Analyses on Strip Road Networks and Profitability of Final Felling Operations Considering Regeneration Expenses at Nasu in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan

Year 2016, Volume: 2 Issue: 2, 74 - 81, 18.12.2016

Kazuhiro Aruga

Abstract

In this study, strip road networks of final felling operations were
investigated, and then, effects of areas and road network densities on
operational costs were analyzed. Finally, total revenues and costs during a
55-year rotation were estimated and profitability of forest management during
that rotation was examined. It was found that road network densities of final
felling operations were significantly greater than those of thinning operations
because of avoiding residual tree damage in thinning operations and efficient
bunching operations in final felling. Minimum operational expenses of final
felling operations were less than those of thinning operations. Similar to the
thinning operations, lower volumes and greater road network densities increased
operational expenses; however, differences among minimum operational expenses
of final felling operations with various volumes and road network densities
were smaller than those of thinning operations. Site areas with minimum
operational expenses of final felling operations were smaller than those of
thinning operations. Final felling operations on smaller site areas would be
environmentally friendly. Total revenues and costs during the 55-year rotation
were USD 77,591.60/ha and USD 73,030.24/ha, respectively. Therefore, economic
balance during the rotation was USD 4,561.36/ha. Because subsidies during the
rotation were USD 27,542.89/ha, economic balance during the rotation with
subsidies were USD 32,104.25/ha. However, economic balances reduced according
to the reduced site index. This highlights the current situation in Japanese
forestry, in which many forest owners are unwilling to conduct regeneration
operations after final felling operations.

Keywords

Economic balance, Final felling operation, Thinning operation, Site area, Road network density

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