FOREST ECONOMICS
Logging & Hauling Cost Studies
Forest managers are constantly faced with the need to reliably estimate harvest costs. Because of the inherently variable conditions under which logging occurs, estimating costs inexpensively is challenging. Yet costs estimates for timber harvest are especially important as new treatments aimed at ecosystem restoration are developed. The Bureau conducts surveys on logging and hauling costs during alternate years to help managers develop cost estimates for various scenarios.
Estimated Trucking Costs Idaho and Montana, 2022 by Steven W. Hayes, Todd A. Morgan, Micheal J. Niccolucci
Region One Steep Slope Logging Cost Inquiry, 2022 by Steven W. Hayes, Todd A. Morgan, Micheal J. Niccolucci, Eric Simmons
Logging Cost Estimation for Idaho and Montana, 2020 (Presented to the 2020 Foresters Forum, Feb. 6, 2020, Coeur d'Alene, ID)
Below are posters which summarize the finding of these surveys:
The BBER has also published its findings in the following journal articles:
Dan Loeffler and Nathaniel Anderson (2017) Impacts of the Mountain Pine Beetle on Sawmill Operations, Costs, and Product Values in Montana. Forest Products Journal In-Press. Forest Products Journal Online
Keegan, C.E., M.J. Niccolucci, C.E. Fiedler, G.J. Jones, and R.W. Regel. 2002. Harvest Cost Collection Approaches and Assorted Equations for Restoration Treatments on National Forests. Forest Products Journal 52(7/8):96-99.
Keegan, C.E., C.E. Fiedler, and D.P. Wichman. 1995. Costs Associated With Harvest Activities for Major Harvest Systems in Montana. Forest Products Journal 45(7/8):78-82.
Keegan, C.E., C.E. Fiedler, and F.J. Stewart. 1995. Costs of timber harvest under traditional and 'New Forestry' silvicultural prescriptions. Western Journal of Applied Forestry 10(1):36-42.
