Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

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October 2018

STACKING ‘EM UP in Saskatchewan with Sennebogen 830 M-T log handler NINE-AXLE TRUCKS get traction, deliver benefits With this issue…

The Edge!

REBOUND AT RUTHERGLEN: Columbia’s Ontario veneer mill reopens CONTINUING TO BATTLE the (spruce bark) beetle in British Columbia

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FEATURES October 2018 Volume 49 • No. 6 Editor Paul MacDonald Contributing Editors Jim Stirling Tony Kryzanowski George Fullerton Tech Update Editor Tony Kryzanowski

Publisher Rob Stanhope • (604) 990-9970 E-mail: stanhope@forestnet.com

On the Cover: Fallers in B.C’s coastal forest industry work in tough ground—and safety is paramount. E&B Helicopters has the back of fallers, and the forest companies, operating on the coast, through providing air transportation and emergency evacuation services. Its Medevac (Medical Evacuation) capable helicopters are able to get in to spots where B.C.’s Air Ambulance Service machines can’t reach. Read all about E&B and its president, Ed Wilcock, and the services it offers to fallers beginning on page 14 of this issue. (Cover photo courtesy of BC Forest Safety Council).

Associate Publisher Anthony Robinson • (604) 990-9970 E-Mail: robinson@forestnet.com Sales Associates James Booth • (604) 506-8631 E-mail: jbooth@forestnet.com Perry Rosehill • (604) 613-3001 E-mail: rosehill@forestnet.com

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ISSN 0226-7572. Back copies from 1996 onward are available through our website www.forestnet.com Publications Mail Agreement No. 40064045 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to CIRCULATION DEPT. PO Box 86670 Stn Main North Vancouver BC V7L 4L2 e-mail: SubscribeLSJ@forestnet.com POSTMASTER: Send US address changes to LSJ Publishing Ltd., PO Box 610, Edmonds, WA 98020-0610 Published October 2018 Printed in Canada on 20% recycled paper.

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4 Spotlight Story:

Newfoundland’s new forestry voice

The new Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association will be better able to present industry’s case to the provincial government—and present it with a common voice.

10 Rebound at Rutherglen Columbia Forest Products’ Rutherglen, Ontario veneer mill has reopened and is now looking at expanded production, thanks to a rebound in plywood production—and demand for veneer from a soon-to-be-expanded Columbia plywood plant.

14 The Go-to-Guys

for loggers

E&B Helicopters provides air transportation to coastal forest industry companies, being the go-to-guys for getting loggers to work in remote areas—and sometimes being the first responders in case of serious accidents.

20 Continuing to battle

the beetle in B.C.

The mountain pine beetle infestation in B.C. may be in the forest industry’s rear mirror, but it now has the spruce bark beetle to deal with, and loggers are well into the salvage and control measure mode.

26 Nine-axle trucks get

traction in B.C.

It’s been a bit of a haul, but nine-axle logging trucks have finally gained traction in B.C. now that the rigs’ potential benefits are better understood and appreciated.

32 Stacking ‘em up in

Saskatchewan

A new Sennebogen 830 M-T log handler’s stacking ability has boosted yard capacity for Saskatchewan’s Edgewood Forest Products—and is helping the mill feed the appetite of its new sawline.

36 The Edge

Included in this edition of The Edge, Canada’s leading publication on research in the forest industry, are stories from the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, Alberta Innovates and FPInnovations.

54 The Last Word

Short rotation woody crop deployment in Canada is now at a crossroads, says Tony Kryzanowski.

DEPARTMENTS

Calendar............................................ 8 Tech Update...................................... 42 Suppliernewsline............................. 46 Classifieds....................................... 53 Ad Index.......................................... 53 Subscriptions................................... 53

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

3

spotlight

Newfoundland’s new forestry voice

The new Newfoundland and Labrador Forest

By George Fullerton Industry Association will be better able to present he first directors’ meeting of the Newfoundland and Labrador Forest industry’s case to the provincial government— Industry Association (NLFIA) was held earlier this year, and the fledgling and present it with a common voice. organization has a number of issues that it

T

The four members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association (NLFIA)—including Burton’s Cove Logging and Lumber—cumulatively process about 90 per cent of the wood fibre currently harvested in the province.

4

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

will soon be tackling, such as fibre utilization and energy costs.

NLFIA Executive Director Bill Dawson explained that the organization will provide a common voice for the membership, on issues impacting the forest and forest industry of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The four members of the organization, cumulatively, process about 90 per cent of the wood fibre currently harvested in NL. It represents the major wood consuming mills in the province: Cottles Island Lumber, Sexton Lumber, Corner Brook Pulp and Paper and Burton’s Cove Lumber and Logging.

Dawson was formerly employed with the provincial forestry department, in the Innovation Centre, which focused on seeking opportunities to grow the forest industry through innovative forest fibre utilization and value-added manufacturing.

Dawson indicated that the new NLFIA organization will focus its efforts on working on common issues the membership deals with, including strategies to rationalize and streamline the management of the forest resource.

In an interview, Dawson said that the provincial government has been very supportive of the efforts to organize the major industry players and was looking forward to the industry communicating with one common voice, rather than a number of individual voices being presented, with individual perspectives on forestry related issues.

Dawson related that there is no shortage of common issues among the membership, and that they wish to work with the government to advance the forest industry to page 6

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spotlight

The Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association is deeply committed to supporting the provincial government’s efforts to maintain substantive and comprehensive Forest Management Agreements with a long term outlook, which will sustain the forest resource. from page 4 and support the provincial economy. Forest management planning, transportation, rationalizing forest utilization, controlling energy costs, silviculture, value-added manufacturing, export and trade challenges top their list of issues to manage.

Dawson said government and industry

need to look at every opportunity to control fibre costs. He explained that the organization recognizes the necessity to increase efficiencies, and sees the need to concentrate on the logistics of harvesting and forest products transportation. Adopting the most up to date technologies is critical for the viability of the industry.

“As an industry, we need to look criti-

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

cally at trucking, as an example,” he says.

“We need to consider that there may be opportunities for off-road trucking, and establishing highway transport corridors for forest products.” He added that the organization would look toward co-operating with government to study and test different truck configurations, including B-Train and quads, and where

spotlight they are deployed, as well as looking for efficiencies and opportunities in regards to seasonal weight restriction tolerances.

The NLFIA is also interested in exploring opportunities that wood concentration yards might provide the forest industry, through rationalizing transport but also in concentrating under-utilized forest species and possibly creating opportunity for new fibre-utilizing businesses.

Dawson confirmed that the association is deeply committed to supporting the provincial government’s efforts to maintain substantive and comprehensive Forest Management Agreements with a long term outlook, which will sustain the forest resource.

Controlling energy costs is vitally important for the industry. Dawson said his membership is deeply concerned by speculation that Newfoundland and Labrador may see electric power costs rise from the current $.11 per kilowatt hour to $.22, in an effort to address cost overruns on the Muskrat Falls hydro power project. He pointed out that it is important that the forest industry maintains the option to develop cogen projects to address energy costs.

The NLFIA is interested in the former

The association is interested in the former Abitibi-controlled forest resource that supplied the Grand Falls paper mill, and how to best utilize that forest resource.

Abitibi-controlled forest resource that supplied the Grand Falls paper mill, and “how to best utilize that forest resource”.

Dawson pointed out that while the association has started out with four members, they may grow from there. In the future there may be an opportunity to invite other players in the sector to join.

“We want to grow and expand the forest industry in our province, and the association is not necessarily exclusive to its founding members,” said Dawson. He added that for the present, the relatively new group is focused on “learning to walk before we run, and making sure our shoes

are tied, so that we don’t trip up as we get going.”

A good deal of their recent efforts has been dedicated to organizational structure and formalizing bylaws.

Fred Osmond, along with his wife Zeta, are owners and managers of Burton’s Cove Logging and Lumber sawmill in Hampden, NL. Osmond feels that the forestry association will be a positive thing for their family-operated mill, and for others in the forest industry.

Osmond said that having forest industry issues brought to government with a single voice will be much more effective than four separate voices representing individual needs.

He said it was difficult to dedicate an employee to specifically represent his company on important issues. “It is especially hard for small companies, similar to ours,” he said.

Their mill relies very much on “handson managing”, and it has been hard for the Osmonds to dedicate time away from the operation to make representation to government officials. to page 8

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spotlight from page 7 “Even when we see an opportunity for a day away from our operation, it is not always a day that the particular officials are available for meetings,” said Osmond.

“Having an association representative dedicated to voicing our common issues to government makes a lot of sense.”

The move to forming the association began in the summer of 2017, when Bill Dawson visited the Osmond mill and sat down and discussed the potential for forming a forest industry association.

Osmond explained that he had a positive response to the initial proposal, and at subsequent meetings with other potential members, they collaborated on the idea to form the NLFIA. One of the concerns was the continued availability of fibre from the former Abitibi forest resource in central Newfoundland.

Burton’s Cove has traditionally relied on that resource for part of their log supply.

“Since the Abitibi mill in Grand Falls closed, the government has been looking for a new industry to set up in the region to utilize that fibre,” he explained.

“We rely on that resource for part of our supply, as do other mills. So we are very interested in who might get access to the resource and how our allocation would fit

CALENDAR November 1-3

Tree Care Industry Expo, Charlotte, NC

603-314-5380, www.tcia.org January 16-18

76th Annual Truck Loggers Association Convention, Vancouver, BC 604-684-4291, www.tla.ca January 22-24

BC Natural Resource Forum, Prince George, BC

250-640-7469 www.bcnaturalresourcesforum.com January 24

Mapping the Course: Timberlands, Forest Products Processing & Fiber Conf. Vancouver, WA 503-226-4562, westernforestry.org January 29-30

Forest Nova Scotia 85th AGM, Halifax, NS 902-895-1179, www.forestns.ca January 30-31

Bois-Energie 2019, Rennes, France 33-38-486-8930, www.boisenergie.com 8

Fred Osmond (above), along with his wife Zeta, are owners and managers of Burton’s Cove Logging and Lumber in Hampden, NL. Osmond feels that the forestry association is a positive development for their family-operated mill, and for others in the forest industry.

in with new industries. It seems we only hear about the proposals after they come out in the media—but we should be part of the discussions long before it is in the public domain.

“It’s critical for our operation, that we have the assurance that we will continue to have access to our traditional wood allocation,” said Osmond.

Osmond went on to point out that if the province wants to see the economic activity involving fibre-using industries expanded, they will be relied upon to provide increased fibre allocations to those industries.

Fibre exchange between mills has historically assured efficient utilization of harvested trees, with sawlogs landing at sawmills and chips from their processing delivered to the pulp mill. Osmond contends that the association will enhance negotiations and see those contracts develop and operate more efficiently.

Osmond said the decision to locate the NLFIA office in Corner Brook is important since the provincial government’s Forestry Department offices are located there, as well. The location allows the NLFIA executive director to effectively meet and communicate with decision makers in the department.

Members of the association are concerned with many issues in addition to fibre access. Osmond reinforced the need for efforts to make trucking more efficient, and controlling energy costs.

The suggestion that electrical power Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

rates in the province may be increased substantively is a major concern for him.

“Doubling power rates would be devastating for a business like ours,” he stated. “We are currently working with consultants to find every opportunity to be as energy efficient as possible in our operation. We are also studying, very closely, the opportunity for developing our own co-gen energy system.

“Having a voice that represents all the forest industry to government on issues like this will be a lot more effective than approaching it as individuals.”

Osmond pointed out the economic importance of businesses like Burton’s Cove. “We employ 50 people directly in our mill and probably another 150 people in businesses who supply products and services to us. That is very significant in rural Newfoundland. The other mills in our association also make significant economic contributions. Having a cohesive voice will help us remain an important part of the economy.”

Rex Philpott manager of Cottle Island Lumber Company in Summerford, NL, another association member, added: “Forming an industry organization is the only way to go. It gives us a unified voice to bring attention to issues that impact the industry. The timing is right, we have Kruger (Corner Brook Pulp and Paper) on side and we also have the support of our provincial government to move in this direction.”

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Rebound AT RUTHERGLEN veneermills

Columbia Forest Products’ Rutherglen, Ontario veneer mill has reopened and is now looking at expanded production, thanks to a rebound in plywood production—and demand for veneer from a soon-to-beexpanded Columbia plywood plant.

By Tony Kryzanowski

T

he bounce back of both lumber prices and logging activity since the calamitous American housing crash is having positive ripple effects—including the re-opening of temporarily shuttered mill facilities.

One of those reopening is the Columbia Forest Products veneer mill near Rutherglen, east of North Bay, Ontario, which depends on a vibrant logging sector to secure its log supply.

The mill reopened in 2016 after being closed for five years. Not only is it providing 75 direct jobs, but it is also reopening

Workers monitor the production of a veneer roll (above) as it is peeled by the Coe lathe. They remove the rolled veneer while another log is loaded onto the lathe spindles. Clear pieces of veneer of similar sizes are stacked together (right photo) and will be assembled eventually into 4’ X 8’ sheets.

10

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

veneermills a local channel for highly valued veneer logs for area loggers. These premium logs typically fetch as much as two to three times the value of sawlogs.

The main reasons behind the closure in 2011 were the ongoing economic recession, strength of the Canadian dollar, and reduced availability of veneer logs because of diminished logging activity.

But mill manager Mark Kelly says that Columbia had the foresight to keep the plant intact while retaining a few maintenance individuals as security who also kept the equipment primed for a potential start-up.

By 2016, log availability and the marketplace had significantly improved.

That effort to keep the mill primed for restart really paid off because it only took three to four months, including an investment of a couple million dollars by Columbia in basic start-up costs, for the mill to be back in production on a oneshift basis.

“We take maple, birch and oak logs and peel them down to 1/42nd of an inch,” explained Kelly, of the operation.

“Our finished product is really a four by eight sheet.” About half of the veneer mill’s production is from hard maple, with about 40 per cent white and yellow birch, and the remainder oak. At present, the mill processes about 500,000 board feet per week.

Kelly says that Columbia was able to attract about half of its workforce back when the veneer mill reopened, which was a major contributor to its quick restart, with the benefit of that experience.

Kelly returned to Canada to manage the

Rutherglen veneer mill from managing a Columbia veneer mill in Maine. While the mill currently has 75 employees, there are plans to hire more employees and expand in future, given current favorable market conditions and greater capacity being built into Columbia’s Hearst, Ontario plywood mill. Availability of additional quality and affordable veneer logs will be required.

What has helped to improve North American sales of veneer and hardwood plywood is a tariff placed by the United States on imported Chinese manufactured plywood in December 2017. Columbia also uses soy-based glues in its products whereas Chinese-based manufacturers use formaldehyde-based glues which have been identified by the World Health Organization as a carcinogen.

The Rutherglen veneer mill has a long history. Columbia purchased it in 1989.

It’s located in a region where forestry has been a foundational industry since the early 1800’s. The enormous log booms that traversed local rivers, including the nearby Ottawa River, have been made famous in both story and song.

The region of Ontario where the Rutherglen veneer mill is located is blessed with a highly diverse wood basket as part of the Great Lakes Forest. It consists of a large number of valuable hardwood species as well as the large and iconic white pine, often featured in paintings by artists like the famous Group of Seven.

“Rutherglen is a great location for a veneer mill because it’s central to the log

basket where we need to draw from and it’s also central to our Canadian plywood mills,” says Kelly.

Columbia is one of North America’s largest manufacturers of hardwood plywood and veneer products, with several plants both in the United States and Canada. Its four locations in Canada are Rutherglen, Kitchener and Hearst (where the company recently made a major investment in a new lathe), as well as Saint Casimir, Quebec. Headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, it is a highly integrated company. The Rutherglen operation supplies veneer to many of the company’s other plywood production facilities. Hardwood plywood is typically used in appearance applications.

In March, Columbia announced a multi-phase improvement project for the company’s Hearst hardwood plywood manufacturing facility—requiring an investment of over $16 million—to improve veneer drying capabilities and increase plywood production. This project will have a ripple effect on the Rutherglen plant which supplies decorative hardwood face veneers to Hearst.

Overall, Columbia’s plywood mills have a strategy to diversify their product lines so this will expand veneer demand

to page 12 Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

11

veneermills from page 11 from places like Rutherglen, possibly involving different veneer widths and different species.

“What’s different this go-around is that we have embraced LEAN manufacturing technology and that is exciting,” says Kelly. “So we are working on continuous improvement projects every day. What this has done is that it has really intensified and focused the daily effort.”

One of the hallmarks of LEAN manufacturing is improved workflow. Kelly says that definitely has occurred at the Rutherglen veneer mill, and it is something that is constantly evolving.

Another change is the launch of a Caring Committee, where employees look after the needs of other employees, with financial support if necessary, when they are faced with personal challenges. Kelly says this contributes to a greater feeling of team spirit.

The mill manufactures two versions of its veneer product: single 4’ X 8’ sheets and 4’ X 8’ sheets where smaller pieces are glued together after defects have been removed. A major part of the veneer manufacturing process is clipping away defects like knot holes and creating larger sheets from smaller, defect-free pieces.

The Rutherglen veneer mill purchases logs from all over Ontario from private and Crown land. Loggers understand the value of this wood, and will make great effort to sort and process veneer logs. The sorting is typically handled by the slasher operator who bucks and sorts logs at roadside.

The Rutherglen veneer mill has several log buyers who find, inspect, grade, and arrange payment for the logs, which are typically bucked to lengths of between 8’8” and 10’4”. The diameter range that the Rutherglen veneer mill processes is between 9” and 34”. Their average log diameter is about 15”.

“Veneer logs are usually about five per cent of the log harvest,” says Kelly. “Loggers are on the lookout for veneer logs because we pay top dollar for them versus a saw or pulp log—the birch around here is excellent. We have some very nice white birch logs come through.”

He describes the availability of veneer logs for current production levels as quite good, which reflects a more active logging environment and thus more potential sources for veneer logs.

Purchased logs have a shelf life to achieve the highest value veneer. The Rutherglen mill aims to have logs shipped to their yard in less than two weeks of

being harvested in the forest. During the warmer months, the logs are constantly kept moist in the yard using a sprinkler system. Each log is given a bar code in the yard for identification. They soak in water vats for 60 to 80 hours before entering the mill.

Once they enter the mill, the bar codes are scanned and a drag saw cuts both ends to create an 8’6” log. The logs are then debarked using a converted Coe lathe equipped with a specialized blade designed for debarking.

“We don’t want to go too deep because the nicest wood is right underneath that bark,” says Kelly.

The next step is the flitch planer, where an employee uses tools to manually clean remaining bark, dirt and grime that could knick the lathe knife. Next, the cleaned log is scanned by a McDiarmid scanner before encountering the knife on the Coe veneer lathe. The scanner creates a three dimensional image of the log which is used to make log positioning adjustments on the lathe to maximize recovery. The knife on the lathe peels the log at high speed and the veneer is then reeled back up. The reels are transported to the dryer.

As the veneer is unreeled, it is either cut into clear 4’ X 8’ sheets, or into smaller widths by a Merritt defect clipper that identifies defects like knot holes in specific locations. The veneer is then dried down

12

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

A worker uses tools (above) to remove flitches from debarked logs before they encounter the veneer lathe. Logs are scanned with a McDiarmid scanner (top left) to create a 3-D image of the log, so that it can be ideally positioned on the lathe for maximum veneer recovery. to between eight per cent and ten per cent moisture content through a Babcock dryer that operates at 165’ per minute.

After drying, the various sized sheets of veneer are manually sorted and stacked.

The stacker’s job is to create stacks of similar veneer widths where defects have been identified in similar locations. This is so that when the sheets encounter the bunch splicer later on, sheets with similar defect locations are sliced in large bunches of about 20 sheets at a time to maximize efficiency. These spliced sheets vary in size anywhere from 4” to 26” wide.

The smaller components are then transported for joining through the Fezer joiner, which squares up the individual components and places glue on either side. The next step is the Ruckle splicer, which butt joins the pieces together until a 4’ X 8’ sheet is achieved.

The sheets of veneer then land at the manual grading line. Each veneer sheet will fit into one of 17 different grades.

Once graded, they are stacked and then banded for transport.

The North America hardwood plywood market still faces considerable offshore competition, but by implementing programs like LEAN manufacturing, the Rutherglen veneer mill is doing all it can to answer that competition by working as efficiently as possible.

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loggingsafety

The

GO-TO-GUYS for loggers

E&B Helicopters provides air transportation to coastal forest industry companies, being the go-to guys for getting loggers to work in remote areas—and sometimes being the first responders in case of serious accidents to B.C. loggers.

14

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

loggingsafety

By Paul MacDonald

I

t would be understandable if you mistook the front office in the hangar of E&B Helicopters for a flight control centre—because that’s partly what it is.

Looking at a large wall-mounted monitor, E&B staff can see where all of the company’s 13 helicopters are at any point, along Vancouver Island and the rugged west coast of British Columbia.

And if there is a logging accident within that area, one of the company’s helicopters may already be on site, or it can be dispatched and be there quickly—sometimes within minutes.

Contrast that with the situation a generation ago, when severely injured loggers were often brought out on logging roads on a crummy, from remote logging sites on the B.C. Coast.

Ed Wilcock, the president of E&B Helicopters of Campbell River, B.C., remembers those days because he lived them.

He worked as a logging camp superintendent up and down the B.C. Coast, before starting up E&B. “I just sort of got into flying when I was working up in Kitimat for Crown Zellerbach,” says Wilcock. “I started with a fixed wing licence and then moved on to helicopters.”

Instead of noodling around and driving a vintage car—the pastime for many a logger—Wilcock took up flying a helicopter, a Bell 47, and has been flying pretty much ever since.

These days, E&B provides air transportation and emergency evacuation services to coastal forest industry companies who often simply provide a block map, longitude and latitude.

Its helicopters are supported by a modern, high tech communications system.

Over the last almost three decades in business, the company has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to ensure it has the best communications on Vancouver Island and southern coastal inlets by strategically installing many repeater towers. This allows workers on the ground and helicopter pilots to communicate back to E&B’s home base in Campbell River without interference, which is not an easy task, considering B.C.’s geography. The repeaters are truly the key link to loggers, the helicopters and the E&B office staying in touch.

And it has paid off in saving lives.

“There are people that wouldn’t otherwise still be with us that are here now because of Ed and E & B Helicopters. I know that first-hand,” says Steve Venus, the owner of Blue Thunder Contracting,

Ed Wilcock (above), the president of E&B Helicopters of Campbell River, B.C., worked as a logging camp superintendent up and down the B.C. Coast before starting up E&B. Starting with a single helicopter, E&B has since grown to 13 machines, operating out of its two purpose-built hangars in Campbell River.

which operates a contract falling business out of Campbell River. Blue Thunder is a steady user of E&B’s services, to fly its fallers out to remote areas.

Of E & B’s fleet of 13 helicopters, all but one is Medevac (Medical Evacuation) capable, and their machines are able to get in to spots where BC’s Air Ambulance Service machines can’t reach.

When an accident does occur, and someone needs to be evacuated, there is a set procedure, and a helicopter is usually on its way in minutes.

“We’re there—we’re the first responders,” says Wilcock. “Our pilots are very

familiar with all the different operating areas.

“As soon as the pilot picks up someone who is injured, they would be communicating back to here in Campbell River, so we would be co-ordinating things for the ambulance to come to the hangar.”

The hangar is only 10 minutes from Campbell River’s new state-of-the-art hospital. In the meantime, E&B staff would also phone the hospital, to give them a head’s up about the extent of the

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

15

to page 16

loggingsafety from page 15 injuries. “It’s all about communications,” says Wilcock.

Directing the communications and co-ordination are E&B staff, who are accredited flight followers. Flight followers are similar to dispatchers, and the work entails flight planning, flight plan filing, weather analysis, and flight monitoring.

Depending on the location, they could have the injured person back in Campbell River in as little as 30 minutes.

Contrast that with getting someone who was injured back by road, if road access was even available, which might take hours.

Wilcock and his pilots are very familiar with the “Golden Hour” concept. The Golden Hour is the first hour after a serious accident, when it’s crucial that an injured patient receives medical treatment in order to have a chance of surviving.

Getting loggers medical care quickly is especially important, since they often have serious internal injuries.

“The goal is to get the injured person from the accident scene to here in Campbell River as quickly as possible,” says

Wilcock. “We want to get them off the hillside, to a road or helipad in the logging area, load them in to the helicopter, and get them out of there.”

In some cases, the patients are brought in to Campbell River and then air- ambulanced to Vancouver or Victoria. They get stabilized in Campbell River, and the best care may be with medical specialists in a larger centre.

Looking back, Wilcock says that there has been a marked change in attitudes towards safety in the industry, from the days when he was in logging.

“The common expression about accidents used to be, ‘well, that’s just the way it is, it’s dangerous work’,” he says. “You sure don’t hear that anymore.”

Wilcock has come a long ways from his early days of flying.

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E

&B Helicopters’ Ed Wilcock’s commitment to safety was recognized last year by the BC Forest Safety Council, with Wilcock being awarded the Cary White Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award noted that Wilcock’s understanding and appreciation of workers’ safety in the forest industry started with his own boots on the ground, working in the industry—and that his commitment to the forest industry has been proven many times over.

On many occasions, Wilcock and his company are the last resort for loggers.

Forestry workers say that without E&B’s availability, they simply would not be able to go to work each day.

E&B can be essentially the go-to guys for getting loggers to work, on northern Vancouver Island.

“The phone starts ringing early in the morning, asking if we are flying that day,” says Wilcock. “If we can’t fly, the loggers can’t work because we are their line of safety, with our Medevac capabilities.”

loggingsafety

Starting with a single Robinson R22 helicopter (that was piloted by Wilcock), E&B has since grown to 13 machines and 13 pilots, and an extensive sales and maintenance program operating out of its two purpose-built hangars totaling 12,500 square feet in Campbell River. It also has bases in Gold River, and Port Alberni, on Vancouver Island.

And those 13 helicopters are busy. On

average, upwards of 80 per cent of the fleet is out working every day, though they always keep one machine back at base, in case of emergencies.

Today, its helicopter line-up includes Robinson helicopters, Bell 206 JetRangers, Bell 407s and Bell 206 B3 JetRanger helicopters, a119 Agusta Koala, and an Airbus Helicopter AS350 BA machine.

All E & B’s aircraft are fitted with satellite tracking devices from Latitude Technologies, and have radios with over 100 channels programmed, for different clients. With that set-up, clients can talk directly with the helicopters, says Wilcock.

The workhorses of their fleet are the JetRangers. They have nine of these machines, which are ideal for transporting an engineering crew or fallers, and their gear. “Nothing really beats the JetRanger, to get in and out of tight areas,” says Wilcock. Rather than being specialized in any particular type of work, the JetRanger is versatile enough that it can tackle just about anything.

As its helicopter line-up suggests, the company has expanded to meet the forest industry’s changing needs.

“It used to be that logging camps

worked Monday to Friday—it’s not that way anymore. So we’re here for them, seven days a week.”

That work might include taking some fallers out to remote areas to do some high elevation work, or engineers from one of the forest companies headed out to do surveying work.

“We provide all the support,” explains Wilcock. “We put them on a hill, and stay there during the day while they are working, and then bring them back at night—or part way through the day if it gets windy or foggy.

“And if something happens, we get them out of there. We’re basically their ambulance.”

E&B’s support work fits well with the steeper slopes the B.C. forest industry is increasingly operating in. “The industry is now going higher up the slopes because that’s where the wood is, and we take them there,” says Wilcock.

E&B works a fair bit with HeliQWest, which does heli-logging along the B.C. Coast. to page 18

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loggingsafety from page 17 “We do pretty much everything for the forest industry except heli-logging,” he says. “Our larger machines will even do fire fighting in the summer.”

A recent acquisition to work in firefighting is a Leonardo Helicopters AW119 Koala, which joined the fleet in 2015. The Koala is said to be the largest and most powerful light single engine multi-role helicopter in the market, and is equipped with advanced digital avionics. That power comes in handy, as it’s able to handle a 270 gallon bucket in fighting forest fires.

Wilcock’s background in the forest industry has been helpful, and he has been recognized for his commitment to the industry and safety (see sidebar story).

Though it has meant a significant investment in equipment, Wilcock says E&B’s size has paid off for them over the years. “And I think us being here seven days a week is important.” Smaller operations might not be able to offer that level of service. They also have plenty of backup, with their large fleet of machines.

And with a range of helicopters, they can more easily adapt to meet customer

needs. “Yesterday, we had a Bell 206 scheduled to go out, and then all of sudden, we had two more people going out, so we were easily able to change machines, to a Bell 407, to accommodate that.”

18

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

The flying that E&B Helicopters does for the B.C. forest industry is some of the most demanding work in the industry, flying into remote areas and landing on very small pads. It’s not like landing a helicopter at an airport—but it’s an everyday part of the job for E&B’s pilots.

An important part of what E&B does includes meeting the safety regulations of the forest companies they work for. An example is one forest company requires that machines be completely shut off when people are dropped off and picked up. Whatever safety regulations a company has, E&B is able to adhere to them.

And for E&B it’s not always about flying people around—their helicopters can help loggers when they have serious equipment problems.

If a piece of key logging equipment breaks down in a remote part of the coast, and it needs either parts or a dealer mechanic, E&B can deliver both.

“A logger might be broke down at the head of Bute Inlet and need parts or a mechanic up there right away,” says Wilcock. “With the equipment being so computerized now, sometimes they can’t fix it out in the bush themselves.”

And their pilots have plenty of experience, a good asset when you are talking about flying into remote areas along B.C.’s rugged coastline—and its sometimes unpredictable weather. Their average pilot has 10,000+ hours of experience. Many of their pilots have flown on the B.C. coast for more than 20 years. Wilcock himself has 20,000 hours of flying time under his belt.

“It’s probably some of the most demanding work you can do, flying into remote areas and landing on very small pads—it’s not like landing a helicopter at an airport. But it’s an everyday part of the job for our pilots.”

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salvagelogging

CONTINUING TO

BATTLE THE BEETLE

IN B.C.

The mountain pine beetle infestation in B.C. may be in the forest industry’s rear mirror, but it now has the spruce bark beetle to deal with, and loggers are well into the salvage and control measure mode.

By Jim Stirling

T

Myron Smaha (left) and foreman Ryan Klaver are directing the logging crews for Fink’s Sawmill, a job that entails building logging road (below) in addition to doing the harvesting.

he moist earth exposed by the excavator’s blade smells fresh as the dawn of time. But this type of creation is repeating itself too often. It represents the beginning of a new road to be cut through the bush for logging crews to access recently infected stands of spruce bark beetle wood. The beetles are part of an expanding infestation that has licencees, their log harvesting contractors and other forest users concerned in the B.C. Interior. And justifiably so.

Outbreaks of the beetle’s presence started showing up in greater numbers in 2014, with about 50,000 hectares infected around the Omineca region of north central British Columbia. Since then, the spruce beetle infestation has radiated out in all directions and by the end of 2017, it affected more than 375,000 hectares.

One of those areas where the beetle has made inroads are the spruce, balsam and hemlock forests north and west of Smithers. That’s home base for Fink’s Sawmill’s logging crews. For them and most other log harvesting contractors in the region, there’s been little or no respite from harvesting beetle wood. As the years of the mountain pine beetle epidemic gradually to page 22

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salvagelogging from page 20 subsided, the warmer summer and winter temperatures have consistently continued, helping increase the spruce beetle populations. The growth figures of the infestation may represent a robust but not abnormal population surge. Or they may not.

The regional forest industry has learned its lessons and is well into salvage and control measure mode.

“We expect to build about 10 kilometres of access road this summer,” said Myron Smaha, Fink’s Sawmill principal.

“And in the winter season, we will build the block roads.” The prime machines assigned to the company’s roadbuilding efforts include a Cat 324 hoe, a venerable but reliable Cat D5H and a Komatsu 220 armed with a blade.

West Fraser Timber and Canfor Corp., Canada’s two largest forest companies, are both active in the region and salvaging spruce beetle infected wood. Smaha’s Fink’s Sawmill has a 160,000 cubic metre a year contract with West Fraser Timber’s Pacific Inland Resources division sawmill in Smithers.

“We cut small spruce beetle blocks for West Fraser,” said Smaha.

Some patches his crews have harvested have been down to the 500 to 600 cubic metre range, although most are larger.

Canfor, on the other hand, has so far at least taken a different approach to its spruce beetle block design and opted for more clearcuts, noted Smaha.

Chasing the beetles has become normal operating procedure for logging contractors in the B.C. Interior as populations

continue expanding. But that is becoming increasingly close-coupled with another problem: a decline in the availability of qualified people to operate the harvesting machines necessary to salvage all those infested volumes. Smaha knows all about that, too. All you have to do is look on Facebook and see all the other professions looking for workers, said Smaha.

“We try to concentrate on the local Smithers-Telkwa area where people who have a vested interest in the community are more likely to stay in it.”

Little more than a year ago, the owner/ operator of a feller buncher working for Fink’s Sawmill decided to retire. The company ended up buying a new buncher as a replacement: a Tigercat 855D to complement the company’s existing Tigercat 870. (Around the same time, a Tigercat 880D butt ’n top was added to

As the years of the mountain pine beetle epidemic gradually subsided in the B.C. Interior, the warmer summer and winter temperatures have consistently continued, helping increase spruce bark beetle populations.

22

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

the equipment fleet).

Smaha noted the 855’s engine configuration provides superior fuel efficiency, but the smaller engine and hydraulic pumps generate less horsepower, affecting the machine’s multi-functioning ability.

“Tigercat does make a nice strong machine,” he added. “Our loading is subbed out and the shortage of operators is one of the reasons for that,” continued Smaha.

“But it also takes the chore away from us and helps share the work with others.”

The company’s skidding workhorses are two John Deere 748s, one with about 8,000 hours on the clock and the other with 3,000 hours. There’s also a Tigercat 635 six-wheel skidder. In a reflection of the sometimes weird weather patterns, parts of Fink’s Sawmill’s operating areas experienced five to six feet of snow last winter. Smaha equipped the Tigercat 635 with a set of Olofsfors Eco-Wheel tracks.

“They proved very helpful.”

Unco-operative weather can hinder log harvesting operations in many ways.

For example, rapidly changing conditions meant not all the volume of wood decked at one location could be moved as planned last year, necessitating a trip back to retrieve the remainder in the spring.

The company’s machine operators, which includes some long term folks, are responsible for regular maintenance on the equipment they habitually operate.

But there needs to be flexibility within a numerically small crew, and they can also operate equipment like bulldozers, hoes and low-beds as required. Fink’s Sawmill operates three of its own GPSequipped logging trucks and hires up to seven others. They haul mainly short logs with on-highway load configurations and to page 24

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salvagelogging from page 22 a five-hour trip is normal. The company’s logging crews set up mobile self-catering camps from which to operate, and chose to organize four 12-hour working days with eight hours on Fridays.

Once again the changing weather can throw a loop into the usual routines.

When it’s hot, loggers can’t work after 1 p.m. to reduce forest fire risks, although loading can be permitted. And as Smaha noted, the Ministry of Forests has become more pro-active, putting logging contractors on advance notice when equipment and operators might be required if weather forecasts indicate thunder and lightning cells are expected in a specified area.

Fink’s Sawmill crews are scheduled to be kept busy during the next several months harvesting spruce beetle salvage wood at locations in behind Hazelton.

Parts of the spruce, balsam, hemlock forests are challenging to log, containing slopes up around 30 per cent and punctuated by gullies and sections of broken ground. “We expect to be harvesting various sizes of patches,” said Smaha.

Positioning of trap trees is another

continuing part of the spruce beetle control strategy. Downed mature spruce are a preferred beetle habitat. At the appropriate time, a load or two of the trap trees are trucked to Pacific Inland Resources’ Smithers mill, and usually scheduled for hot processing.

The next set of aerial and ground

24

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

Chasing the spruce bark beetle has become normal operating procedure for logging contractors in the B.C. Interior as populations continue expanding. surveys from 2018 will reveal the latest snapshot and extent of the spruce beetle infestation. The figures will also help tell the forest industry what it’s up against in the near term. And they might help paint a more accurate picture for the mid-term timber supply prospects essential to sustaining the regional forest industry.

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NINE-AXLE

TRUCKS get traction in B.C.

It’s been a bit of a haul, but nine-axle logging trucks have finally gained traction in B.C. now that the rigs’ potential benefits are better understood and appreciated.

A key statistic in favour of the nine-axle B-trains for licencees and their log hauling contractors is the unit’s payload. The nine-axle units carry about 17 per cent more payload than eight axle B-trains. That makes them more efficient, an attribute appreciated by logging contractors.

By Jim Stirling he use of nine-axle B-train logging trucks is finally gaining traction west of the Rocky Mountains. No pun intended, but it has been a long haul to gain approval for the configuration in British Columbia, but it now appears safety questions have been satisfactorily answered and the rigs’ potential benefits

are better understood and appreciated.

As a result, nine-axle trucks are hauling on a growing number of permitted routes in the province.

Tridem and tandem drive nine-axle logging trucks have long been operating successfully in other jurisdictions. These include Alberta and Saskatchewan, where they’ve been working since 2009.

FPInnovations, a research institute

26

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

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seeking science-based solutions to Canadian forest sector problems, was involved with helping establish winter logging routes for nine-axle logging trucks in Alberta. “But there are different terrains and conditions there than those in B.C.,” noted James Sinnett, manager of the to page 28

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One contractor who runs the nine-axle trucks estimates he can pay for the additional capital costs of the larger units in about two years because of the improved payload factor. And nine-axle truck drivers say they’re happy with the configuration because it tracks and stops well, and turns like an eight-axle B-train. from page 26 transportation group with FPInnovations in Vancouver.

There are indeed differences in B.C. and that’s one reason why the nine-axle truck has experienced an uphill journey.

But steady progress has recently been made. “There were about 20 nine-axle trucks operating on approved routes in B.C. in mid-2018,” says Sinnett. Most of these approved routes were in the Central Interior of the province followed regionally by the Peace River country and the Southern Interior.

FPInnovations has forged its cooperative partnership with other involved

parties and together they have adopted a researched fact-based approach to the debate around nine-axle logging truck use on B.C. highway sections and resource roads. The partners include the B.C. Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure; Commercial Vehicle Safety & Enforcement Branch; the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development and forest industry licencees. The BC Forest Safety Council and the Council of Forest Industries (COFI) are also partners in this initiative.

The issue of nine-axle logging trucks has cropped up in a number of different ways recently. For example, the municipal services division of the City of Williams

Lake worked last winter with local forest companies including Tolko Industries to investigate potential impacts and issues for the nine-axle rigs negotiating the city’s streets (it’s worth noting the dimensions of the nine-axle truck are no longer than the currently approved 27.5 metre eight-axle B-trains although they are heavier).The nine-axle logging truck configuration was the subject of an information sharing panel at the May 2017 edition of the Canada North Resources Expo in Prince George.

And FPInnovations and its partners also conducted field testing of the nine-axle trucks under operating conditions in the Vanderhoof region of central B.C. A key statistic in favour of the nine-axle B-trains for licencees and their log hauling contractors is the unit’s payload. “These nine-axle units carry about 17 per cent more payload than eight axle B-trains,” continued Sinnett. That makes them more efficient, an attribute appreciated by logging contractors.

One contractor who runs two of the nine-axle trucks estimates he can pay for the additional capital costs of the larger units in about two years because of the improved payload factor.

Nine-axle truck drivers say they’re happy with the configuration because it tracks to page 30

28

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

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loggingtrucks from page 28 and stops well and turns like an eight-axle B-train, says Sinnett. The drivers’ views are backed up by what FPInnovations has discovered through its testing procedures: truck handling characteristics are uncompromised by the additional axle.

FPInnovations has conducted formal vehicle dynamic assessments on the nine-axle trucks. “These new trucks meet even more stringent handling and stability requirements than existing trucks in B.C.” it reported. It also said the nine-axle B-trains have comparable off-tracking performance to the eight-axle B-trains currently operating in the province. Similarly, nine-axle B-trains have as good or better stopping performance than most other B.C. logging trucks. “This is because the numbers of wheels and brakes per tonne of truck is more than other log hauling trucks.”

Sinnett explained it may sound counterintuitive to suggest heavier logging trucks—like the nine-axle B-trains—can save fuel. But because nine-axle trucks carry larger payloads with each trip, they need fewer trips and less overall fuel to

FPInnovations has produced a guide book for the forest industry to help determine the safety and compatibility of a given route for nineaxle B-train use. move a loggers’ quota or annual volume of wood to the mill.

There are further implications from that, according to FPInnovations. One is the potential for fewer trucks on the road given the increased payloads possible with the nine-axle configurations. FPInnovations has identified a reduced impact on pavement surfaces. These new configurations generate approximately five per cent less wear and tear to pavements than an eight-axle B-train. This is again due to the reduced number of trips required.

A reduction in greenhouse gas

emissions is a further benefit from the nine-axle’s lower fuel consumption. FPInnovations estimates a reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of more than 10 per cent compared with existing configurations.

The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is the agency responsible for granting highway route approvals for nineaxle B-train operation. It does so on an individual basis and has a formal process for assessing bridge suitability and road fit for nine-axle B-train use. FPInnovations has produced a guide book for the forest industry as the permit holder on resource road use, to help them determine the safety and compatibility of a given route for nine-axle B-train use. “In addition to grade limits, the assessment provides guidance on forest bridge capacity and road alignment,” it says.

FPInnovations and its partners are working on a website that the public can access containing information on the new nine-axle configuration. In the meantime, further information is available from james.sinnett.@fpinnovations.ca

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30

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

millyardoperations

STACKING ‘EM UP in Saskatchewan

A new Sennebogen 830 M-T log handler’s stacking ability has boosted yard capacity for Saskatchewan’s Edgewood Forest Products—and is helping the mill feed the appetite of its new sawline.

E

verything is on the up and up at the Edgewood Forest Products sawmill, in central Saskatchewan. The new Linck sawline at the mill is ramping up to full production. Yield from its logs is up by 20 per cent.

And, thanks to a new Sennebogen 830 M-T log-handler, summer stockpiles are stacked up higher than ever before.

When the mill’s current owners, C&C Resources Inc., bought the former Weyerhaeuser property in 2009, the mill had been shuttered for five years. In 2016, the company committed to a $25 million upgrade, highlighted by the installation of Canada’s first German-built Linck sawline in over 20 years.

The equipment on the site was already

aging out when the site was closed. The goal for Edgewood Forest Products was to upgrade to current technology, become more efficient and to take on the larger diameter roundwood available in the region.

“Since it’s been commissioned, the sawline has become a hungrier and hungrier beast!” says Edgewood’s General Manager, Trevor Reid. Its appetite remains constant year-round, so stockpiles must be maximized through winter months to avoid costly summer hauling due to unfavorable logging conditions. “We had to start stocking more wood in the yard. The only way to increase our yard’s capacity was to pile it higher,” explains Reid.

The old wheel loaders then in use

32

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

in the Edgewood yard simply were not “up” to the task. Luckily, the management team’s trips to Linck’s head office in Germany put them within easy distance of some of the leading names in purposebuilt material handlers, including Sennebogen. “I knew the Sennebogen name previously,” says Reid, “but the LIGNA forestry show in Germany was our first chance to actually see how they work.”

After visiting the German factories and observing their operation, Sennebogen’s 830 M-T trailer-pulling model was Edgewood’s preferred choice.

On their return to Canada, they found to page 34

millyardoperations from page 32 that Redhead Equipment, Sennebogen’s distributor in the region, already had an 830 M-T on the lot. “We’ve known Redhead for a long time, and we’ve worked with them before. So, we gave them a call.” Reid requested an onsite demonstration of the 830 and, after a short trial, the mill bought the unit outright.

Reid notes that uptime was a key factor in his evaluations. “Our log-handlers have to be available 24 hours a day, five days a week. Our yard has to use the time windows that Mother Nature gives us. The Sennebogen’s strong frame and overall robust build seem best suited to these very harsh Saskatchewan winters.”

He also favored Sennebogen’s extensive use of industry-standard components and Cummins engines. “Cummins engines are very common in Saskatchewan. The engines are familiar to our technicians and parts are plentiful. The way Sennebogen has sourced its service components, you’re not married to the manufacturer for proprietary parts.”

The 830 M-T has served them well, unloading trucks through its first six months

in the Edgewood yard. But Reid says its real test came when the spring thaw finally arrived in northern Saskatchewan.

“We feel that the 830’s dual transmissions, driving each axle, are an important feature here. Our yard conditions are tough—when the thaw comes, water tends to pool in the level yard and the ground turns to muck while we’re trying to forward trailerloads of logs up to the mill. You’ll often see ruts two and three feet deep.

“The 830 has the pulling strength and traction to handle these conditions, as well as the high ground clearance required.”

Surprisingly, Reid found that for all its power, Sennebogen held the edge in economic fuel consumption when compared to competitive models.

Operators accustomed to the antiquated loaders have also welcomed the 830 as a “dream upgrade.” Sennebogen’s comfortable, ergonomic Maxcab can be hydraulically elevated so that it can raise the operator’s eye-line to over 15 feet above ground level.

“It’s a great safety feature,” Reid says.

“The operators get a clear view down into

the trucks they are unloading, so they’re not breaking stakes. It helps in stacking and picking from these higher stockpiles as well. The boom’s ability to lift and swing through 360 degrees of rotation also allows them to be more efficient in positioning the machine for loading.”

The Edgewood mill performs most machine servicing with its own maintenance team. Redhead service staff are often in the Carrot River area to support various customers, but Reid decided to send technician Jeff Doerksen to the Sennebogen Training Center in North Carolina, for hands-on training.

“We’re in a very remote area,” Reid explains. “We’ll have two machines operating so we really need a resident expert on site—Jeff’s our Sennebogen guy. He came back with rave reviews, and all it cost us was airfare and a hotel room. He’s eager to return to the Center for advanced troubleshooting instruction, possibly next year.”

This story was supplied to Logging and Sawmilling Journal by Sennebogen LLC www.sennebogen-na.com

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Equipment operators accustomed to older loaders have welcomed the 830 as a “dream upgrade.” Sennebogen’s comfortable, ergonomic Maxcab can be hydraulically elevated so that it can raise the operator’s eye-line to over 15 feet above ground level.

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

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October 2018

The Edge New best practice manual for winch-assist harvesting

S

teep slope harvesting with winchassisted machines has been steadily increasing in western Canada.

Although this technique is still new in the region, winch systems with harvesters and forwarders have been used in Europe for more than 20 years.

FPInnovations has partnered with Forest Liaison Inc. to produce a best practice manual for winch-assisted harvesters. Forest Liaison Inc. brings a wealth of training expertise with cut-to-length harvesting and adapts it to steep slope operations with winches.

With funding from the Northern Development Initiative Trust, FPInnovations and Forest Liaison Inc. developed a manual that contains techniques and processes developed and implemented by some of the best operators in the world, who have

achieved high production in the most cost-effective and safest manner possible.

“Every stage of planning, felling, delimbing, and cutting product to length is covered,” explains Jim Hunt, Lead Scientist, Resource Management at FPInnovations. “These best practices are designed to help make operators more successful.”

If you find you have difficulty doing some of the best practices, don’t hesitate to ask your contractor/manufacturer for some one-on-one time to address concerns before they become problems.

Sometimes it only takes a bit of coaching to get you comfortable with all of the steps of the harvesting process.

For more information about this new guide, please contact Jim Hunt at james.hunt@fpinnovations.ca.

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

The Edge

New Best Management Practices guide for access to quality forest feedstocks

A

s forest-origin biomass use has increased, the logistics of supply and storage become more complex and innovative solutions are required to improve feedstock quality for the growing bioenergy industry.

The variety of feedstocks available is quite complex, with multiple feedstocks coming from different streams (at-thestump, roadside, transfer yard, mill) and accessible in different formats (wood chips, bark, fines, tops, and branches or low grade logs). The quality of biomass is critical for many bioenergy processes and best management practices (BMPs) are required to guarantee access to quality feedstocks at any given time.

A priority in the supply chain is the need to improve the business and policy environment for biomass and biomass heat markets by developing better understanding and best practices for storage of forest biomass.

With that in mind, FPInnovations has undertaken exhaustive work aimed at compiling field data and measuring the financial implications of innovative storage practices with the intent of helping the industry better understand and manage forest feedstocks and improve the financial impact on their operations.

Best Management Practices guide

FPInnovations recently published the Best Management Practices Guide for Access to Quality Forest Feedstocks, a document that assesses the economic benefits of best management practices on feedstock quality and process improvement for the bioenergy sector.

Common drivers in the forest and bioenergy industries are the need to demonstrate sustainable forest management and harvesting with reduced environmental impacts of operations. After identifying gaps in the management of biomass quality based on different types of forest-origin biomass, the guide proposes opportunities to create value from marginal forest stands with innovative harvesting and recovery techniques for different conditions. It also covers items and tools that have the potential to help improve the supply chain of the future.

FPJoule, an FPInnovations web-based

system used to evaluate the amount of energy contained in biomass based on its origin and moisture content, is one of these solutions. For example, FPJoule can be used to quantify the financial advantages of using biomass as a fuel source compared to conventional fossil fuels.

Best management practices for storage are also outlined in the guide for various types of biomass, with key parameters influencing biomass quality during storage.

The document also presents cost-benefit case studies for roundwood and bark, which will help demonstrate the benefits and net savings of good management practices. The guide is now available free of charge via FPInnovations’ website.

New app to calculate roadside biomass volumes

To meet and adapt to the industry’s needs, FPInnovations also recently announced the launch of the BiOS app, a free, convenient, and easy-to-use tool that can calculate roadside biomass volumes and potential greenhouse gas (GHG) benefits in real time.

The BiOS app is intended to: • Serve the purpose of developing the forest bioeconomy clusters for advanced biomaterial manufacturing in British Columbia and may support other related government key priorities like GHG targets; • Increase use of forest-origin biomass to support the bio-economy; and • Improve area planning and support decision makers by having a better understanding of the fibre potential located in each Timber Supply Area (TSA).

The development of this app was a key part of a larger initiative within the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD) aiming to develop a Geographic Information System for the development of British Columbia’s forest bioeconomy.

The Best Management Practices Guide

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

for Access to Quality Forest Feedstocks was made possible with financial support from the provincial Nova Scotia Innovation Hub Initiative, as well as federally from Natural Resources Canada under the Program of Energy Research and Development (PERD).

The guide and app are available by visiting the Research Programs section (Forest Operations/Fibre Supply/Tools and Resources) page of FPInnovations website.

For more information on FPJoule, please use this link: http://fpjoule.fpinnovations.ca/Views/Welcome.aspx.

37

The Edge

Log load securement: new tests on synthetic ropes

L

og load securement in forest operations is often performed by using load wrappers or tie-downs that are made from steel cables with sections of chain on one or both ends that secure the logs to the truck or trailer (for the purpose of this article, load wrappers and tie-downs will be referred to as wrappers).

Logging truck drivers are required to throw wrappers over the log load, and that can be a challenge for some drivers due to the heavy weight of the wrapper.

Performing this task several times a day and for several years can result in shoulder injuries, and the inability to throw wrappers can force drivers to leave the industry. One possible solution to help with this problem is to reduce the weight of the wrappers by replacing the heavy steel cable section with synthetic rope made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Synthetic rope is much lighter, weighing between 1/6 and 1/8 the weight of steel cable.

In the first study performed in 2006, FPInnovations raised concerns with regard to the strength of UHMWPE rope.

The study found that the rope’s strength decreased with use. With new rope technologies and the benefit that these ropes can provide to the industry and drivers, FPInnovations’ Transportation Group decided to initiate a new study in 2017.

The focus of this study was to verify the findings from the previous study and to

better understand why the loss in strength occurs. If loss of strength continued to be a problem, then FPInnovations would suggest options to mitigate these losses.

The results from this study showed that loss of strength continued to be a problem. Damage, such as abrasion, knots, and broken strands, significantly decreased the rope’s strength, to the point where it was unsuitable for use and had to be removed from service. The study also found that dirt and abrasion appear to be contributing factors to the loss of strength.

FPInnovations recently initiated Phase 2 of this project. This phase tried to deal with the loss-of-strength problem in two different ways: • Increasing rope size from 3/8 to 1/2 inch diameter, which increases the safety factor from 5:1 to 8:1. The rope may still incur some loss of strength, but the larger rope may still retain enough strength to safely secure the log load.

• Trying a new type of rope consisting of a UHMWPE core with a polyester jacket.

The core is slightly larger than those used in the 2017 study, and the addition of the outer jacket should protect the inner rope core from abrasion and dirt contamination.

Both of these wrapper types are currently being field tested by FPInnovations members. Final results will be published by the end of March 2019.

38

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

More information can be obtained by contacting Rob Jokai, Principal Technologist in FPInnovations’ Transportation Group at rob.jokai@ fpinnovations.ca; a technical report, Evaluation of Synthetic Ropes for Log Load Securement, is also available upon request.

The Edge

Mapping lignin's path forward a common theme at international conference

BY TONY KRYZANOWSKI

A number of researchers took the opportunity at the lignin conference to share information about their projects related to lignin, including Thana Saffar (right, in photo) from the Universite du Quebec en AbitibiTemiscamingue (UQAT).

Her poster was entitled: “Pyrolytic lignin: from byproduct toward valuable chemical to produce rigid polyurethane foams”.

T

he prevailing view among the 170 participants at the first PAPTAC International Lignin Conference held recently in Edmonton was not “if’” lignin would significantly expand its market penetration as a biomaterial, but “when” and “how”.

Lignin, a compound found in trees, is the second most abundant natural polymer in the world and a byproduct of the pulping process. Alberta Innovates (AI) is working to add value to this abundant biomass by investing in lignin research and production.

The lignin conference, which took place at Alberta Innovates, was organized by the Pulp and Paper Technical Association of Canada. It was co-sponsored by Alberta Innovates, West Fraser Timber, and several others.

The three-day lignin conference included a tour of a lignin extraction demonstration plant attached to West Fraser’s pulp mill in Hinton. Alberta. Alberta Innovates has invested $3 million toward the construction of that plant, which features patented LignoForce extraction technology developed in Canada.

“Alberta Innovates is focused on diversification of Alberta’s economy, creating new jobs and managing our natural resources effectively,” says Steve Price, Executive Director of Bioindustrial Innovation at Alberta Innovates. “Developing new uses for what was previously a waste product clearly demonstrates that the bioeconomy has a role to play in Alberta.”

There were participants from 10 countries representing five continents at the conference. Representation also included the world’s major pulp producers, some of which have also invested in lignin extraction technology.

Among the conference’s highlights were presentations featuring several of the current technologies for lignin extraction from black liquor, including Shane VanCaeseele with NORAM Engineering & Constructors, the Canadian company that markets the LignoForce extraction process.

Keith Carter, Vice-President, Pulp and Energy Operations at West Fraser, informed participants about West Fraser’s lignin production capabilities, pointing out

that their Hinton plant can produce 30 tonnes of high-quality lignin per day.

As a plywood producer, West Fraser was attracted to lignin as a commercial product because it could envision a future where half of the lignin produced in Hinton could be consumed in-house as a plywood resin, Carter said. This, to some degree, served to lessen the risk of finding customers for the company’s entire lignin production.

Currently, the company is working with specialty chemical producer, Hexion, to develop a suite of lignin-based PF resins and commercial trials are underway at West Fraser plywood facilities.

“I’m very excited about the path that we are on,” Carter said.

Lignin research pioneer, Wolfgang Glasser, professor emeritus at Virginia Tech, has performed considerable R & D work characterizing the properties of lignin, defining extraction methodologies and challenges, and identifying lignin’s market potential.

In his presentation, he noted that lignin has a potential value 10 to 20 times greater as a biomaterial than as a fuel.

Typically, lignin is retained in the black liquor byproduct stream, most of which is consumed as fuel to drive the pulping process. Glasser noted that its greatest potential is in engineering plastics, polymer foams, and carbon fibres.

Also presenting was Ludo Diels from VITO, a Belgium-based independent research organization in the areas of cleantech and sustainable development, which researches lignin chemistry, its characteristics and how it can be economically

fractionated into potentially high-valued commercial commodities.

Tom Browne, representing FPInnovations and Tom Browne and Associates, spoke about lessons learned to this point concerning the uses of kraft lignin. He pointed out that what researchers and industry face now in terms of its advancement “is not rocket science” because so much research has already been conducted on lignin dating back to the 1950’s.

What has changed is consumer sentiment where they desire more products with a green, bio-based attribute. That is where lignin has potential.

Browne’s group has identified two potential sweet spots for the near-term commercialization of lignin based on what industry can expect to earn per tonne of manufactured lignin tied to customers with high-volume needs. These are in phenolic formaldehyde resin chemistry where lignin acts as a substitute for petroleum-based components of resins typically used in panel board production and in polyurethane foams.

The cost for a barrel of oil is providing a catalyst for greater commercialization of lignin, Browne added. When the oil price hovers at more than $40 per barrel, the economics for greater lignin use and substitution improves. Right now, oil is around $70 per barrel.

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

39

For more information about presentations made at the lignin conference, visit www.paptac.ca.

The Edge

Edmonton Short Rotation Woody Crop Demos Will Showcase On-site Processing Technology To Meet End User Needs

BY TONY KRYZANOWSKI

E

Scheduled events include:

nd users of wood fibre, whether it is pulp, oriented strand board, lumber, wood pellets, animal bedding, bioenergy, or advanced bio-based liquids and gases, need raw material with different physical characteristics as their feedstock.

Natural Resources Canada’s Canadian Wood Fibre Centre (CWFC) is hosting a series of field demonstrations over the next four months of technology that shows industry what on-site processing options are available to them from wood grown through afforestation under high-yield (14+m3/ha/yr MAI) and short rotation (3-17 years) scenarios. The goal is to evaluate how to minimize supply chain costs while providing end users with raw material that meets their specific characteristic requirements, all under very short time frames (less than 20 years).

Demonstrating this processing technology is just one aspect of a series of exhibitions, local field demonstrations, trail walks, workshops, displays and virtual tech transfer opportunities that the CWFC Technology and Transfer Group, in partnership with industry and bioeconomy innovators, is organizing at the Ellerslie Short Rotation Woody Crop research site in Edmonton.

Established in 2002, the 18-hectare site has reached its maturity, featuring many fast-growing hybrid and clonal poplar, aspen and willow species in both high yield afforestation and concentrated biomass plantation patterns.

The site will now provide a rare opportunity where it’s values will be validated through the demonstration of proven mid-stream harvesting, processing and transportation methodologies and technologies, associated with actually delivering the wood fibre to potential end users

in real time and in the size or format that they require. The costs associated with these activities will be evaluated and discussed with those participating in planned events.

Tim Keddy, CWFC Wood Fibre Development Specialist, says that along with the successful patterns and management techniques developed to establish the Ellerslie site over the past 17 years, there have been many advancements in wood fibre processing and delivery options over that same time period. CWFC has studied these options with the goal of evaluating how to minimize harvesting, processing and transportation costs, and wants to

40

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

October 23 and 24 (13-15:30): Custom Tours of all Treatment Sites (By Invitation) November 13 and 14 (11:00 – 15:00): Drive or Walk-through Tour of all 18 Hectares of Mature Plantations (Open to All) November 20 and 21 (11:00-15:00): Harvesting and Processing of Small Stem Concentrated (12,00016,000 stems/ha) Biomass Plantings November 27 and 28 (11:00-15:00): Harvesting and Selected Processing of Large Stem Afforestation (1600 stems/ha, 250-400 m3/ha) December 4 and 5 (11:00-15:00): Harvesting, Processing and Packaging Non-Roundwood Biomass/ Fibre

share what options are available with potential wood fibre end users. CWFC has also discovered packaging methods that help to minimize wood fibre degradation while it is in storage.

“It doesn’t happen very often in a forestry career where you get to establish a plantation and then get to harvest it for the products for which it was intended,” says Keddy. “Now we have the opportunity to bring in different types of equipment to actually evaluate the cost of creating feedstock based on desired physical characteristics. You want to link the mid-stream supply chain to the actual end user.”

Participants will witness processing technology and equipment capable of generating wood materials ready for transport anywhere from logs, to round bales, to chips ranging anywhere from over five centimeters to under four millimeters thick. Participants will have an opportunity to experience unique hands-on perspectives while viewing the production stands and recovery operations.

CWFC technology development specialists will also use this rare opportunity to validate how much carbon sequestration has actually occurred over the full life span of plantations located within the Ellerslie site. This will prove invaluable for developing quantifiable and verifiable data as it relates to the potential of short rotation woody crop afforestation as part of the national climate change mitigation or adaptation strategy.

To receive event Posters or additional information, contact Derek Sidders at derek.sidders@canada.ca or Tim Keddy at tim.keddy@canada.ca or 780-435-7210.

The Edge

TECHUPDATE

By Tony Kryzanowski

LOG BUCKING and MERCHANDIZING SYSTEMS

USNR

With the features, capabilities, and scanning options that make it a leader in the industry, USNR says that its bucking optimizer combines dense 3D scan data with the power of today’s high speed computers to let users get the maximum value from every stem.

The system is fully customizable to fit exact needs. It completely models downstream machine centres with capabilities

tion, the vertical carriage saw modules cut stems into optimized blocks in one continuous motion, without stem repositioning.

It comes with a rotary positioner. The electric gate pre-positions the next stem to be cut during the sawing cycle.

Blocks are optimized/cut to suit breakdown equipment specific to the mill. Block lengths are always dimensionally consistent and overcut can easily be changed as needed.

Defect cuts can be removed anywhere along the stem length transversely without lineal stem movement. The operator can perform lily pad cuts on an as-needed basis or automatically via the bucking software.

Log sizes from 3” to 38” diameter and stem lengths to 70” can be processed.

Stem merchandizing is offered in a variety of configurations and sizes to suit the customer’s layout and production requirements. www.enduranceequipmentllc.com

LogPro

for fixed pattern breakdown, removing waste pieces from the middle of the stem, configurable routing codes for log sorts, and more to help increase grade, recovery, and value.

The Lasar2 sensor is a full-coverage, high-resolution, 3D scanner ideal for large transverse deck bucking systems. Commonly combined with USNR’s bucking optimizer, Lasar2 rapidly scans logs and stems with unparalleled resolution and data density and is immune to high levels of ambient light.

For over 40 years, USNR has been a leader in scanning, optimization, and process control technologies, with hundreds of systems operating around the world. www.usnr.com

LogPro says that it has been a leader in the innovation of high speed merchandizer systems for more than two decades. With those years of experience, it has refined its system for safety, performance and durability, adding that more mills continue to choose its log bucking system because it is among the most accurate and highest producing systems available today.

Ensuring the safety of both operators and the investment, the LogPro design incorporates redundant positioning measuring systems, a safety gate system, balanced saw arms to naturally retract in a power failure emergency and electro mechanical safety

Endurance Equipment

Endurance Equipment says that its stem merchandizer is an ultimate high speed stem breakdown system.

It processes stems into fully optimized blocks at rates of up to 14 tree length stems per minute. With its transverse configura-

brakes on travel drives. These improvements eliminate historical concerns with hydraulic linear cylinders.

Electric powered designs offer smooth and accurate bucking at high piece rates of up to 16 stems per minute, and the allelectric design reduces energy consumption by at least 40 per cent over previous systems. With saws positioned via flux vector electronic drives with encoder feedback, merchandized length accuracy is reliable and consistent. If needed, the infinite travel of electric saw module positioning allows most mills to easily expand for higher throughput by adding additional shifting saws. www.logprollc.com to page 44

42

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

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S.Huot

Established in Quebec City in 1920, S.Huot Inc has specialized over the years in log handling and processing in the front end of sawmills, including slashing systems.

Based on the species and quality of sawmill logs, S.Huot says that it might be an option to choose an optimized slashing

system where companies will get the most out of the logs, and therefore be more efficient and reduce costs.

Each and every log is scanned and positioned on the slasher deck before going to the slasher where it will be cut to get the most out of it.

Such a system could allow sawmills to cut waste up to 10 per cent, meaning more quality lumber with the same supply. S.Huot says that the system pays for itself. www.shuot.com

West Coast Industrial

West Coast Industrial’s log bucking systems allow the wood industry to cut any length log and anywhere, with no limitations of

log location in relation to steel carrying arms. They are robustly built to last. West Coast Industrial has an exclusive sequential segment discharge option to control block gap in the mill. Delivery is still available in 2019. www.westcoastindustrial.com

Microtec

Springer-Microtec’s stem merchandizing system integrates state-of-the-art Microtec scanning and optimization and reliable Springer high speed mechanical bucking to achieve the best possible merchandizer solution for this all important first processing decision in the sawmill.

The Microtec Logeye Multi-sensor log scanner uses 3D scanning, high-res color and X-ray technologies to determine the true shape and internal quality of the stem, either before or after the 44

debarker. The Logeye scanner has the added benefit of being the first and only log scanner in North America in use for government certified volume measurement, allowing new possibilities for automatic log scaling. Microtec’s iNTEROPT optimizer then optimizes the bucking of each full length stem into saw or veneer blocks, using user-defined cutting pattern, quality and shape parameters. Every possible combination of active block products is evaluated for both external geometric and internal defects to produce the highest value for each stem.

The execution of the optimal bucking solution is then implemented by Springer’s high speed merchandizer, featuring dual log pushers and up to eight moveable saws. The unique waste handling design ensures efficient processing of waste pieces, from wafers of a few inches through to longer block lengths, solving what Microtec says has traditionally been a trouble area in transverse merchandizers. www.springer-microtec.com

Versatile Fab & Machine Ltd.

With 35 years of experience designing and fabricating merchandizing systems, Versatile Fab & Machine understands the unique needs of each mill when it comes to log diet, log volume and production requirements.

In addition to turnkey merchandizers and retrofits to existing

bucking systems, the company offers log sorting and conveying systems, all-electric traveling saws, defect chop saws and electric log singulators. Log lengths are optimized in the merchandizer through the infinitely variable traveling saws at shifting speeds of 120” to 150” per second.

The cost effective system is shop assembled prior to shipping using off-the-shelf mechanical components for ease of maintenance. The VFM merchandizer offers exceptional access for maintenance and saw filing personnel, for saw changes and regular maintenance. The saw system comes completely pre-wired with “J” boxes for the controls and MCC power. No hydraulics are involved in the VFM merchandizer except for a positioning bumper (if required) www.versatilefab.ca

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

SUPPLIERNEWSLINE Stay connected and safe with Globalstar SPOT X satellite messaging

The Globalstar SPOT X provides 2-way satellite messaging to stay connected to family, friends, and colleagues whenever the user is outside of cellular range, including direct communication with Search & Rescue services in case of a life threatening emergency.

SPOT X even provides users with their own personal Canadian mobile number so others can message them directly from their cell phone or other SMS devices at any time. Other features: • Exchange messages with any cell phone number or email address from virtually anywhere in the world with the SPOT X system.

• Send an SOS to the 24/7 Globalstar Search & Rescue centre, message back and forth about the nature of the emergency, and receive confirmation when help is on the way.

• Select from 2.5, 5, 10, 30 or 60 minute tracking intervals, and let family, friends and others follow progress with SPOT’s easy-to-use, Google Maps interface.

• It is possible to quickly and easily let everyone know you are okay.

• The built-in compass and programmable waypoints help with navigation. www.globalstar.com

New John Deere L-Series II skidders, wheeled feller bunchers introduced

high quality lumber.

“Our clients are breaking new ground in engineered wood products and we are pleased to offer Gilbert’s expertise to support them in their projects with our high quality equipment,” says Heidi Danbrook, sales director at Gilbert.

Gilbert’s first mass timber planer is now running in a glulam operation in Arkansas. www.gilbert-tech.com/en/sawmilling

BID Group opens research and development centre

Gilbert has added a mass timber lumber planer to its product line.

The company says the planer is designed to meet the high expectations of the engineered wood industry for the production of glulam timber, CLT timber and all types of beams.

The equipment has a heavy duty frame and is designed to plane mass timber up to a thickness of 16” and a width of 36”.

Furthermore, the Gilbert Automatic Positioning System, which controls the cutterheads and axes, ensures optimal operating precision allowing for the production of

The BID Group has launched a research and development centre dedicated to supporting its seven design and manufacturing plants across North America.

The location selected for this new centre of excellence is St-Georges de Beauce, Quebec.

The second phase of the new facility is now complete, showcasing a total investment of $1.5 million and a 5,000 square foot expansion to the existing plant. The company says that the R&D Centre will allow the BID Group to maintain its technological lead in the sawmilling industry and in the delivery of turnkey solutions to the marketplace. The centre also signals a strong commitment to the 450 employees in Beauce as well as the 1,800 employees across North America.

“This investment is one for the future of our company and our workers in Beauce and across North America,” says Simon Potvin, Executive Vice President, Wood Products Operations, at the BID Group.

With over 35 years of experience and facilities throughout North America, the BID Group is an integrated supplier of turnkey solutions for equipment, technology, data analytics and service to the forest products industry. www.bidgroup.ca

46

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

Gilbert mass timber planer enters the market

By Tony Kryzanowski

Continuously evolving to better its machines and exceed customer expectations, John Deere has introduced the new L-Series II skidders and wheeled feller bunchers.

The new L-Series II machines feature a simplified design, providing a reliable, powerful solution, while still maintaining the productivity-boosting features of the original line, including an increase in hydraulic speed, large grapples and an improvement in weight distribution, says the company.

“With the new L-Series II machines, we wanted to build upon the best features of the original machines, while also simplifying the design to increase reliability,” said Brandon O’Neal, product marketing manager, John Deere Construction and Forestry.

“Listening to our customers, we reworked the machines, making significant improvements under the hood. The new L-Series II machines offer decreased downtime without any changes to power and productivity.”

The new, simpler L-Series II models enhance customer experience by reducing maintenance and increasing uptime due to a number of part changes. Other changes to the machines include a reduction to the complexities of the electrical and hydraulic systems and improvements to component placements. ”They (John Deere) rerouted it so the wires wouldn’t be so bunched up in the machine,” noted Wayne Sugg of Sugg Logging, who was one of the first loggers to test the new machines.

“Since we’ve had the L-Series II, we’ve to page 48

JohnDeere.com/Skidders

Impressive pulling power with up to 300 hp Improved hose routing and protection Simplified electrical routing

Easier access to components

Reinforced arch

Increased grapple squeeze

Durable OutboardExtreme™ axles

OUTRUNª REDESIGNED FROM THE INSIDE OUT Since we introduced the L-Series Skidders and Wheeled Feller Bunchers in 2015, we’ve never stopped evolving. These refinements have led to the L-Series II, marked by an increase in reliability without sacrificing productivity.

With fewer system components to get in the way. Get machines, insights, support, and financing to move your operation forward. With all the pieces in place, you’re ready to OUTRUN.

Easy-to-operate Continuously Variable Transmission

suppliernewsline from page 46 put 300 hours on it and haven’t had any downtime whatsoever. Uptime is important, because if the wood’s not going out getting on the trucks, I’m not making any money.”

The L-Series II machines also include changes to boost productivity. The new skidder models offer increased grapple squeeze force of up to 10 per cent. Articulation steering sensors improve the operator experience, ultimately increasing productivity. A new two-speed 4000 winch replaces the previous single-speed winch.

In addition to the new changes, the L-Series II skidders and wheeled feller bunchers retain the productivity-boosting features that loggers liked in the original models.

From a comfortable operator station to durable axles and rugged, large grapples, the L-Series II models offer loggers the features they need to tackle tough jobs.

The cabs on all skidders and wheeled feller bunchers are equipped with features designed to maximize comfort, ultimately increasing productivity. Amenities like the efficient HVAC system, improved ergonomic controls and storage space offer the creature comforts that loggers desire. Joystick steering and an optional rotating seat reduce strain on the operator’s body.

The L-Series II skidder models feature the powerful Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which combines the smoothness of a hydrostatic transmission with the fuel efficiency of a lockup torque converter. This combination enables the skidders to boast excellent fuel efficiency, longer engine life and enhanced operator comfort.

Offering a one-button Quick Dump feature, the wheeled feller bunchers improve efficiency with the push of one button to release trees in a single, smooth motion.

Additionally, the head-tilt and arm functions are combined to help minimize fatigue while improving productivity, says the company. www.johndeere.com

Equipment finance companies create joint venture

Canadian Equipment Finance & Leasing Inc and Proven Financial Group Inc have created a joint venture which they say will leverage more than 200 years of 48

combined equipment finance experience.

The joint venture will operate under the brand name, Canadian Equipment Finance (CEF).

Through this joint venture, they say that customers will benefit from an expanded number of financing solutions, national representation, further diversification of expertise, and both brokerage and direct funding capabilities, as CEF becomes a leading provider of equipment financing in Canada.

CEF is an equipment finance and leasing company specializing in debt financing solutions to various industries, including forestry. www.cefl.ca

John Deere introduces TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager Technology

John Deere has announced the release of its TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager technology offerings, new streamlined software solutions for loggers designed

to enhance machine connectivity and communication.

Available for John Deere wheeled-cutto-length equipment, the revolutionary TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager software is another way John Deere is continuing to help customers optimize machines, increasing productivity, says the company.

“Understanding that our customers need access to real-time data to help increase production and accurately manage their business, we developed a streamlined, integrated solution: TimberMatic Maps for operations on-board the machines and TimberManager as an Off-Board, management solution,” said Matt Flood, ForestSight product manager, John Deere.

“In today’s challenging applications and environments, loggers need the right tools to maximize their visibility to machines, jobsites and their businesses to increase profitability.” The TimberMatic to page 50

Rezatec offers free tree species guide Whether you’re the owner of a small private woodland or a forestry company responsible for millions of acres, Rezatec has created a free, useful guide on identifying and mapping tree species distribution.

Understanding what tree species you have and where trees are is critical for effective forest management and commercial decision-making. The ‘Earth Observation for Tree Species Mapping’ guide explores the common challenges of identifying species using traditional aerial technologies and how satellite data can be used to quickly, accurately and cost-effectively identify and map tree species distribution.

“It shows you what’s going on in the entire forest, not just small parts of it, giving you a complete and accurate picture of tree species and their location,” said Tim Vallings, vice -president, global resources at Rezatec.

Rezatec presents the data in an online portal which makes it easy to understand for any stakeholder, as well as taking the risk out of commercial ventures and supporting informed business decisions.

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

Tree species identification from satellite data requires calibration plots of less than 1 per 100 acres. Compared to other methods, this represents a significant saving in operational time and money.

The key benefits of using satellite data in tree species mapping are: • Savings of up to 80 per cent in operational expenditure • Refreshes up to every week • Tree species accuracy up to 90 per cent So far, Rezatec have mapped tree species distribution to meet a variety of requirements across an expanding list of locations around the world, including the UK, U.S., Europe, Canada and Australia. Their robust methodology enables an ever-growing number of species to be classified with 80 to 90 per cent accuracy, says the company, supporting informed commercial decisions. Rezatec can apply confidence limits for risk assessment, and as a result can create data suitable for a range of users. www.rezatec.com

suppliernewsline from page 48 Maps system is used in G-Series harvesters and forwarders, utilizing a mobile network to share real-time production information between harvester and the forwarder, as well back to managers in the office. Managers can access the data using TimberManager, a web-based solution for a PC, tablet or mobile phone, allowing loggers to follow progress of the work site. Combined, the software provides complete visibility to the operation from land harvested to the machines at work, streamlining communication and increasing efficiency when shift planning.

The data shared is collected by the sensors on the harvester, while the location of the production is collected through the GPS technology. Information is automatically transmitted to the TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager systems, providing real-time updates to operators and managers both on and off the jobsite.

One of the key benefits of TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager is the ability to plan work that needs to get done in a day.

The map provides the precise location, volume and species of timber with the network of logging routes, allowing operators to efficiently work.

As timber is transported, the operator can mark the map to indicate it has occurred, providing an exact volume count of the timber taken to the storage area.

This helps the manager track the volume of timber at the storage area, simplifying planning for trailer transports and the onward transportation of timber.

Additionally, the map allows all operators to add markings, pointing out other challenging terrain factors such as an area with soft ground, making it easier to plan routes. The real-time updates provide on demand visibility to the entire crew. www.JohnDeere.com

Tardif, President of Maibec Groupe.

“Lebel will continue to develop its sawmilling sector and will be able to face new challenges in this sector with renewed confidence.

“Maibec will now focus on growing its pre-stained exterior siding’s systems based on lap sidings and shingles manufactured with solid wood or wood-based engineered material,” he added.

Maibec Inc is a family-owned company from Quebec which has been involved in wood products manufacturing since 1946.

Groupe Lebel is a family business that has been working in forestry for over 60 years. Headquartered in Rivière-du-Loup in the Lower St. Lawrence region, it is deeply rooted regionally in 13 municipalities in Quebec and two in Ontario. Once the transaction is complete, the company will employ approximately 950 people.

New Hultdins SuperCut 150 accepts two bar and chain sizes

The new Hultdins SuperCut 150 saw unit is described as very strong, based on the time-proven SuperCut100, but it can now accept both .404 and 3/4” saw bars and chains with the same holder.

This has been accomplished through

Maibec has sold two lumber mills located in St-Pamphile, Quebec and Masardis, Maine to Groupe Lebel of Rivièredu-Loup. The 315 Maibec employees will maintain their employment with Groupe Lebel.

“This transaction allows the Maibec employees who work in both sawmills to join a family-owned Quebec company that is well established in the Lower StLawrence lumber industry,” said François

a new two-piece bar holder design with an 80 per cent increase in surface area between the bar holder and tension device, which provides full support over the entire length of the tension device. Both the bar holder and tension device are also now hardened.

The new stronger design allows for 3/4” bars up to 38” in length. To change from .404 to 3/4” saw bars and chains only requires a different sprocket, hub and chain catcher.

The SuperCut 150 is available with multiple saw motor options up to 32 cc and also features improved serviceability of the tension device to allow for simpler replacement of the saw chain. www.hultdins.com

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

Quebec’s Maibec sells two lumber mills to Groupe Lebel

Iotatel Inc provides remote network connectivity solution

Iotatel Inc is a Vancouver Island-based start-up backed by FPInnovations. The company’s primary goal is to provide remote logging facilities with reliable, highly available networking connectivity.

Today, Iotatel provides a network connectivity solution for forestry camps in

remote locations using Cradlepoint’s COR IBR900 ruggedized LTE router for quick, reliable, cloud-managed deployments.

With Iotatel’s customers spread all over the region, remote network management is critical. Cradlepoint’s NetCloud platform also enables a single pane-of-glass view for remote management and network operations. Since installing the Cradlepoint solution, network performance for these remote sites has improved by a factor of 10 times or more, says the company.

Iotatel works with forestry and logging camps that are at log sort facilities. The facilities are almost always in semi-remote locations or areas where wired Internet connections including ADSL, cable, fibre, and more are unavailable or cost-prohibitive.

Prior to implementing the Cradlepoint solution, the facilities were using small USB-based cellular modems and low-powered access points. This did not provide adequate bandwidth or capacity for a regular staff of 10 to 20 employees’ client devices, nor did it provide the network coverage required throughout the yard. They were experiencing significant packet loss and network drop out.

For these remote logging facilities, Iotatel chose a comprehensive solution including Cradlepoint’s COR IBR900 routers and NetCloud Manager, with the option to add dual modem Extensibility Docks in the future. The IBR900 acts as the Internet gateway, then the network is built using point-to-point microwave links and WiFi access points to provide coverage across the facility. www.iotatel.com

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

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thelastword

Short rotation woody crop deployment in Canada is now at a crossroads

By Tony Kryzanowski

W

hen the trees fall at the Ellerslie Short Rotation Woody Crop Technical Development Site in Edmonton over the next six months, will anyone in the forest industry and government hear them?

Having written extensively about short rotation woody crop research, development, and technology transfer in Canada over the past 20 years, I have become very familiar with the Ellerslie site, which is a massive, 18-hectare, forest research area south of the University of Alberta.

I have come to appreciate the time and effort expended by the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre (CWFC) to plant, maintain, evaluate and promote the many fastgrowing poplar, aspen and willow species on this site. I am also constantly amazed at the amount and quality of wood fibre that CWFC has been able to achieve on this and other short rotation woody crop demonstration sites across Canada.

One of their greatest achievements is successfully demonstrating a tree farm pattern showing how hardwood clones and softwoods like white spruce can be planted on the same land base, while also achieving growth acceleration. It is a great demonstration of a managed mixed wood forest, offering many fibre supply enhancement and environmental benefits.

Make no mistake—what has been accomplished at Ellserslie is a major achievement that essentially points the way forward in terms of fibre supply replacement and enhancement for the Canadian forest industry, as well as climate change mitigation by both federal and provincial governments.

Ellerslie is where applied research into the potential of short rotation woody crop afforestation in Canada all began. This site houses all the different hybrid poplar and willow clones that have potential

in Canada, and was the mother for all the other short rotation woody crop demonstration sites. Its value as a real life, real time demonstration of what can be achieved in terms of improving and enhancing the fibre supply—as well as the potential of creating massive, natural carbon sinks to achieve Canadian greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets—cannot be overstated.

In Canada, natural forest production is about 1.7 cubic metres per hectare per year. On this site, CWFC is producing anywhere from 16 to 22 cubic metres per hectare per year. So that is 8 to 12 times greater productivity than a natural forest.

Trees on a properly managed tree farm like the Ellerslie site grow on average eight times faster than similar trees in a natural forest.

Now if this doesn’t capture industry’s attention in this era of concerns about a potential mid-term fibre supply shortage—as well as government’s attention during a time when they are looking for tangible and achievable ways to curb Canada’s GHG emissions—I honestly don’t know what will.

The Ellerslie plantation is now mature and will end its service life over the next six months by demonstrating harvesting, pre-processing and transportation options in a series of special events hosted

by CWFC. So the question now is where does short rotation woody crop R & D and deployment go from here?

As Derek Sidders, CWFC Program Manager with the Technology Development and Transfer group, stood beside the various hybrid poplar, aspen and willow clone plantations on a recent tour in which I took photos of them in preparation for upcoming workshops, this job was depressing—not because of what has been achieved at Ellerslie, but because of

54

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - October 2018

how little uptake there has been of this proven technology in Canada.

For me, it felt like just another typical Canadian R & D head fake, where both governments and industry invest piles of money into a research and development program, only to soon lose interest because they expect results overnight.

Unfortunately, this country has gained an international reputation for having a 30 second attention span when it comes to identifying and funding promising research. I fear that this program may suffer the same fate, despite its unqualified successes.

I draw this conclusion because of what I am hearing from the federal government in terms of its plans for achieving its aggressive GHG emission reduction targets.

There has been all sorts of talk about collecting carbon taxes intended to fund mitigation measures, yet not one peep about how that money should be spent.

In my view, there is only one real hope for achieving Canada’s GHG emission reduction targets as well as addressing the coming mid-term fibre supply crisis, and that is by planting massive amounts of nature’s own carbon sinks—trees, through an aggressive and national, short rotation woody crop afforestation program.

My fear is that the folks in control of those carbon taxes will fund a long list of fringe ideas with little or no chance of controlling any GHG emissions, and fail miserably.

Yet it would be so easy to simply support planting short rotation woody crops within this sparsely populated land mass that we call Canada, use carbon tax funds to make it financially worthwhile for landowners to do it, and satisfy the need for more wood fibre and climate change mitigation in the process.

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