Perception of Romanian State Forest Managers on the Use of Different Timber Harvesting Systems

Abstract

In timber harvesting operations, the degree of mechanization depends on many factors. Among these, the institutional and social acceptances are considered to be key factors that could restrict some harvesting systems irrespective of the availability of equipment and technology. This study evaluated the perception of state forest managers relative to the use of 12 timber harvesting systems characterized by various levels of mechanization, based on a quantitative questionnaire. More than 150 questionnaires were retrieved from the state forest districts. The results indicated that cable yarding systems were among the most preferred ones, being closely followed by those systems involving forwarding operations and chute systems.