FM FM Timber Harvesting & Operations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is considered a 'high-lead' logging method?
- Logs dragged by tracked skidder
- Logs suspended from a tall spar tree or tower and yarded to a landing (Correct answer)
- Logs floated down a river
- Logs transported by helicopter
Correct answer: Logs suspended from a tall spar tree or tower and yarded to a landing
High-lead logging uses a tall spar tree or steel tower with cables to lift the front end of logs off the ground and pull them to a landing.
Question 2: What is the main environmental concern associated with poorly located skid trails?
- Noise pollution
- Increased soil erosion and stream sedimentation (Correct answer)
- Loss of scenic beauty
- Reduction in timber prices
Correct answer: Increased soil erosion and stream sedimentation
Improperly located skid trails on steep slopes can cause significant soil erosion that delivers sediment to streams, harming aquatic habitats.
Question 3: A 'forwarder' differs from a skidder in that it:
- Drags logs on the ground
- Carries logs on a bunk completely off the ground (Correct answer)
- Cuts trees with an integrated saw
- Transports logs via cable
Correct answer: Carries logs on a bunk completely off the ground
A forwarder lifts logs onto a bunk and carries them clear of the ground, reducing soil compaction and bark damage compared to skidding.
Question 4: In timber harvesting, 'directional felling' refers to:
- Harvesting only trees facing north
- Intentionally falling a tree in a predetermined direction to minimize damage (Correct answer)
- Cutting trees along a contour line
- Selecting trees based on wind direction
Correct answer: Intentionally falling a tree in a predetermined direction to minimize damage
Directional felling uses notching and back-cutting techniques to guide a tree's fall in a specific direction, protecting residual trees and reducing slash.
Question 5: What does 'utilization standard' mean in a timber sale contract?
- Minimum log diameter and length a purchaser must harvest (Correct answer)
- Maximum number of trees allowed per acre
- Required safety equipment specifications
- Slash disposal requirements
Correct answer: Minimum log diameter and length a purchaser must harvest
Utilization standards specify the minimum size (diameter, length) of wood products that must be removed from the sale area to ensure efficient use of the timber resource.
Question 6: Which of the following practices helps reduce soil compaction during mechanized logging?
- Harvesting during dry summer months
- Restricting heavy equipment to designated trails (Correct answer)
- Increasing the number of skid trails
- Removing the forest floor duff layer
Correct answer: Restricting heavy equipment to designated trails
Confining equipment movement to designated skid trails limits compaction to a small percentage of the harvest area, protecting the majority of forest soil.
FM FM Timber Harvesting & Operations 2
Which of the following is considered a 'high-lead' logging method?