Author Description

Forest harvesting is an essential component of sustainable forestry to ensure the maintenance of forest productivity. Increasing demand for forest product quantity and quality, shifting forest workforce composition and expectations, and rising environmental concerns are driving changes in current forest harvesting practices. New research and technologies are transforming conventional forest practices to improve sustainability. This chapter discusses innovations in forest harvesting technology. In their coverage of technological innovations, the authors review the use of electric low-emission log trucks, cable-assisted timber harvesting (for use on steep slopes), lightweight teleoperated (remote controlled) felling machinery, automation, machine vision, and precision forestry. These research areas hold great promise for improving forest worker safety and sustainable management of forest sites and vegetation. The authors also recognize that these forest technologies require substantial development for practical applications. The chapter concludes with a section on how research can further innovate such forest harvesting technologies.