Assessing the influence of forest ownership type and location on roundwood utilization at the stump and top in a region with small-diameter markets

Abstract

Research conducted in a variety of hardwood regions across the United States has indicated that utilization of small-diameter roundwood is hindered by a lack of markets. Efficient removal of such material could enable silvicultural practices to improve stand conditions and economic return for landowners. However, evidence from other studies has suggested that markets alone may not be enough to encourage small-diameter utilization, and that management decisions are important as well. This study sought to compare roundwood utilization at the stump and top for different ownership categories and locations in north-central Wisconsin, a region with active pulpwood and other low-grade markets and different types of forest ownerships. Thirty-six recently harvested sites were visited in 2007 and 2008 across three ownership types (managed county-owned forests, private land timber sales involving a professional forester, and private land timber sales without involvement of a professional forester) and two locations (county groupings) with different markets. Results of a linear mixed model indicated that ownership type was a significant predictor variable for the utilization measures studied (stump diameter, top diameter, and stump height). Location effects were significant for stump diameter and stump height. Sales on unmanaged private forests exhibited the largest stump and top diameters and highest stump heights, regardless of location. Overall, this study suggests that both management practices and markets influence harvest site small-diameter utilization.