Economic analysis on log damage during logging operation in Caspian Forests

Waste wood was studied in an economic enterprise by logging, function, tree species and log size in four Caspian hardwood sites. Dam- aged logs were recorded with additional information obtained for the location, dimensions and type of damage. The data were analyzed statis- tically to determine significant differences of damage during logging process. The results indicated that animal harvesting systems cause more volume （40.5% of log volume） and value loss （89.5 $.m^-3） to logs than mechanized harvesting systems （13.9% and 6.0 $.m^-3）, also bucking resulted in significantly more volume （9.9% of log volume） and value loss （5.5 $.m-3） when compared to skidding （0.2% of log volume and 0.2 $.m^-3）, decking （0.4% of log volume and 0.2 $.m^-3） and loading （0.2% of log＇s volume and 0.3 $.m^-3） operations. Study showed that the processes of skidding, decking and loading of logs have very little impact on dam- age levels. Volume and value losses of damaged logs are not sensitive to tree species and log size. The information from the field study is impor- tant in creating new guidelines or training to help minimize hardwood log damage during the timber harvesting process.

Effect of stand density and humus removal on regeneration of Pinus densiflora seedlings in a mixed conifer and broad-leaved forest

We studied the impact of stand density and forest floor humus removal on regeneration ofPinus densiflora in a mixed co- nifer and broad-leaved forest on the Daimonji-Yama Mountain, Kyoto, Japan. Three levels of stand density were set, i.e., a clear-cut site, a heavily thinned site and a lightly thinned site. In each density treatment, comparisons were carried out between humus removal （A0-free） and humus intact （A0-intact） subplots. We counted the emergence of sown pine seeds and measured survival and growth of pine seedlings over the next four years. In addition, light conditions and the recovery of understory were monitored. Results show that thinning intensity and humus removal promoted the establishment and growth of seedlings. One exception, however, was that seedling growth was minimal in the heavily thinned A0-intact subplots. This was due to a strong response of understory vegetation growth on the treatment combination, which hindered the pine seedling growth. Furthermore, we found that the canopy openness measured at 1.3-m height remained at least 35% for the heavily thinned site in 2008. The results suggest that the removal of the A0 layer after heavy thinning is the most effective and labor-saving operation for P. densifiora regeneration.

Evidence Emerging from the Survey on European Union Timber Regulation [REG. (EU) 995/2010] in Italy

Illegal logging is a pervasive problem of major international concern that causes many negative social, economical and environmental consequences. EUTR is a tool adopted in 2010 and entered into force in 2013 to stop the trade of timber illegally logged within the EU market. The implementation in Italy is still in progress and varies among regions. This study considers the respondents’ opinions on different EUTR characteristics, implementation processes and compliance activities. Taking Italy as an example, the questionnaire was delivered to relevant Italian foresters and timber operators in the forest-timber system. Two hypotheses are under verification: 1) if Italian forest-wood-timber sector integrated EUTR into its activity and 2) if the Italian Due Diligence system is a valid model to other countries. The questionnaire has been submitted to the wood industry stakeholders. It has been organized into six sections to collect information about the professional characteristics of respondents, their experiences on EUTR, the opinion about EUTR and FLEGT, the support received on EUTR implementation, the opinion about the checks system, and the role of EUTR in marketing timber products. Questionnaire data have been elaborated in different ways. Conclusion underlines the EUTR Italian system criticalities and some suggestions for a more effective use of EUTR in the wood market. The picture that emerges from the results collected is that the EUTR, although proposed for morally and ethically valid purposes, doesn’t have unanimous effectiveness. In particular, EUTR can generate a distortion of the market, new expenditures for importers. Various operators applaud the role of certification schemes for sustainable forest management, which indirectly makes it possible to prevent the aforementioned problem. The Italian EUTR system is working only for satisfying Regulation 995/2010 targets. This must be considered as the starting point;however, three innovative topics could be developed in the future: digitalization and computerization of EUTR certification, integration of EUTR certification with forest certifications schemes and other quality certifications, and use of EUTR in the marketing initiatives.