Conference Proceedings

Forest Engineering Solutions for Achieving Sustainable Forest Resource Management: An International Perspective

 

Edited by Loren Kellogg, Ben Spong, and Priscilla Licht

Oregon State University

Department of Forest Engineering

Corvallis, Oregon, U.S.A.

 

 

In Conjunction with WOODFOR AFRICA 2002  International Forestry Conference and Exhibition

2 - 3 July 2002

Hilton College, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Province South Africa

 

 

 

 

Proceedings Sponsored by Department of Forest Engineering at Oregon State University

 

 

 

Conference Objectives

With a global projection of an increasing population and higher world wood consumption, along with a shrinking natural forest resource base, the harmony between sustainable forest production and a healthy environment is crucial. The available land base continues to get smaller for growing trees and producing the many timber and non-timber products and values that people from around the world depend on for subsistence and other social needs. Forest engineering and operations, and the people who plan, conduct and monitor these activities are a key component for achieving sustainable forest resource management and a healthy environment while meeting economic efficiencies needed for a globally competitive marketplace.

The objectives of this conference were to bring together an international group of researchers and practicing professionals from industry, public agencies, logging, and academia to disseminate the accumulated knowledge and technology gained by research and experience in forest engineering and operations. The WOODFOR Africa 2002 conference ran over two days; the first day was dedicated to keynote speakers on international forestry topics; the second day involved concurrent sessions on specific forestry themes of which one was the Forest Engineering Conference.

The them of the Forest Engineering Conference was "Forest Engineering Solutions for Achieving Sustainable Forest Resource Management: An International Perspective"

The following topics addressed the conference theme:

1. Supply Chain Management:   Including harvesting and product quality, cost reductions and value adding, tree processing

2. Sustainable Forestry:  Experience and Needs in Education, Worker Training and Safety

3. New Technologies for Timber Harvesting Operations and Planning

4. Road Maintenance and Timber Transport Strategies

5. Implications of Outsourcing (or Contracting) on Cost and Quality of Forest Operations

The Forest Engineering Conference was sponsored by the International Union of Forest Research Organizations IUFRO Research Group 3.10.00, and Forest Engineering Southern Africa (FESA). The objectives of IUFRO Research Group 3.10.00 – Harvesting, Wood Delivery and Utilization – are to provide the details of research results and technology transfer pertaining to harvesting, wood delivery and utilization of forest resources in an environmentally sound, economically efficient, and socially acceptable manner. The Research Group promotes communication and shares information from around the world on these topics. The mission of FESA is to champion the development of innovative and appropriate forest engineering technology that delivers sustainable, productive and cost-effective solutions to the Southern African forest industry. The organization operates with a management committee, a full time Development Manager, and co-opted Project Leaders within the industry.

Other sponsors of the Forest Engineering Conference are the Woodfor Africa 2002 International Exhibition and the Department of Forest Engineering at Oregon State University, U.S.A.  South African institution that provided financial support for the Forest Engineering Conference included the University of Stellenbosch, The University of Natal, and Port Elizabeth Technikon.

IUFRO 3.10.00

Forest Engineering Southern Africa

Oregon State University  Department of Forest Engineering

Port Elizabeth Technikon

Natal University

Stellenbosch University

Notes About These Proceedings

These proceedings are reproductions of papers submitted for the conference with minor editing to achieve a consistent format.  No attempt was made to review or verify results.  Specific questions regarding papers should be directed to the authors.

We gratefully acknowledge, Yvonne Havill, Office Specialist in the Department of Forest Engineering, Oregon State University, for her assistance in word processing and formatting the proceedings.