Methodology and system design to assist forest operations planning

Abstract

A general harvest-planning model has been designed to assist in the planning steps of timber harvesting. The model is composed of expert systems modules which allow the user to select harvesting activities and machines, in order to design a timber-harvest plan. It also permits a detailed cost analysis of harvest activities, from felling to log transportation. In addition, the model allows a cash-flow analysis of a timber-harvesting plan. The program permits the user to adjust the cost of selected machines and harvesting activities to correspond with local conditions.