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Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

FRST 3073: Forest Harvesting

Students consider the engineering, economic, and environmental factors associated with transportation and harvesting systems used in integrated forest resource management. These include forest road design and location; geotechnical engineering, and drainage; harvest planning, locating, and scheduling; and an international perspective on logging systems and their application in meeting silvicultural objectives.

Learning outcomes

  • An understanding of appropriate harvesting systems for a range of silviculture systems and site conditions.
  • A sufficient understanding of the engineering, environmental, and economic implications of harvesting systems to communicate and work with specialists in forest harvesting.
  • The ability to understand, produce, and implement integrated resource management plans.
  • A clear understanding of their professional competence and limitations within Forest Harvesting.,

Course topics

  • Lesson 1: The History of Forest Harvesting in British Columbia
  • Lesson 2: Forest Management and Planning
  • Lesson 3: Operational Planning
  • Lesson 4: Forest Harvesting Equipment Selection
  • Lesson 5: Harvest Systems and Harvest Methods
  • Lesson 6: Harvesting Methods and Silviculture Systems
  • Lesson 7: Forest Roads
  • Lesson 8: Forest Road Location and Design
  • Lesson 9: Forest Road Construction
  • Lesson 10: Forest Road Maintenance and Deactivation
  • Lesson 11: The Business of Harvesting
  • Lesson 12: Maximizing the Value of Timber Harvested
  • Lesson 13: Professional Responsibilities

Required text and materials

The following materials are required for this course:

  1. Forest Engineering Technology Program. (1996). Introduction to forest harvesting methods. Vancouver, BC: BCIT.
    Type: Custom Reprint.
  2. MacDonald, A. J. (1999). Harvesting systems and equipment in British Columbia: FERIC handbook no. HB‐12 . British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Forestry Practices Branch. 

Additional requirements

Access to transportation as students are required to visit an active logging operation in their area.

Assessments

Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.

To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher in the overall course and 50% or higher on the Mandatory Final Exam. 

Students applying this course towards the Natural Resource Science program at TRU, to a graduate-level program, or to the academic eligibility requirements for professional registration with the ABCFP must obtain a minimum of 60% on each of the seven assignments in total and on the Final Exam to meet program requirements.

Assignment 1: Forest Management and Planning  7%
Assignment 2: Integrated Resource Management Plan  7%
Assignment 3: Forest Harvesting  7%
Assignment 4: Harvest Plan Map  7%
Assignment 5: Forest Roads  7%
Assignment 6: Equipment Rental Rates 5%
Assignment 7: Site Visit Report—Active Harvest Operation 10%
Mandatory Final Exam  50%
Total 100%

Open Learning Faculty Member Information

An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.

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