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Computer Modeling of Timber StandsPictured are graphics from our timber cruising software simulating one of the owner’s timber stands on the mountain before and after harvest. This is just one of the ways in which we can communicate with the landowner and better devise a harvest strategy that suits their particular needs.
Technology in the field
The timber department at Riley Creek has been using computer technology for years. We have the capability to create a computer model of each stand of timber we cruise. This allows us to compare the volumes that would result from merchandizing the logs by different top sizes and lengths. We can also simulate a harvest to get an accurate before and after visual depiction of the land.
Case Study
One of our larger clients is the owner of a commercial / recreational site in the Inland Northwest. In the spring and summer of 2003 we devised a plan for the management of the client’s 6,000 plus acres of timberland. Because of the public nature of their business, their needs for the site were quite varied. The plan had to provide for long-term forest health, maintenance and improvement of viewsheds. Naturally it required protection of the area’s wildlife habitat and water quality as well as a schedule for steady cash return from timber growth and harvest. But we faced a unique challenge of enhancing the terrain for winter sports activities and developing a recreational trail. Utilizing the technical expertise of our staff and the state-of-the-art software tools at our disposal, we created a long-term plan to satisfy all of the company’s goals – without compromising any of the recreational uses on the mountain. In fact during the 2003 season we removed over 1,000 loads of logs from thinnings on approximately 1,000 acres, much of this while a national mountain biking competition was being held. During 2004 and 2005 we plan to continue management of another 3,000 acres of the resort area.