OPTIMAL SKYLINE CORRIDOR SPACING FOR PARTIAL CUTTING IN 2ND-GROWTH STANDS OF COASTAL BRITISH-COLUMBIA

This paper presents the findings of a study on the economically optima l spacing of skyline corridors in partial cuts in second-growth stands of British Columbia. The mathematical basis for optimal spacing of co rridors is presented for rectangular settings when trees are felled in a herring-bone pattern to facilitate yarding. The model is used in a case study where optimal spacing is compared with actual spacing for t wo yarding systems observed in the field. The results indicate that si gnificant cost savings are possible from spacing skyline corridors at the optimal distance compared with conventional spacing used by the lo gging contractors.