Harvest definition how to#

Harvest definition how to#

They are able to determine how to meet these two requirements by reviewing forest inventory data that identifies different species and their age and is updated continually.īy the same token, the provincial governments that control most of the land on which forest harvesters operate oblige them to conduct their activities according to a long list of regulations, the most important of which are environmental. In addition, industries that require timber are interested in procuring their wood supplies as cheaply as possible. The main goal of planning forest harvesting operations is to cut the oldest wood first. Whereas a century ago forest harvesting was driven almost entirely by economic considerations, factors in addition to economics determine how it is conducted today.

This is the case even when hardwoods (such as yellow birch, red oak and sugar maple) are the species being extracted in the mixed forests that dominate the southern parts of Ontario, Québec and the Maritimes. In the rest of Canada’s forests, namely, east of British Columbia’s coastal mountains, it is generally much cheaper to cut trees on a commercial basis. These specimens are often taken out in a highly selective manner, which usually entails expensive harvesting operations. The temperate rain forest on the country’s Pacific coast is unique and is generally logged for high-value, large-diameter trees, such as western red cedar. In general, two very different systems of forest harvesting are employed in Canada, reflecting the country’s distinct woodlands. ( See also Forestry Lumber and Wood Industries Pulp and Paper Industry Timber Trade History Lumberjacks. The specifics of forest harvesting in Canada depend on the region and type of forest.

Years of planning go into deciding when and which parts of the forest will be harvested and how this will occur, all to ensure that these activities are carried out in a manner consistent with protecting social and environmental values. Its practical components include road construction, logging and log transportation.

Mechanical felling machines mounted on tractors or excavators, which direct or bunch the tree, are used to fell trees up to 80 cm in diameter (photo by Thomas Kitchin). įorest harvesting involves cutting trees and delivering them to sawmills, pulp mills and other wood-processing plants.