Designed to serve as an additional mulching resource for a wide range of consumers, the new Drum Mulcher DC Pro is differentiated by its lighter weight of just 1,350 pounds and its 63 CC, two-speed, bent-axis piston motor. Larger than others in its class, this high-torque hydraulic motor allows the DC Pro to spool-up faster and deliver greater force to power through more and larger material.

“The Drum Mulcher DC Pro is more productive than other options in its class based on processing capacity and speed,” explained Dan Stachel, executive vice-president. “Its lighter weight design provides versatility for tackling a variety of common land maintenance tasks from managing overgrowth and maintaining fence lines to creating defensible space. The streamlined profile also affords good operator visibility and maneuverability, while the chassis positions the center of gravity close to the loader for optimal stability – even on steep slopes.”

The DC Pro is engineered with a 50” cutting width to slice through trees and brush and mulch material up to 8” in diameter. The depth control drum features a forward exposure that allows for optimum tree engagement and maximum cut width relative to weight. A rugged chassis guards the motor from ground impact and allows the operator to manipulate downed material and position vegetation for effective mulching. A multi-position push bar features extended serrations for industry-leading material control while the optimized infeed system achieves a complete and high-quality mulch on the first pass, producing an aesthetically desirable chip size and greatly reducing the need for back-dragging and reprocessing.

“This new offering embodies efficiency and allows owners and operators to optimize the utilization of their compact loaders and adapt to different environments without needing to switch equipment,” noted Stachel. “Customers who add this attachment to their arsenal aren’t just getting a new tool; they’re getting a machine that maximizes productivity, minimizes hassle, and sets a new standard for mulching excellence.”

The Drum Mulcher DC Pro comes standard with Diamond’s exclusive twin chisel planer teeth that generate fine mulch quickly and efficiently. The attachment also accommodates other teeth options for tackling different types of terrain, including Twin Maul® Carbide Teeth ideal for use in rough, rocky terrain, and four-point hardened steel teeth well-suited for work in high-production environments.

Like all of Diamond’s drum products, this new attachment is backed by a two-year warranty. Additionally, customers have access to the company’s industry-leading customer service resources, including an experienced team of care experts and a dedicated parts team readily available to address any needs that may arise.

“At Diamond, we’re constantly innovating and enhancing our products and processes to cater more effectively to our customers’ needs,” added Stachel. “We are committed to being the best possible partner, from creating industry-leading attachments that simplify work and enhance productivity to our dedicated customer care experts and the ongoing support we provide.”

The project is among four funding recipients to secure a total of $2.82 million allocated for B.C.-based solutions that support the measurement, monitoring, and verification (MMV) of carbon emission reduction, removal, and avoidance.

Through Quatern Limited Partnership, Quatsino First Nation and Western Forest Products Inc. will be implementing a technology called Treeid to analyze growth rates of individual trees using LiDAR data collected several years apart. The project will incrementally measure how forests respond to large-scale fertilization efforts and quantify the change in forest carbon. The technology could also be applied to other forest management treatments such as reforestation and thinning, CICE said in a news release.

“British Columbia has a unique opportunity to lead the advancement of carbon management solutions by establishing MMV pathways and innovations,” CICE COO Todd Sayers said in the release. “CICE is proud to lead catalytic investment into Arca, Metaspectral, Miraterra, and Quatern Limited Partnership and looks forward to seeing their solutions reach global scaling and climate impact potential.”

Find the full release here.

The Halton Region Conservation Authority and Trees for Halton Hills will together plant more than 122,345 trees across the region watershed, including conservation and park lands, municipal lands and private lands.

The planting will contribute to the federal government’s 2 Billion Trees program launched in 2021 that aims to plant two billion trees over 10 years. Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said in August the program has seem more than 100 million trees planted thus far.

“Through this investment with the Halton Region Conservation Authority (HRCA) and Trees for Halton Hills, we are showing how collaborative work can permanently expand forest cover by ensuring that the right tree is planted at the right place at the right time,” Wilkinson said in a news release.

“With the help of our 2 Billion Trees Capacity Building Grant, Trees for Halton Hills, our volunteer-run organization has hired a part-time coordinator, enabling us to plant 2000 native trees, each of which is already pulling CO2 from the air and sequestering the carbon,” Don Trant with Trees for Halton Hills said in the release. “We have engaged school children, local businesses, service clubs, community volunteers, seniors and the Credit Valley Conservation Authority to plant on a former landfill, school playgrounds, a busy commercial corridor, community parkland and ravines.

Hassaan Basit, president and CEO of Conservation Halton, said they are grateful for the support.

“Trees are essential to the health of our watershed and to our ability — as community and government partners — to effectively fight the climate crisis. By working together and leveraging the Government of Canada’s generous and ongoing support, we are on track to plant over 120,000 trees to significantly improve forest health and climate resilience in one of Canada’s fastest-growing regions,” Basit said in the release.

But now, it’s beyond frustrating to see us collectively ignoring the incredible advantage forest management can bring to Canadians.

Wildfires ravaged Canada’s landscape this year, scorching over 17 million hectares. From Halifax to West Kelowna to Yellowknife, fires consumed an area larger than England and more than double the previous record set in 1995. Throughout the nation, tens of thousands were evacuated, hundreds of properties were reduced to ashes, and heavy smoke choked our skies and extended its reach far beyond our borders into large American cities.

According to preliminary numbers from Natural Resources Canada, wildfires emitted an astonishing 2.2 billion tonnes of CO2, triple Canada’s total annual greenhouse gas emissions from other sources. This is equivalent to the annual emissions of 478 million cars or over 12 years of emissions from oil and gas and exceeded those of 100 individual nations combined according to the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.

However, wildfires are considered a natural source and not counted towards our emissions. We need to recognize that our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – carbon taxes, increasing use of electricity, green building codes, etc., will be in vain unless we confront wildfires and their emissions head-on.

Our forests are aging and deteriorating, resulting in factors that are contributing to increased wildfire activity. Climate change means longer wildfire seasons, more extreme weather conditions, increased droughts, and the amount of forest consumed by wildfires is projected to double by 2050.

Solutions exist, but they demand a significant transformation of our forest management approach.

First, we should incorporate wildfire emissions in our national and provincial greenhouse gas calculations. This step would bring the needed policy and financial focus to tackle our largest source of atmospheric impact.

Second, we must abandon the notion that forest preservation prevents wildfires. Instead, we should focus on reducing the age and density of our forests through comprehensive landscape- specific forest management plans. Finland provides a compelling example – despite being just one-third the size of B.C., it harvests more trees and has a 10-year average annual area burned of less than 300 hectares.

We should leverage the expertise of our foresters, collaborate with Indigenous communities, engage local stakeholders, and utilize the capabilities of the forest products sector to proactively mitigate fire risks near our communities and salvage burned timber.

The creation of firebreaks, strategic forest thinning, and controlled burns can enhance landscape resilience.

Additionally, we must intensify our harvesting efforts to significantly reduce the wildfire menace that surrounds us. In B.C., the current 10-year average of 500,000 hectares burned annually compares with less than 190,000 hectares harvested, and we must be reverse this trend.

We have the means to reduce their scale and consequences of wildfires through proactive forest management, but it demands the collective commitment of both governments and the wider public.

The time has come to heed the wisdom of Albert Einstein and recognize that in every difficulty, there lies an opportunity. Our opportunity is clear: expand forest management, harvest more trees, and revise our climate strategy to focus on wildfire reduction. By doing so, we protect our communities and environment, and stimulate economic growth and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Murray Wilson is a retired forester who resides in Vernon, B.C.

Occurring only every four years in different regions across the county, 2024 will mark the 14th edition of this one-of-a-kind event. Over the course of its 50-year history, DEMO International has evolved into one of North America’s largest and unique outdoor equipment shows. The “all live and in action, in-woods” event will attract thousands of leaders in the equipment manufacturing sector featuring the latest technologies in forestry equipment, products and services covering all aspects of woodlands operations, including fully mechanized to small-scale forestry operations.

“Our site selection visit went exceptionally well with 50 plus forestry professionals from major manufacturers and dealers, making the trek into the forest. “ says national show manager Mark Cusack. “The meetings being held in the woods itself led to great camaraderie and expansive talks about the big plans for next year. Getting to liaise with the exhibitor base, allowed [the show team] to grasp a good understanding of how the different regions are currently performing.”

As the 2024 event approaches, details including the site map are becoming finalized.

A few of the distinct sections of the expansive site include Active Sites, Static Sites, Small Scale Forestry and Static Booths. With the trail stretching an astonishing 3.2 kilometers, attendees will get an immersive harvesting experience right in the heart of the forest. Future exhibitors stayed onsite during the selection visit for hours, creating buzz about what will soon become one of Canada’s biggest live action shows. Several manufacturers and dealers who couldn’t make this first round of meetings have also expressed their interest in coming on board in the next couple weeks.

This showcase wouldn’t offer the same experience without the unparalleled help of SBC Cedar, the landowners and property managers of the site.

For exhibitors wishing to join in on the action, visit www.demointernational.com/exhibit. 

Enter telematics, the game-changer that is revolutionizing forestry and logging operations. CFI checked in with experts to help us explore how telematics technology is helping loggers reduce downtime, optimize performance, and ultimately save costs.

The challenge of modern logging
Improving productivity and reducing expenses are top priorities for loggers as operating costs have gone up considerably. It’s a daunting reality faced by forestry operations across the board. The challenges are as diverse as they are relentless – difficult terrain, remote locations, unpredictable weather, labour shortages, low timber prices, tariffs, mill closures, and government uncertainty.

Fortunately, technology advancements in forestry equipment, such as telematics, are coming to the rescue. Telematics can capture real-time data, providing greater insight, collaboration, and efficiency in completing projects. 

“And as technology continues to improve, connectivity for remote forestry locations has become easier than ever before. Software updates can be sent directly to machines on the jobsite, eliminating the need to wait for a technician to arrive,” says Mike Friederici, industry manager, forestry and earthmoving at Finning Canada.

Harnessing the power of telematics
“When leveraged properly, data has enormous potential – it can unlock meaningful insight to help reduce costs, minimize downtime, and identify problem areas or operator-induced fault codes on your equipment,” adds Friederici. 

“The right dealer can support loggers on this journey by setting up instant alerts, monthly reports, and identifying areas of opportunity or improvement.”

According to Irfan Zardadkhan, product manager, telematics at Tigercat, telematics goes beyond simple GPS tracking; it’s a comprehensive system that provides a wealth of information. For example, Tigercat’s RemoteLog-equipped machines send back all machine codes, production information, and geographical positions. This data is harnessed by end users to make informed decisions about machine productivity and profitability, optimizing operations.

Forestry machines often operate in remote areas, making avoiding multiple repair trips essential to minimizing costs and machine downtime. 

Telematics data can be used by engineers to make better-informed design optimization decisions for new machine models under development. Dealers can also monitor machine health, allowing technicians to be better prepared to service machines when armed with knowledge of all fault codes and operating parameters.

“Overall, telematics helps logging contractors by providing better visibility of their operations, which in turn improves planning, maximizes uptime, reduces maintenance costs, and promotes a safer operating environment,” describes Zardadkhan.

For Stojan Arezina, telematics manager at Doosan Infracore North America, telematics can be a game-changer in multiple ways. It collects, retains, and acts on data, allowing operators to remotely control and optimize their machines. Telematics can even predict maintenance needs, telling operators exactly when to perform tasks like oil and filter changes. Operators can track working hours for each machine, optimizing usage and cutting costs by identifying inefficiencies.

Telematics also safeguards machines from theft through geofencing and timefencing, Arezina explains, providing alerts if a machine operates outside designated co-ordinates or times. Arezina believes the future of telematics is boundless, with potential applications even in monitoring the operator’s health, though challenges like privacy concerns must be addressed.

Real savings and benefit for loggers
Telematics reports on fuel use and operating hours, allowing operators to compare data from different periods. It can even provide insights on potential revenue generation based on data analysis. For companies with limited manpower, telematics raises a flag when something is wrong, enabling immediate troubleshooting.

However, as Arezina points out, “Any data is only as useful as your ability to look at it.” Operators need to be trained to be productive with data and shift from a reactive approach to a proactive one, catching problems early.

According to James Leibold, product manager for global connectivity at John Deere, telematics can connect an entire jobsite, making operations smarter overall. By monitoring various machine parameters, equipment managers can make more informed decisions and receive alerts if critical codes appear. This proactive approach can prevent excessive damage and reduce downtime, keeping machines up and running.

Mitch Fedie, product manager for Pettibone, highlights the benefits of telematics for heavy equipment management. Telematics provide essential machine data points, including engine hours, fuel consumption, diesel exhaust fluid levels, and battery voltage. It also proactively alerts operators to issues, ensuring that small problems don’t escalate.

Telematics allows many problems to be diagnosed remotely, minimizing the need for on-site service visits. It can even analyze fuel efficiency down to the level of idle time, helping cut fuel costs. It’s possible to specifically identify what parts are needed for certain maintenance items. Technicians can know exactly what filters or wear parts are needed before they go to perform the service work, so it’s much more convenient and time-efficient for personnel.

“Overall, telematics-enabled machines increase productivity, efficiency, and safety, making it a valuable asset for the forestry industry,” says Peter Bigwood, general manager for Mecalac North America.

Photo courtesy Pettibone.

Navigating challenges challenges
Peter Gibbons, technology solutions architect at Finning Canada, sheds light on a unique challenge faced by the forest industry in Western Canada when it comes to telematics. 

He emphasizes, “The remote nature of our work can be a hurdle for effective data gathering using telematics.” This issue has limited widespread adoption of the technology. Gibbons points out that addressing these network limitations will be pivotal for the future of telematics in forestry. 

“While we’ve explored solutions like repeaters and Wi-Fi networks, similar to the mining industry, our constantly changing and non-stationary forestry sites require us to rely on satellite devices for connectivity. This can be both logistically challenging and cost-intensive for transmitting large volumes of data,” he further explains. 

In contrast, in regions with more extensive network coverage, such as other parts of the world, the forest industry is leveraging telematics to their advantage. Gibbons underscores the importance of overcoming these challenges to unlock the full potential of telematics in Western Canada’s forestry operations.

Potential is limitless
Telematics technology is indeed reshaping the forestry and logging industry. By harnessing the power of data, loggers can optimize their operations, reduce downtime, and cut costs, ultimately securing a more profitable future. As the industry continues to evolve, the potential of telematics remains limitless, offering solutions to both current challenges and those on the horizon. The key is for loggers to embrace this technology, train their operators, and shift to proactive data-driven decision-making to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

“Our saw teeth models have been rigorously tested on real logging jobsites, helping us deliver ideal solutions made to tackle any forestry application head-on,” said William Borrenpohl, aftermarket product manager. “This remains the case for our new beaver saw tooth option, which was strategically designed to offer increased durability in the woods.”

As the latest addition to the John Deere saw tooth lineup, the beaver saw tooth is one of four options available to customers and can be purchased in boxes of 18 or 20 teeth. Designed for maximum durability while lowering operating costs, the full line of John Deere saw teeth for wheeled and tracked feller bunchers are made to help support daily logging operations and applications.

In B.C., forest management is undergoing significant changes driven by a provincial shift in forest policy. This includes an increased focus on Indigenous-led initiatives, co-management, and ecosystem health and resiliency. Community forests have long been leaders in implementing
these priorities on the land base, operating as long-term, area-based tenures held by local communities. Representing over 100 rural and Indigenous communities across our province, the BCCFA is a network of community forests that practice ecologically responsible forest management, fostering and supporting healthy and vibrant rural communities and economies.

Since 2014, the many benefits of community forestry have been documented in the BCCFA’s Indicators Report. The 2023 report is based on survey data collected from 35 community forests across the province, utilizing 18 indicators that are analyzed each year to quantify the wide range of positive impacts that community forests provide. This year’s report offers compelling evidence of the value and relevancy of the community forest model.

“The Indicators Report is a testament to how community forests are responding to the key challenges we are facing on the land through collaboration, relationships and innovation. National Forest Week is a great time to recognize and celebrate the significant role community forests are playing in B.C.,” said Randy Spyksma, BCCFA president and manager of the Logan Lake Community Forest.

Community forests have demonstrated their commitment to environmental stewardship and ecosystem resilience, with a focus on wildfire risk reduction activities, all while creating jobs, employing local people in rural areas, and providing over $20 million in community contributions during the reporting period. They have continued to foster long-lasting and trusted relationships with their communities and Indigenous partners. First Nations peoples are deeply involved in many aspects of community forestry as tenure holders, board members, collaborators, and employees of community forest organizations.

Expanding beyond a focus on log sales and timber supply, community forests directly manage for multiple values including recreation, education, and sensitive habitats such as old growth and cultural areas. Over time, community forests have invested over $8 million of their own dollars while managing over $17 million from outside sources to conduct wildfire mitigation activities that support protection of local communities and forests.

“Through their dedication to sustainable practices, community forests have been pioneers in driving positive change within the forestry sector,” said Jennifer Gunter, BCCFA executive director. “Their experiences and successes can serve as valuable examples for the industry as it continues to evolve, and to shape the future of forestry in British Columbia.”

Geneau brings her leadership experience and passion to her new role to guide CWF’s mission, notes CWF in a press statement. In a career spanning 23 years, she has worked in the non-profit sector of natural resource outreach and education program development and is well-versed in resource management.

“I am genuinely honoured to lead the Canadian Woodlands Forum as we actively promote sustainable forestry practices and foster a culture of collaborative knowledge sharing. Connecting the youth of today with industry experts is more than just a foundation for a greener future – it’s a dynamic that strengthens economic prosperity,” said Geneau.

Her journey includes a tenure of 12 years at Science East Science Centre, where she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing valuable resources and insights across a spectrum of career fields through innovative programming. Her approach, aligning industry experts with youth through initiatives such as the Envirothon NB program – which she has coordinated for 17 years – underscores her dedication to connecting the next generation with industry professionals. This strategic pairing of budding talent with seasoned expertise is a pivotal building block for fostering sustainability and catalyzing economic growth. Her role in the recent International NCF-Envirothon New Brunswick competition exemplifies her ability to craft innovative solutions that harmonize industry interests, governmental goals and environmental stewardship.

Dirk Nielsen, chairperson of the executive committee at CWF, stated, “We are elated to welcome Becky Geneau as the new Executive Director of the Canadian Woodlands Forum. Her extensive experience and proven dedication to bridging the gap between youth and industry experts as well as providing opportunities for knowledge sharing and partner collaborations, align seamlessly with our organization’s mission to advance sustainable forestry practices.”

With its wide throat, the chipper can accommodate large pieces making it ideal for handling trim blocks, small diameter logs, lily pads, overs and cores. The single piece tapered knives process material across the full width of the drum, providing even wear and longer life.

The contour of the drum creates a clamping force between the material to be chipped and the anvil, preventing the material from tipping up towards the drum.

The drum chipper is equipped with a clam shell opening operated by a hydraulic cylinder to give an ergonomically friendly working area for knife changes, which can be done quickly and easily by one person.

The combination of an angled drop feed, single flat knives and excellent cutting geometry for short wood ensures a superior chip quality with minimal maintenance costs.

The chipper is available in various sizes and both drop feed and horizontal configurations.

According to Vermeer product manager for environmental equipment Jeff Bradley, the Vermeer HG4000 horizontal grinder is ideal for professionals looking to expand their service as well as for bulk landscaping material producers. “It’s a great unit for tree care professionals looking to minimize dump fees on bulkier material and turn waste into a useful end product. It’s also a productive machine for small to midsize mulch producers with limited space for the material. The size of the HG4000 also makes it efficient to transport in congested urban environments making it an ideal machine for small land-clearing operations. And while this horizontal is smaller than other machines in the Vermeer grinder product line, it still can handle a variety of materials ranging from loose, bulky materials like leaves, branches and yard clipping to hardwoods, pallets and logs.”

The HG4000 has a feed table capacity of 4.6 cubic yards (3.5 m3). It features the proven cutting performance of the Vermeer patented Series III duplex drum with reversible hammers and tips for extended wear life compared to single- sided designs while offering bolt in replacement parts. The hard-faced anvil on the HG4000 delivers impressive cutting action with the drum, and a redesigned robust anvil-mount structure helps ease the hard-faced wear edge replacement process.

The HG4000 benefits from an updated feed roller with aggressive teeth and down pressure to maintain control of the fed material. A fully enclosed feed roller drive planetary helps provide protection and a tight clearance between the roller and mill housing to optimize material feeding while minimizing material catch points.

A wireless remote control comes standard with the HG4000, allowing operators to run most machine functions from up to 300 feet (91.4 m) away. “With the remote, operators can adjust infeed settings, engine speed droop, conveyor height and more, which means maximum time grinding throughout the day,” explained Bradley.

The redesigned Vermeer HG4000 incorporates several service and maintenance enhancements, including a drive belt tensioning system that does not require the engine to be moved when adjusting, large hinged side shields for optimal maintenance access, added power rotation to the screen hoist for changing screens, and a CAT engine with worldwide support. It can also be outfitted with an optional cross-band magnet and magnetic head pulley to pull metal from the top and bottom of material on the conveyor after it has gone through the machine for clean finished material.

The company said the gear can easily process cedar bark, green spruce bark, all kinds of mill wood waste, demolition debris, butt ends, railroad ties and stringy bark, and the resulting product is of high quality and suitable for hog fuel or mulch.

“Superior ergonomic design makes the Grizzly Mill extremely safe, easy and inexpensive to maintain. Typical maintenance costs for the Grizzly Mill are much lower than for conventional wood waste grinders,” the statement said.

The rugged heart of the Grizzly Mill Hog is an extremely heavy duty, solid-steel, offset helix rotor that shears material from two directions against an anvil and grate. The rotor turns at half the speed of a conventional hammermill rotor resulting in substantial savings in maintenance costs. The Grizzly Mill is also very tolerant of rock and metal.

The Grizzly Mill is used worldwide in these industries:

• Sawmills
• Pulp and paper mills
• OSB plants
• C&D recycling facilities
• Log merchandising systems
• Land clearing operations
• Compost facilities
• Co-gGeneration plants

As with all FPT Industrial’s PowerPacks, it features a single layout for Stage V and Tier 4 Final, making it the perfect solution for markets with different emissions standards. The compact ATS pack mounted on the engine, including the urea injection system and all required sensors and manifolds, eliminates the need for a dedicated exhaust system development.

A range of options such as alternators, starters, water and air preheating, and different urea tank sizes provide further flexibility for customer installations.

The company acquired timberlands in Alberta and B.C. and plans to add another 4,000 acres of mature timberland from private landowners across Canada. The company said in an email to CFI the expansion will support the production of renewable wood fuel products and bolster its precision forestry management capabilities.

“Our commitment to sustainable forestry and carbon offset project development innovation is at the heart of this strategic move. By acquiring these timberlands, Hughes Pacific is positioning itself to play an innovative role in the development of carbon offset projects throughout Canada while helping provide renewable energy solutions,” said David Hughes.

Hughes Pacific plans to issue timber rights leases to local wood fuel product producers, and to use its new timberlands as test sites to develop hybrid strategies and techniques to improve LiDAR solutions in the carbon offset market.

“This technology will provide better accuracy in monitoring and managing timber resources, enabling the company to optimize its operations and minimize environmental impact,” the company said in a statement.

“Hughes Pacific’s dedication to sustainable forestry practices and innovation, coupled with its commitment to supporting the renewable wood fuel industry and carbon offset projects, underscores its mission to be a responsible steward of Canada’s forests,” the company said.

Common practice in the industry today includes either leaving residues piled in the cutting area to decompose or open-burning residues with the practice of slash-pile burning (SPB). While these low-cost treatments may meet the minimum management requirements, more needs to be done to improve their use and management moving forward.

SPB is a considerable emissions source, producing an array of harmful greenhouse gases (GHG) and particulate matter, and accelerating the release of carbon to the atmosphere. These factors enhance climate change and have negative human health impacts. In some areas, open burning of residues can also have negative impacts on ecological functions, such as future stand productivity and small mammal habitat. Furthermore, harvest residual fibre could be flowing to the bioeconomy, where it can be used for value-added products or bioenergy that can displace more carbon intensive alternatives.

There are potential management alternatives to SPB that may serve to better use residual fibre across a range of operational conditions. Considering current B.C. and Canadian climate targets, transitioning away from SPB and towards more sustainable alternatives will help mitigate GHG emissions and improve forest stewardship.

Alternatives

Redistribution after whole-tree harvesting:  Leaving residues dispersed across the cutting area can increase soil carbon stocks, improve soil nutrients, provide shaded planting spots and wildlife habitat, and reduce soil erosion. Residues can be left whole or can first be masticated with a chipper, grinder, or chopper-roller before being redistributed from the roadside or landings. While retaining residual fibre can improve site level tree growth and stand productivity, this alternative should only be employed where planting efforts will not be hindered, and wildfire fuel loading will not exceed acceptable levels.

Brush-mats and road amendments:  Brush-mats made from residual branches, tops, and small round wood can reduce soil rutting and compaction from forest machines, mitigating the associated increases in water runoff and sediment transport. Furthermore, residues piled on trails are compressed, promoting decomposition and retaining nutrients (in particular nitrogen) in the cutting area, which might otherwise be lost during SPB. While brush-mats are mostly associated with stem-only and cut-to-length harvesting operations, this technique can also be employed during conventional whole-tree harvesting, whereby primary transportation machines (skidders, etc.) bring residues from roadside piles back into the cutblock, applying them to main trails during return trips.

The use of mulched right-of-way harvesting residues for surfacing on temporary roads can reduce road failure from rutting, when compared with standard soil-surfaced roads. Using residues in this way can have less environmental impact and be less cost prohibitive than upgraded gravel surfacing.

Left decked in oriented piles: If residues need to be left in the cutting area, pre-sorting residues during processing to separate and deck round-wood into oriented piles can be a better alternative to leaving them piled in “hay-stacks” or SPB.

Preliminary studies by FPInnovations have demonstrated that oriented decking can reduce the wildfire risk of the pile, provides the opportunity for secondary users to easily access the decked wood if future markets emerge, and does not require significant incremental cost to operators.

Mobile burning containers: If wildfire fuel loading must be reduced, but markets don’t exist to use the residues, employment of mobile burning units (air curtain burner, etc.) are an effective alternative to SPB. Controlled burning in these units can reduce emissions (in particular methane) with higher efficiency combustion, while creating biochar and ash byproducts which store carbon and can be redistributed as soil amendments. Additionally, the use of these units nearly eliminates the risk of fire escape during the treatment.

Liquid and solid biofuels: Certain types of logging residue can be a valuable feedstock for liquid and solid biofuels, including: pellets, briquettes, hog fuel, liquid transport fuels, and others. Using residues for liquid or solid fuel provides emissions benefits when they are used to displace fossil alternatives like coal and gasoline. Initial capital investment and procurement costs of feedstock are likely to be prohibitive in many B.C. harvest conditions. Though small-scale, mobile conversion systems address some of these costs and are a promising alternative to centralized processing facilities.

Other products:  Residues can also be used to create novel or non-commodity wood products in B.C. Research has expanded the use of wood fibre to include products like bio-based polymeric materials, textiles, building insulation, and many more. While residues can be used as feedstock for these products, current demand is relatively low. What is more practical in the short term, is use of low quality or small-dimension roundwood for small-scale manufacturing of products like rail ties, fenceposts, firewood, or finger-joined boards.

A path forward

Residue management is complex and has interactions with many environmental (e.g., fire risk) and operational (e.g., transportation distances) factors, creating a system that is highly dependent on site- level conditions – there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Where possible, residues should be used in the bioeconomy, whether that be for energy production, or small-scale products manufacturing. These opportunities can provide GHG emissions benefits relative to the business-as-usual practices, increase timber supply, and provide job opportunities for British Columbians.

When diverting residues to the bioeconomy is not practical, other treatments can reduce emissions and better support forest ecosystems when compared with SPB. Importantly, partial solutions can be implemented.

More responsible management of residues will, however, come at a higher cost than the current leave-it or burn-it practices. Transportation and processing costs, coupled with relatively low market values for residual fibre, can limit opportunities for operators and investors. We don’t expect that forest managers and operators will take on higher cost treatments voluntarily, and therefore solutions are needed that reduce and share these costs of fire risk mitigation and emissions reductions.

Possibly the most important step we can take towards more responsible management of harvest residues is a shift of our mindsets from the view that residues are a waste byproduct of harvesting. Residues are a component of the fibre profile alongside the others, which should be managed with as much care and stewardship as the high-value logs that B.C. is known for. The more we start planning for residues as we lay out our cutblocks, and not as an afterthought once the logs are gone, the more operational efficiencies we will be able to command, the lower our costs will be for treatment and processing, and the smaller our emissions will be in the forest.

The pool of residual fibre is massive in our province, and any incremental shift we can make towards better future management could have a truly meaningful impact on our forests and the growing bioeconomy.

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund and Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, as well as the contributions and support of the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions’ Wildfire and Carbon project.

Eric Nance, master of science, forest operations and management at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Dominik Roeser is an associate professor forest operations, UBC. Carly A Phillips is a researcher-in-residence at the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions. Caren C. Dymond is a forest carbon and climate change research scientist with the Ministry of Forests, Government of British Columbia. Werner A. Kurz is a senior research scientist with Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service.

“We’ve been dedicated to providing customers with innovative, high-quality site-clearing attachments for more than three decades,” said Mark Middendorf, Fecon’s executive vice-president of sales. “We understand how to optimize both performance and durability and have a loyal customer base because of it. This skid steer mulching attachment is a smart investment for those looking to increase utilization and expand the versatility of their fleet.”

A bite-limiting 60-inch split-ring rotor holds 26 reversible knife tools providing a longer service life and ease of use for even inexperienced operators. The reversible knife tools feature 70 to 100 hours of use per edge and can be flipped to extend the total life of the tool to 140 to 200 hours, enabling optimal performance and longevity. Optional carbidetype cutting tools provide added durability for ground clearing in extremely hard or rocky conditions.

Operating at 2,400 rpm, the RK6015 can shred brush and small trees up to five inches in diameter, making it an excellent tool for general vegetation management, fire prevention lines, clearing fence rows, lot and land cleanup and more. An adjustable bolt-on push bar with serrated ears effectively directs thick and heavy material to the mulching rotor.

The RK6015 mulcher head requires a dedicated hydraulic flow between 17 and 27 gpm and a carrier machine able to accommodate the 1,465-pound attachment weight. For operator safety, the carrier must include a fully enclosed cab protected with the appropriate polycarbonate guarding.

Fecon backs the unit with its standard 12-month/1,000-hour warranty.

For example, the Canadian government laid out its hydrogen strategy back in 2020 highlighting its commitment to becoming an international leader in producing and using clean hydrogen to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and displace the country’s reliance on carbon-intensive fossil fuel energy. 

However, even the most abundant, readily available, and emissions-friendly chemical substance in the universe has its challenges. Most notably, it’s been plagued by high production costs, potentially “dirty” production processes, and lack of infrastructure. But this has not dissuaded both the public and private sectors from continuing their financial and regulatory support mainly driven by hydrogen’s promise to help reduce carbon emissions on the world’s path to net-zero.

This is why organisations like the Forest Products Association of Canada are committed to moving Canada towards a greener tomorrow, outright supporting the government’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Similarly, provincial groups like the B.C. Council of Forest Industries have committed to growing a more sustainable forest sector through a continuous focus on innovation and responding to community needs. But how is the industry utilising hydrogen today?

To date, most hydrogen-related talk within forestry has focused on turning forestry waste into green hydrogen. Additionally, there have been reports of hydrogen-fuelled machines like Volvo’s world-first hydrogen-articulated hauler and the H2 dual power hydrogen-powered tractor from New Holland and Blue Fuel Solutions. But this is just half of the forestry story when it comes to hydrogen. Where the full opportunity exists is when it comes to both producing and using clean hydrogen to replace reliance on fossil fuels and to reduce GHG emissions – at all points in the supply chain – providing a cleaner approach end-to-end including where it’s needed most: the transport of goods. 

Case in point: in March of this year, B.C.-based hydrogen trucking pioneer Hydra Energy signed MOUs with eight commercial fleets in the Prince George region, including many forestry-related transport companies, to convert their existing heavy-duty Class 8 trucks to run on Hydra’s proprietary hydrogen-diesel, co-combustion technology, immediately reducing emissions up to 40 per cent per truck at no cost to fleet owners. 

A rendering of the world’s largest hydrogen refuelling station Hydra is currently building in Prince George, B.C. to service Hydra-converted trucks in the region.

Not only have these fleet owners realised the most economical way to run greener and comply with the sustainability-related requirements of their contracting forestry clients, but they’ve also managed to optimise their truck performance and fuel efficiency in the process. 

Hydrogen is ideal for heavy-duty trucking applications since it meaningfully reduces GHG emissions, provides the high torque and power needed for traction and heavy payloads, works in cold temperatures, refuels as quickly as diesel, and doesn’t add weight of heavy batteries that reduce payload and revenue. 

With a practical, hydrogen transition solution like Hydra’s, the overall economics make sense as noted by Annie Horning, CEO of Excel Transportation that services the B.C. forest industry. 

“Once we heard about the progress Hydra has been making on their hydrogen refuelling station right in our own backyard, the fact their hydrogen wouldn’t cost us more than diesel, and that it would cost nothing to retrofit our trucks to run cleaner and more efficiently, we couldn’t pass on the opportunity. Hydra allows us to make a positive difference sooner than later while eliminating our range anxiety concerns that could impact our service reliability,” Horning said.

But how is Hydra able to make hydrogen transportation possible within Canadian forestry right now when hydrogen has continued to be touted as the “fuel of the future”, not the fuel of today? The first internal combustion engine powered by hydrogen occurred as far back as 1804, yet progress since then has been limited.  

The secret lies in Hydra’s innovative Hydrogen-as-a-Service (HaaS) business model, which makes the economics work now. That means the company’s zero-cost, proprietary dual-fuel conversion kit for heavy-duty trucks is just one piece of the larger puzzle. 

Hydra signed MOUs with commercial fleets in B.C. to convert their existing heavy-duty Class 8 trucks to run on Hydra’s proprietary hydrogen-diesel, co-combustion technology.

Hydra’s HaaS approach uniquely connects low-carbon hydrogen supply and demand in a way that helps companies profitably bring hydrogen to market at scale and commercial fleet operators secure reliable, long-term, local clean fuel contracts at diesel-equivalent prices with no-up front investment. 

For example, if you’re a forestry company that is producing hydrogen from operational waste, that same fuel could potentially be used to support Hydra-converted trucks of your own or fleets you contract to move your wood products. That or converted trucks in Northern B.C. could leverage the world’s largest hydrogen refuelling station Hydra is currently building in Prince George to be operational next year.  

Hydra continues to sign commercial fleets serving the B.C. forestry industry in its quest to help reduce the province’s excessive transportation-related emissions. The company has also expanded its HaaS offering into Alberta and is working with potential licensees around the world looking to monetize their own hydrogen at scale in the most profitable way possible, proving hydrogen can be utilised along all aspects of the supply chain. 

As Hydra CEO Jessica Verhagen puts it, “Hydra’s HaaS business model and proven performance on real-world truck routes over past years demonstrate the possibilities for hydrogen across the value chain in forestry right now. Yes, as a country we have the potential to leverage our incredible natural resources to produce the hydrogen the world needs and we also have the innovation to leverage that same hydrogen right in our own backyard. 

“Our practical, transition solution is one that forestry company fleets or transport service providers want to adopt today, we think hydrogen has already proven it has a role to play in the future of Canada’s forest sector.”

Laura Guzman is Hydra’s vice-president, partnerships. She has opened up critical opportunities for Hydra to advance new partnerships with government, industry, NGOs and First Nations. She is responsible for advocating for improved hydrogen policy across governments.

Featuring a rigid mount, the Stump Ax offers a practical, reliable design capable of working faster than articulating stump grinder attachments by simply repositioning the power unit instead of swinging the cutting wheel. It has an angled hitch and forward-reaching boom to give the operator exceptional visibility and control on the job.

The Stump Ax includes the Phantom Wheel with Tomahawk teeth from Leonardi, which are highly regarded by vegetation management professionals for their high strength and fast cutting performance. The Phantom Wheel also has cut-outs to create a see-through effect for further improved visibility. A chain deflector provides excellent containment of the wood chips.

A 200cc high-torque radial piston motor on the Stump Ax is compatible with power units that have 30- to 60-gallon-per-minute hydraulic flow ratings. A reversible design allows the motor to be mounted either forward- or rear-facing.

A recent report indicates that the market for used construction equipment in Canada, valued at US$511.3 million in 2021, is predicted to escalate to US$644.4 million by 2028. This represents a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.36 per cent from 2021 to 2028. The driving force behind this growth is the increased government expenditure on redevelopment, maintenance, and infrastructure projects such as roads, hospitals, and bridges across the nation.

Nestled in the heart of Redwater, Alberta and Vernon, British Columbia, Evolution Mechanical reigns as the top repair destination for heavy equipment and trucks. Founded in 2013 as a family-owned and operated business, Evolution Mechanical has grown from a single service truck to a dedicated staff of 50 and counting. Despite their expansion, they have never lost sight of their core values: the safety and well-being of their employees and an unwavering dedication to exceeding customer expectations.

“This partnership with Menzi Muck is not just about expanding our reach. It’s about joining forces with a company that shares our commitment to innovation and excellence. Together, we’re not just changing the landscape of excavators; we’re shaping the future of the Canadian equipment industry,” said Josh Caouette, president of Evolution Mechanical.

When equipped with the Tilt Hitch, a mulching head can be tilted up to 45 degrees to the left or right. Compared with competitive units, which typically have restricted movement in one direction, the Loftness hitch offers one of the highest ranges of motion in the industry. Other advantages include a light weight and low cost, thanks to its practical, simplistic design.

Tilting the mulching head allows an operator to fully expose the knives when cutting into trees. Additionally, trees can be held in place for faster mulching performance by tilting and positioning the head so that the shear bar rests against the tree to prevent it from wobbling. When ground mulching, the head can also be tilted in a way to keep material from ejecting out the back or to help pick material off the ground for further processing.

The 20 and 30 Series Battle Ax attachments from Loftness are compatible with excavators ranging from 10,000 to 36,000 pounds. The Tilt Hitch will eventually be made available for the 40 and 50 Series Battle Ax models, which are designed for 36,000- to 88,000-pound excavators.

Led by the husband-and-wife duo of Susanne and Mirko Jansen, Freya Logging exemplifies the essence of hard work, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the craft.

Early days and steady growth
Freya Logging’s humble beginnings trace back to 2016 when two families embarked on a journey to bring their logging expertise to the Canadian forest industry. Armed with a single piece of equipment – a Ponsse Buffalo King forwarder – and an abundance of determination, Sofia and Liam Parfitt and their friends Claudia and Olaf Weber laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable success story. The early years were marked by persistence, as the team honed their skills and steadily expanded their operations.

Expanding fleet and horizons

In 2019, a significant shift in Freya Logging’s ownership occurred when Mirko and Susanne acquired a majority stake in the company upon Olaf’s retirement. With a profound understanding of the logging industry, Mirko’s invaluable expertise provided the necessary impetus for Freya Logging’s continued growth. Under the Jansens’ leadership, the company witnessed an unprecedented transformation, leveraging their collective experience to drive operational excellence.

“My wife and I are very fortunate to be presented with the opportunity to own a majority share of the company. We’re very proud of what we’re doing, and so is our crew. I feel the industry is changing and we’re part of it,” says 35-year-old Mirko. 

Canadian Forest Industries met with the husband and wife and their team last spring, and they proudly showed us their fleet consisting of eight harvesters: two Ponsse Scorpions; one Ponsse Bear, two Eltecs with Ponsse harvesting heads; one John Deere 1270G 8WD; one Komatsu 931; one Hitachi 210 with 622 Waratah harvesting head.

“We just got our new Ponsse Scorpion with Ponsse H7 head that went to work on the first day of the 2023 logging season,” Mirko tells CFI. “To us the Scorpion is a good machine that can do anything from thinning, to blowdown, to clearcut – basically an all-rounder. We do all of our hauling with subcontractors, the same with low bedding.”

Freya Logging owns six forwarders: four Ponsse Elephant Kings; one Ponsse Buffalo King; and one John Deere 1910. The three log loaders comprise a Hitachi 210 and 240; and one John Deere 2656G. The company also has a Hitachi 260 and two Volvo 290 excavators. As for bulldozers, Freya Logging has two Cat D6 dozers and a Komatsu D85 dozer. Other equipment include one John Deere 772 grader, one dump truck and one Albach Diamant 2000 wood chipper.

“We do cut-to-length with our harvesters and forwarders, and also chipping with the mobile chipper,” says Mirko.

On an annual basis, Freya harvests around 350,000 cubic metres of wood, mainly spruce, pine, fir, and balsam, but also cedar and hemlock.

“We purchased the Albach chipper last December to be able to present the full circle of fibre recovery to our customers – mainly chipping for pellet plants and fire proofing blocks, and to be proactive on fibre recovery since we are in a fibre shortage,” he explains. “We at Freya don’t like fibre being wasted or burnt. Sometimes chipping is hard to do due to hauling distances, but if it’s feasible it will be applied.”

On an annual basis, Freya harvests around 350,000 cubic metres of wood, mainly spruce, pine, fir, and balsam, but also cedar and hemlock in Prince George’s McBride and Valemount districts.

“We harvest everything from 0.1-0.5 cubic metre, but majority is 0.4-0.5 cubic metre. Tree sizes are from six to 20 inches in diameter mostly, but we can do up to 35 inches, and if bigger we have hand fallers to help us.”

Mirko adds that their products are mostly saw logs and pulp, “with some peelers every once in a while,” and the average lengths are between 16 to 20 feet.

“Average skidding distance is 250 meters, average haul distance is around 200 km. We work in a radius of about 600 km around Prince George,” Mirko says. “We have some 30 employees and 15 trucks. We try to have the operators in the seat for nine hours, plus servicing and travelling. An average workday is probably 12 hours,” he explains.

“We mainly work for Carrier Lumber in Prince George, but also do work for Sinclar Group, West Fraser and Drax.”

Roles and expertise

At Freya Logging, each owner brings their unique talents and expertise to the table, ensuring a well-rounded and efficient operation. Mirko, armed with a specialized four-year Swiss degree in logging, spearheads the harvesting side of the business. His deep understanding of forestry practices and commitment to sustainable logging has enabled Freya Logging to establish itself as an industry leader in responsible timber harvesting. Meanwhile, Susanne skillfully manages the company’s administrative operations and ensuring seamless co-ordination across various departments, all while expecting their first-born in August. 

The Parfitts take charge of sales and marketing. With their combined entrepreneurial acumen and a customer-centric approach, they have successfully positioned Freya Logging as a trusted partner for forestry contractors and stakeholders. Sebastian Mayer, a talented mechanic, ensures that the company’s equipment remains in optimal condition, maximizing productivity and minimizing downtime. James Kelly lends his expertise to the critical task of tree-planting, fostering ecological balance and reaffirming Freya Logging’s commitment to sustainable forestry practices.

With a diverse ownership structure and a team of professionals who excel in their respective roles, Freya continues to push boundaries and set new standards for sustainable logging practices.

Specializing in sustainable practices

Freya Logging has earned a stellar reputation in the Canadian forest industry for its specialization in commercial thinning and selective cutting. By meticulously removing select trees, the company enhances forest health, mitigates fire risks, and promotes the growth of high-quality timber. Freya Logging’s focus on sustainable practices, including strict adherence to government regulations and employing state-of-the-art technology, showcases their commitment to environmental stewardship.

Commercial thinning and selective cutting can have a big impact on climate change, fire mitigation and biodiversity, which is one of Freya’s main priorities, especially when it comes to protecting moose and mule deer habitat.

Community engagement and social responsibility

Beyond their exceptional logging operations, Freya Logging places a strong emphasis on community engagement and social responsibility. They actively participate in local initiatives that promote environmental education and awareness, collaborate with First Nations and empowering communities to make informed decisions regarding forestry practices. Freya Logging also prioritizes the hiring of local talent, contributing to the economic growth of the region and fostering a sense of pride and ownership among employees.

Freya Logging’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Canadian forest industry is a testament to the owners’ passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication. With a diverse ownership structure and a team of professionals who excel in their respective roles, the company continues to push boundaries and set new standards for sustainable logging practices. As they look towards the future, Freya Logging remains committed to innovation, responsible stewardship, and further strengthening their position as an industry leader in Prince George, and beyond.

“We are pretty positive about the future and are hoping that inflation will level out and lumber price recover,” says Mirko.

Consisting of three models – 7MWR, 9MWR and 11MWR – the series features a range of benefits to help meet the needs of operations in the construction, landscaping and forestry industries, as well as municipalities and utility construction. The MWR Series of wheeled excavators are purpose-built to allow for maximum maneuverability in tight working areas, offering the flexibility and versatility of a skid steer or compact track loader in one machine and delivering higher speed and mobility than tracked excavators.

“Traditionally, wheeled excavators have enjoyed less popularity in North America because the open spaces and greater distances to travel favored larger equipment. That is no longer the case. As supply chain challenges continue and trucking costs increase, hauling equipment is becoming more expensive. Compounding that is the fact that jobsites are getting smaller and labor shortages plague nearly every industry and business. These trends make it easy to recognize that the North American market needs compact equipment and the specific advantages that the wheeled excavator offers,” said Peter Bigwood, general manager of Mecalac North America.

“Mecalac has more than 40 years of experience building and fine tuning our wheeled excavators; and we believe the North American market is ready for this new approach to work.”

Each of the three models in the MWR series offers speed in a compact footprint. The smallest of the three, the 7MWR, offers variable speed between 0 and 19 mph. Two of the larger models, the 9MWR and 11MWR, provide contractors standard travel speeds between 0 and 12 mph with an option for enhanced speed up to 22 mph on the 9MWR and up to 19 mph on the 11MWR. The speed in combination with the versatility of these machines provide operations with substantial benefits in productivity and efficiency by significantly reducing travel time on the jobsite and between jobs.

With a 47-net-horsepower and conventional tail swing configuration, this model is ideally suited for navigating tight, congested jobsites and urban areas. Part of the next-generation 7 Series mini excavator lineup, the DX42-7 offers impressive features such as fast cycle times, efficient torque-limiting piston pumps that respond to load demands, and a larger counterweight for improved balance and durability.

“Weighing in at four metric tons, the DX42-7 delivers the power, maneuverability and versatility our customers have come to expect from DEVELON mini excavators,” says Thomas Lee, director of product management at DEVELON.

“Whether it’s utility work, landscaping, construction or site prep, the DX42-7 boasts an impressive lifting capacity, enabling effortless movement of pipes, boulders and various materials. With its powerful digging forces, customers can accomplish more tasks in less time.”

This new combination attachment will allow excavator operators to split big logs and clean up the split material with the grapple for staging or further processing using one machine. To allow the dual function splitter and grapple to work on standard excavator hydraulics, U.S. Pride Products developed a new hydraulic valve controlled by an electric solenoid. A flick of the switch allows the operator to instantly change between splitting and grapple functions.

“This new combined grapple and HF-800 cone splitter is a game changer for users. Operators should be much more efficient because one operator and machine can now do what it took two pieces of equipment to do previously,” said Charlie VanDusartz, president of U.S. Pride Products.

Customers may purchase the complete cone splitter with grapple attachment or upgrade their existing HF-500, HF-600 or HF-800 cone splitters with the new grapple upgrade package.

The new 318 MK2 saw unit of the 5000V will make work easier. The need for maintenance will be minimised, and durability will increase. The changes make it easy to change the bar, maintain the saw unit easily, and increase the durability to its maximum. The 5000V measurement unit has received mechanical, electronic and hydraulic updates. The construction of the measuring wheel cylinder is updated, the hydraulic circuit is new, the measuring wheel arm and its attachment are reinforced, there is a new contactless encoder in the measuring wheel, and two conical roller bearings that are lubricated from the outside. Altogether, the changes will allow the measuring wheel to follow the contour of the stem even better and provide the best measurement result.

The contour of the saw box is changed, and the position of the saw unit has been optimized to handle trees with larger root bones and thus increase production significantly. The saw box also has a root bone plate to protect the chain and bar. The saw box has also been extended and is now adapted for saw bars of 82 cm (32 in). The new 5000V easily handles large trees, both when felling and processing. The maximum cutting diameter is 74 cm (29 in).

The Log Max 5000V has new feed roller motors with hoses without banjo fittings. The new engines are of a high-flow model with increased efficiency, generating better performance for the harvesting head. The changes provide a better and higher flow, which reduces heat development and thus reduces energy losses. It also increases the unit’s feed speed. The feed wheel arms have also received an updated design to be able to process both coarse and thin logs better.

The hoses for the multi-stemming unit and the rotator control are on the left side of the felling link at 5000V. The updates make the hoses run inside the protective bar, less exposed and will make them last longer. The attachment for the hoses for stump treatment and grease lubrication also has a new design, which means that the hoses are exposed to minimal wear and have increased durability.

To simplify service, facilitate transport and increase safety, a “Safety Pin” has replaced the safety chain, which forms a locking mechanism between the frame and the felling link. One can now link a bracket under the rotator to a stand in the frame with the help of a locking pin. To increase durability and productivity, the frame construction of the 5000V has received several updates. In order for all lubrication to be done when the head is in the tilted position, the head has accessible lubrication points. The lubrication points are brought forward on the saw box so that they are easy to get at. It increases safety, facilitates maintenance work, and shortens downtime.

To improve the frame’s durability and life span, Log Max have changed the design of the measuring wheel hole. We also reinforced the stoppers for the roller arms, when in the closed position, at the inside of the frame to increase the frame’s strength and stability. To increase durability and reduce the risk of cracks in the frame, Log Max have created a reinforced attachment for the upper delimbing knife. The frame is reinforced at the mainline, where the upper delimbing knife slides on the frame to increase durability and extend its life span.

If you know of someone that is looking for a dynamic and skilled career as a forestry equipment operator, or if you are a contractor in need of a harvester or forwarder operator, check out the program details on how to apply and participate in the program.

The specialized nature of forest equipment requires skilled operators with a focus on safe, environmentally sustainable, and viable commercial operations. The forestry equipment operator training program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as mechanized forest equipment operators.

The report, Forest and Fire Management in BC Toward Landscape Resilience, highlights an urgent need to change how B.C.’s forests and landscapes are managed.

“Fire prevention and suppression policies over the past century have led to a buildup of fuel in our forests, and have contributed to the loss of natural firebreaks in some areas,” said Keith Atkinson, chair, Forest Practices Board. “These shifts, combined with forestry policies and climate-change effects greatly increase the risk of catastrophic wildfire. We’re already seeing the consequences this year, with its unusually early start and record-setting wildfires.”

Provincial government data indicates that 45 per cent of public land in B.C. is at high or extreme threat of wildfire. Catastrophic wildfire impacts human health and safety, housing and infrastructure, wildlife, climate and the economy. The direct cost of suppressing wildfire is rising and now averages $1 billion annually in Western Canada.

“We can’t afford to continue the status quo,” Atkinson said. “We need the B.C. government, jointly with First Nations, to lead the development of a vision and action plan that will align provincial priorities and actions to restore landscape resilience and coexistence with fire. Landscape fire management is the way to achieve this.”

Landscape fire management can proactively reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and restore landscape resilience through forest-fuel reduction strategies, such as creating fuel breaks, increasing the diversity of tree species, densities, and ages, and the use of cultural and prescribed burning. These strategies create a more resilient landscape that is less vulnerable to catastrophic wildfire.

“Implementing this scale of change to land management can only happen with strong leadership and collaboration,” Atkinson said. “This is not a task that can be accomplished by one agency, but will require all levels of government, industry, and the B.C. public to work together to do things differently. The payoff will be a reduced risk of catastrophic wildfire, and a more resilient landscape for future generations.”

The Forest Practices Board is B.C’s independent watchdog for sound forest and range practices, reporting its findings and recommendations directly to the public and government. The board audits forest and range practices on public lands and the appropriateness of government enforcement. It can also make recommendations for improvement to practices and legislation.

It was in early 1950s when Bernhard Fink, originally a gold miner in Barkerville, B.C., moved to the Hazelton area and started cutting timbers for the underground tunnel supports for local area mines. Along with his daughter Frances and son-in-law Myron Smaha, Bernhard went on to establish a small sawmill and log harvesting business in Smithers, B.C.

“My parents were both teachers, and at night and week-ends, my dad helped his father-in-law in the operations,” says Shari Smaha, Myron and Frances’ daughter. “Both my grandparents passed away at an early age and in the mid-1960s my parents took over the company.”

Not only did Fink’s Sawmill Ltd. celebrate its 60th anniversary last November, but Myron and Frances are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this August.

A true family affair

The company recently celebrated 60 years since incorporation on Nov. 26, 1962. Today, the sawmill is gone but the name Fink’s Sawmill Ltd. lives on as a stump-to-dump logging company. Almost the whole family is now involved, and the 84-year-old Myron is still active in the company, while his 83-year-old wife, Frances, helps in the office and gathers her family around her dinner table every Sunday night.

“My dad is out building roads! He’s always engaged, and his mind is always thinking about the business,” says Shari, who joined the company in 1993 after completing a diploma in financial management. She is currently the office manager. She is currently the office manager. Her brother-in-law, Ryan Klaver, who joined in 2002, holds the bush foreman position. Shari’s son Rylan takes on the heavy-duty mechanic role, along with experience as an operator in bunching, skidding and roadbuilding phases.

“We’re a four-generation family business working together with the goal of carrying on Fink’s Sawmill Ltd.’s existence in this challenging environment,” Shari says.

Six decades of business and busy-ness

Fink’s Sawmill does some 15-20 km of roadbuilding per year. Myron has arranged an impressive mix of roadbuilding equipment comprising a Link-Belt 350X3 excavator with a 72” clean-up bucket, a Cat D6R and a Cat 324D excavator, a Komatsu PC200LC-6, a John Deere D5H track skidder with grapple and a John Deere D5H track skidder with swing boom. The company also has a Komatsu D85 dozer with U-Blade.

Fink’s harvests a diversity of species – pine, spruce and balsam – totalling around 140,000 cubic metres annually. The company does full tree to roadside logging averaging around 0.50 cubic metre per tree of long and short sawlogs, pulp shorts and dry shorts. 

The pulp chips are sent to Pinnacle Renewable Energy’s nearby Smithers pellet plant, while the dry shorts are sent to neighbouring Seaton Forest Products, which produces dry balsam logs into cants and shipping them to a reman facility in Langley.

Fink’s supplies around 113,000 cubic metres annually to Pacific Inland Resources, a division of West Fraser Timber. The average haul distance from Smithers to Pacific Inland Resources has a five-hour cycle, Shari says, and the average skidding and forwarding distance is dependent by block. 

The distance from Smithers and the Pacific Inland Resources mill necessitates a camp situation for the loggers, according to Shari. 

“Our crew stays in individual campshack with camp allowance,” she explains. The crew works a 54-hour work week: 12-hour shifts from Monday to Thursday, and eight hours on Friday. The company employs 14 bush staff and truck drivers. In addition, it hires subcontractors for the trucking and loading phase.

Fink’s has two feller bunchers: a Tigercat 870C and Tigercat X870D. The company’s skidding workhorses are two John Deere 848Hs, one with wide tires; a Tigercat 625C six-wheel skidder, a new Tigercat 635H six-wheel skidder, a John Deere D5H track skidder with grapple, and a John Deere D5H track skidder with swing boom.

“In early 2023, we purchased a 2022 Tigercat 635H 6×6 skidder through Ritchie Bros. to replace existing old skidders and for use in deep snow.  We just picked it up in April, so time should tell how it works out in our operation,” Shari tells CFI.

The decking line-up includes a Tigercat 880 and a Link-Belt 290 log loaders. The log processing line-up at roadside consists of a new Tigercat 850 with a Tigercat head, two Link-Belt 210s with Southstar QS500 heads, and a Cat 320D, also with a Southstar QS500 head.

“We were in the market for a machine that could handle larger piece size, and Parker Pacific brought the Tigercat 850 out as a demo, and the machine ended up staying,” says Shari.  

“Bigger head, bigger machine, less downtime. According to Blair Morgan, our long-term operator who has been a part of Fink’s crew for 28 years, says it has lots of power, handles big wood with no problem, good visibility and the best machine he has ever ran.  There’s also easy access for repairs as compartments opens up to make it easier to work on,” she explains.

Loading is subcontracted out to meet the loads per day requirements. Fink’s Sawmill operates three new Kenworth tridem tractor logging trucks with two Freflyt tridem trailers and one Arctic tridem trailer, as well as a Kenworth and a K-Line lowbed. Fink’s has a fleet of Ford crew cabs and a Ford F550 with Brutus service box for other support duties.

Challenges a plenty

It is no secret that the forest industry, particularly in B.C., is full of challenges lately.Shari says the current low lumber market prices that resulted in mill curtailments are reducing the need for harvesting and thus creating uncertainty.

In addition, the B.C. policies concerning the stumpage system, adjustment in the allocation within the allowable annual cut, and old-growth deferral are having an effect on forestry companies like Fink’s Sawmill.

“We see the major licensees invest outside of BC in areas of Alberta and southern US which is very concerning.  Logging and hauling rates are not keeping up with increased costs and inflation creating further added pressure and uncertainty on contractors such as ourselves,” Shari says. 

“So many factors which are out of our control affect our ability to work, such as our mill’s ability to move their lumber to market is affected due to interruption in logistics, such as services provided by CN Rail,” she explains.  

Another challenge is labour shortage, which is crucial to the company’s operations, according to Shari.

“Skilled operators are the No. 1 asset in our company.”

Family values

The family is proud of their excellent relationship with their staff, suppliers and area contractors, which Shari says is the secret to Fink’s Sawmill’s longevity and success. 

“Open communication, good working and long-term relationship with our mill, our suppliers,  and our logging and trucking contractors are critical,” she adds.  

“The message that I would love to share with CFI readers is the success, determination, work ethic that my parents have. They are providing employment to many families, they are hardworking, honest, fair people. Their 60 years in business in this industry is quite a gem of accomplishment,” Shari shares.

Indeed, Myron and Frances’ 60 years of running the family business, and 60 years of togetherness is a massive feat and cause for a celebration. 

Under the new regulations, licensees will publish forest operations maps, including proposed cutblocks and roads, and make them available to public feedback.

The province has developed an optional web-based tool for companies to display maps and invite public feedback, and plans to launch it fully next year. BC Timber Sales as well as some forestry companies in the province are currently testing the mapping portal.

“Providing people with an easy, user-friendly tool to view maps of local forest operations will help to promote transparency and information sharing,” Jennifer Gunter, executive director of the BC Community Forest Association, said in the province’s news release. “Forest operations maps have the potential to improve public confidence in our sector across the province.”

A new regulation under the Forest and Range Practices Act will establish a new protected habitat category known as Ecological Communities, designed to increase protection for rare and endangered species and habitats.

B.C. Forests Minister Bruce Ralston said in the release the amendments to forest management are important to British Columbians. “We are boosting forest conservation to better support ecosystem health, including rare and critical habitat,” he said. “Opening the planning process to the public through the use of new digital tools will engender greater public trust and ensure forest resiliency.”

From supporting the uptake of caribou requirements and deepening knowledge around the implementation of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) – both part of the National Forest Stewardship Standard (NFSS) – to monitoring the performance and effectiveness of our Standard and showcasing its impacts – like those demonstrated in a collaboration between Indigenous-led social enterprise, Wahkohtowin Development, and GreenFirst Forest Products.

“In 2022, FSC Canada’s momentum was spurred by our diverse and growing network of engaged partners, each of whom is dedicated to building a landscape of sustainably managed forests. Their trust in our National Forest Management Standard demonstrates a collective commitment to support Indigenous rights, protect ecosystems, and combat climate change,” says Francois Dufresne, FSC Canada president.

This year’s report shares updates on the strategic vision for Climate and Ecosystems Services (CES), solid wood market expansion and FSC Canada’s five-year strategic plan. It also underscores the importance of marketing and communications to build and strengthen its community, especially through social media channels where it reached over 1.1 million people last year.

“Looking ahead, while the challenges are enormous, I am hopeful that FSC Canada’s values of inclusivity, collaboration, leadership, sustainability, success, and credibility will steer us in the right direction,” says Cliff Wallis, chair of the board of directors at FSC Canada.

As global temperatures rise, trees in colder areas are benefiting from an extended growing season. A longer growing season results in thicker growth rings and, as a result, higher overall wood production.

This article is part of La Conversation Canada’s series The boreal forest: A thousand secrets, a thousand dangers

La Conversation Canada invites you to take a virtual walk in the heart of the boreal forest. In this series, our experts focus on management and sustainable development issues, natural disturbances, the ecology of terrestrial wildlife and aquatic ecosystems, northern agriculture and the cultural and economic importance of the boreal forest for Indigenous peoples. We hope you have a pleasant — and informative — walk through the forest!

However, studies suggest that longer growing seasons contribute to weakening the wood, making trees structurally weaker. The poor quality of wood means that trunks break more easily.

We are forest ecologists who specialize in the anatomy and growth of wood. Let’s examine the most recent scientific studies available to try to map the future of our forests and analyze how the changing growing season is determining the characteristics of the wood produced.

Wood: What is it?

Wood is the product of the progressive accumulation of cells — xylem cells — in trees. The purpose of this accumulation is to renew the sap transport system and to provide mechanical support for the stem (trunk), branches and leaves.

A tree ring is the product of a growing season which, in temperate and boreal environments, runs from spring to autumn. Each year a new growth ring is formed. The thickness of a ring is dependent on a combination of factors inherent to the tree (its species and genetic factors) and environmental factors (such as soil type, sun exposure, climate and competition between neighbouring trees).

In some species, especially in conifers, it can be quite easy to distinguish the rings from each other. This is due to the fact that during the growing season the tree produces two types of wood, characterized by cells with different forms and functions.

In spring, the tree produces many large, light-coloured cells with a thin cell wall. This part of the annual ring is called “earlywood.” In late summer, growth slows down. The cells become smaller, but their walls become thicker. This “latewood” is the darker portion of the annual ring.

The characteristics of the cells of wood are particularly important and are of great interest in ecological and economic terms. First of all, wood cell walls stock most of the carbon assimilated from the atmosphere by trees. Thus, a thicker cell wall means the tree is absorbing a greater amount of carbon. Secondly, the ratio of the number of earlywood cells to latewood cells determines the density of the wood, and, therefore, its potential use and material value.

Trees are growing faster

Over the past century, in the temperate regions of North America and Europe, trees have shown a faster growth rate, up to 77 per cent higher than in the previous century. This increase is related to the production of thicker growth rings.

At first sight, faster growth could be interpreted as higher biomass production, which would lead to a higher carbon storage capacity and, therefore, a greater contribution of our forests to the fight against climate change. In other words, a higher growth rate could mean that more wood would be available for our different needs.

But as William Shakespeare wrote: “Oft expectation fails, and most oft there where most it promises.”

Trees die younger

A study by the Technical University of Munich in Germany analyzed the growth rate of trees and the characteristics of their wood over the last century. They found that as the growth rate increased, the density of the wood dropped by eight to 12 per cent.

Furthermore, as wood density decreased, their carbon content also decreased by about 50 per cent. This suggested that the trees extracted less carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.

In addition to a reduced capacity to absorb and store atmospheric carbon, reduced wood density can weaken the structural strength of the stems. Wood fulfils the important function of supporting trees. Reducing its density is therefore accompanied by a lower resistance to mechanical stresses that might come from wind or the effect of gravity on steep slopes.

To complicate matters further, another recent study has shown an association between growth and lifespan in trees: fast-growing trees have a shorter life expectancy.

Too much is not enough

In our latest study, we quantified the relationships between the length of growing season, productivity and wood cell characteristics in balsam fir.

The study confirmed that trees with a longer growing season produce more wood cells and a thicker growth ring. However, higher growth also corresponds to a change in the ratio between the amount of earlywood and latewood. For every day that the growing season length increased, the trees produced one more cell of earlywood.

The increase in the ratio between earlywood and latewood is reflected in the decrease in wood density. This shows that an increase in volume growth does not necessarily correspond to a higher biomass production.

What does the future hold for our forests?

The global average temperature has exceeded the pre-industrial average by about 1.15°C (1850-1900), and is expected to rise further in the coming years. Warmer temperatures could lengthen the growing season of trees and consequently increase their growth rate.

While, on the one hand, this may lead to an expansion of forests globally, the rate of carbon uptake from forests is likely to decrease.

Although our forests will make a substantial contribution to the fight against climate change, the results of these studies are further evidence that environmental problems cannot be solved without taking direct action on the causes that trigger global change.

In the context of climate change, reducing the anthropogenic emissions that cause global warming is not something we can afford to negotiate or postpone.

Roberto Silvestro, PhD Candidate, Biology, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) and Sergio Rossi, Professor, Département des Sciences Fondamentales, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC)

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Director Allan W. Bennett make the announcement in a memorandum on May 31, with the change beginning June 1.

Bennett said the monthly updates will reduce stumpage lags from six months to an average of 3.5 months, and improve rate responsiveness to actual market conditions, which will make planning easier for smaller licensees with infrequent harvests.