This paper investigates the productivity and costs associated with different forest harvesting methods in Interior British Columbia, Canada, specifically within old-growth Interior Cedar-Hemlock stands. The study compares traditional clearcutting practices with alternative partial cutting systems, utilizing both ground-based and cable harvesting technologies across two distinct study sites. Its primary purpose is to provide quantitative data on the economic implications and operational challenges of moving towards more ecologically and socially conscious forest management that incorporates partial cutting, ultimately aiming to inform forest managers about the trade-offs between different harvesting approaches and their impact on cost and stand damage.
