Options for Small-Diameter Hardwood Utilization: Past and Present

Effective and maximum value use of small-diameter hardwood timber has long been of interest to forest managers and researchers. In addition to being a significant component of the standing forest base, small-diameter hardwoods often are available after thinning or other tending operations. Although the use of this material is important to achieving healthy and sustainable forests and other ecosystem management objectives, finding economical uses is sometimes difficult. Much prior research has addressed small-diameter hardwood utilization. After discussing some forest statistics concerning the small-diameter hardwood resource, this paper reviews past small-diameter research and provides an overview of one small-diameter strategy, called System 6. It concludes by looking at evolving markets and utilization opportunities for small-diameter hardwoods. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND through harvests of mature stands, regeneration of poorly stocked stands, and salvage of damaged stands. Conventional hardwood markets do not provide enough economic incentive to remove the excess small low-grade timber so that the best forestry practices can be applied.