Steep and difficult terrain presents persistent operational, safety, and environmental challenges for forest harvesting. This presentation outlines recent innovations in forest operations that aim to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability under such conditions. Historically reliant on manual labor and conventional ground-based equipment, steep slope forestry is undergoing rapid transformation driven by technological advancement and international best practices. Key developments include the emergence and adoption of winch-assist systems—mechanized equipment supported by tensioned cables that improve traction and stability on inclines. First adopted in Europe and New Zealand, these systems are now increasingly used in North America. Their benefits include expanded use of mechanized felling and extraction on slopes previously limited to manual operations, reduced soil disturbance, and enhanced operator safety. Cable yarding systems remain vital, especially in coastal and mountainous regions. Ongoing improvements in grapple yarders and integration with winch-assist systems support more flexible and efficient operations. Future opportunities lie in automation, in-forest connectivity, and autonomous machinery, which offer the potential to revolutionize forest logistics and wildfire mitigation. This presentation also discusses the broader system-level considerations such as road infrastructure, equipment compatibility, workforce training, and regulatory factors. Insights are drawn from applied research and industry experience across North America and international contexts. Through these innovations, the forest sector is better positioned to operate on steep terrain while minimizing environmental impact and improving safety and productivity across the value chain.
저자
Dzhamal Y. Amishev [ Faculty of Natural Resources Management, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Canada ]
Corresponding Author
