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Abstract

Timber salvage and utilization in the inland northwest. [ Tech Notes No. 8 (PDF, 194k) ]

by S. Willits, C. Brunner, and J.J. Morrell

This technical note discusses the use of salvage harvest as a tool to accomplish forest restoration objectives in the Blue Mountains. The decline of dead wood is evaluated relative to various forest products, including roundstock, log homes, lumber, veneer, chips, and energy. Although the economics of salvage of dead wood is marginal at best, a proactive policy of identifying suitable sites in advance is necessary to retain product value. The combination of consistent product availability and a proactive policy for identifying appropriate sites in advance probably represents the best hope for using salvage as a component of the forest restoration puzzle.