Book Description

S2The equations presented allow the estimation of quality and quantity of commercial logs produced from a hardwood stand based on cruise data. The gross International inch board-foot volume and number of logs by log grade for trees of 11 species can be predicted based on dbh, merchantable height, and tree grade. A two-stage estimation procedure was developed utilizing regression techniques and linear discriminant analysis. The volumes by log grade are estimated with multivariate multiple linear regression equations. These volumes, the tree dimensions, and grade are then used in discriminant functions to estimate the number of logs by log grade. This information, when packaged in appropriate computer software, will provide the mill manager with the means to estimate the quantity and quality of logs that would be added to a mill yard inventory from a timber sale. The software also will help a timber buyer or landowner set purchase price based on stumpage prices or delivered log prices and conversion costs.S3.