Analyses on Strip Road Networks and Profitability of Final Felling Operations Considering Regeneration Expenses at Nasu in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan

Authors : Kazuhiro ARUGA

Pages : 74-81

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Publication Date : 2016-12-18

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In this study, strip road networks of final felling operations were investigated, and then, effects of areas and road network densities on operational costs were analyzed. Finally, total revenues and costs during a 55-year rotation were estimated and profitability of forest management during that rotation was examined. It was found that road network densities of final felling operations were significantly greater than those of thinning operations because of avoiding residual tree damage in thinning operations and efficient bunching operations in final felling. Minimum operational expenses of final felling operations were less than those of thinning operations. Similar to the thinning operations, lower volumes and greater road network densities increased operational expenses; however, differences among minimum operational expenses of final felling operations with various volumes and road network densities were smaller than those of thinning operations. Site areas with minimum operational expenses of final felling operations were smaller than those of thinning operations. Final felling operations on smaller site areas would be environmentally friendly. Total revenues and costs during the 55-year rotation were USD 77,591.60/ha and USD 73,030.24/ha, respectively. Therefore, economic balance during the rotation was USD 4,561.36/ha. Because subsidies during the rotation were USD 27,542.89/ha, economic balance during the rotation with subsidies were USD 32,104.25/ha. However, economic balances reduced according to the reduced site index. This highlights the current situation in Japanese forestry, in which many forest owners are unwilling to conduct regeneration operations after final felling operations.
Keywords : Economic balance, Final felling operation, Thinning operation, Site area, Road network density