An Applied Hardwood Value Recovery Study in the Appalachian Region of Virginia and West Virginia

An analysis of log-making (bucking) performance for five logging crews in southern Appalachian mixed-hardwood stands of Virginia and West Virginia was conducted. Cutting accuracy and value recovery were analyzed and compared to an optimal solution that was determined through the use of the HW-BUCK computer software. In total 148 trees were bucked into 510 logs and only 11 percent were cut accurately. Fifteen percent were under cut and 74 percent were over length. The crew with the best performance in length cutting accuracy also recorded the lowest value recovery loss. An average value loss of 20.7 percent was calculated for all five crews