that potentially can be used on a variety of other similar projects. Based on the work schedule of this project, we have worked out the followings so far: (1) A stand generator for central Appalachian hardwood species, (2)Three cooperative proposals were written and sent to USDA Forest Service, West Virginia state agencies, and West Virginia University, (3)A research paper titled "Estimating and validating ground-based timber harvesting system through computer simulation" was accepted by Forest Science, and (4) A Ph.D. student is working on this project. It is still too early to state other findings in this project. However, the modeling techniques and simulation system being developed in the project can be used as a harvest-planning tool. It will eventually provide quantitative results associated with forest operations: (1)Soil compaction/disturbance, (2)Water quality change, (3)Residual stand damage levels, (4) Production/cost, and (5) Tract layout.
Publications: (No publications.)
Impact:
The alternative environmental and production/cost tradeoffs then can be evaluated to minimize operational costs and environmental impacts of partial forest operations and associated activities. The results will be best used for BMP's guidelines.