A new harvest operation cost model to evaluate forest harvest layout alternatives

In this paper we develop a new model for harvest operation costs that can be used to evaluate stands for potential harvest. The model is based on felling, extraction, and access costs and is unique in its consideration of the interaction between harvest area shapes and access roads. We illustrate the model and evaluate the impact of stand size, volume, and road cost when determining harvest layouts. We also present a generalized case where multiple unit road costs are considered in the same stand.