Tree Farmer - November/December 2009 - (Page 4)

Using Small Woodlot Equipment By Jarvis steVe An increasing number of Tree Farmers are harvesting their own trees to meet their forest management objectives. This article focuses on the hazards of tree harvesting and safety considerations for forest landowners using small woodlot equipment. In Maryland, 85 percent of all forest landowners own less than 10 acres of forestland. Across the country, 61 percent of forest landowners own less than 10 acres. According to a recent survey of Maryland landowners, the most important factors that led them to use small-scale harvesting techniques were to achieve objectives in forest stewardship plan, to harvest wood for their own use, and to improve the growing conditions of the remaining trees. These woodlots are often too small for commercial timber harvesting operations. An increasing number of these forest landowners live on the property and are not interested in having a commercial timber harvest anyway, so what are the options available to forest landowners who want to carry out forest management activities? Do it themselves, of course! The key to successful timber harvesting is safety. Yes, harvesting trees can be dangerous! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), logging is one of the deadliest jobs in the United States. Loggers are two-anda-half times more likely to get injured than other occupations and face a 1-in-1,000 chance of being killed on the job. However, if Tree Farmers maintain a healthy respect for dangers associated with harvesting trees and take the following precautions, they can harvest trees safely and continued on page 30 Tree Farmer NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Tree Farmer - November/December 2009

Tree Farmer - November/December 2009
Contents
Safety 101: Using Small Woodlot Equipment
Buyer’s Guide & Resource Directory
Consulting Foresters & Managers
Associations
Fertilizers, Herbicides & Repellents
Forest Appraisal, Analysis & Management
Forest Measuring Instruments & Software
Insurance
Resources
Land Sales
Seeds & Seedlings
Real Estate Brokers
Timber Buyers & Loggers
Supplies, Gifts & Apparel
Timber Pricing Services
Tax Advice & Timber Taxes
Tools & Equipment
Tree Paint & Markers
Tree Protectors & Shelters
Wood Manufacturers
Agencies
Associations & Organizations
Tree Farm State Contacts
Grant, Loan & Cost-Share Programs
Cooperative, State Research, Education & Extension Services
State Foresters
Make Your Home and Forest Fire Resistant
Taxing Issues
Ties to the Land
A Safe Harbor for Two Threatened Species
Tools & Techniques
Timberland Liability - Are You at Risk?

Tree Farmer - November/December 2009