roadmap - Steep Slope Initiative

Steep-Slope Harvesting Initiative:
Road Map, 2015 to 2020
Date: March 23, 2015
By:
Jean-Francois Gingras, Research Manager, Harvesting Operations and Precision Forestry, FPI
Jim Hunt, Research Leader, Harvesting Operations, FPI
Brian Boswell, Researcher, Harvesting Operations, FPI
Tom Lewis, Lewis Management Systems Ltd.
fpinnovations.ca
Table of contents
Summary ............................................................................................................................................... 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 2
1.1.
The need for innovative harvesting solutions on steep slopes in western Canada ................... 2
1.2.
The Steep-Slope Initiative: a road map for implementing innovative technology ...................... 2
1.3.
New and innovative technologies............................................................................................. 4
1.4.
Challenges .............................................................................................................................. 5
The Drivers Behind the Steep-Slope Initiative ................................................................................. 6
2.1.
Safety ...................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2.
Fibre pool ................................................................................................................................ 7
2.3.
Reducing costs and adding value ............................................................................................ 9
Goals and Objectives of the Steep-Slope Initiative.......................................................................... 9
3.1.
Goal 1: Mitigate risks to worker safety on steep slopes .......................................................... 10
3.2.
Goal 2: Increase and maximize operating margins of steep-slope harvesting ........................ 10
3.3.
Goal 3: Make the steep-slope fibre pool economically and sustainably available ................... 10
3.4.
Overall objectives .................................................................................................................. 11
3.5.
Enablers ................................................................................................................................ 11
3.6.
Value proposition ................................................................................................................... 12
Expected Outcomes ..................................................................................................................... 13
4.1.
Short-term outcomes (2015 to 2017) ..................................................................................... 13
4.2.
Medium-term outcomes (2017 to 2019) ................................................................................. 14
4.3.
Long-term outcomes (2020+)................................................................................................. 14
2015-2016 Projects and Activities ................................................................................................. 14
5.1.
The steep-slope toolbox: decision-support matrix of system options by slope class.............. 15
5.2.
Machine stability modelling .................................................................................................... 16
5.3.
New cable system technology ............................................................................................... 17
5.4.
Road construction .................................................................................................................. 18
5.5.
Trucking and transportation ................................................................................................... 19
5.6.
Timber supply analysis .......................................................................................................... 21
5.7.
Steep-slope operations technology watch.............................................................................. 21
6.
Steering Committee and Manufacturers’ Advisory Group.............................................................. 22
6.1.
Steering Committee ............................................................................................................... 22
6.2.
Manufacturers’ Advisory Group ............................................................................................. 22
7.
Timelines and Milestones ............................................................................................................. 23
8.
Budget .......................................................................................................................................... 25
9.
Communications Strategy ............................................................................................................. 25
Appendix 1 – Contact Information ........................................................................................................ 27
Summary
Steep terrain is an important fibre pool in western Canada. However, timber harvesting on steep terrain
presents several challenges around safety, costs, investment in equipment, timber supply, regulatory
compliance, environmental impacts, availability of skilled labour, and planning.
In response to demand from its members, FPInnovations is taking a lead role in building a steep-slope
operations research and development plan called the Steep-Slope Initiative. FPInnovations’ 5-year
Steep-Slope Initiative will engage forest industry members, equipment manufacturers and distributors,
regulators, and other stakeholders in finding solutions to the steep-slope operations challenges.
This document describes the Steep-Slope Initiative’s road map, i.e., its solutions plan. The road map
includes high-level goals, outcomes, proposed projects, milestones, and a process to effectively communicate progress and results.
The three main goals of the Initiative, which drive all the Initiative’s activities, are to:
1) mitigate risks to worker safety on steep slopes,
2) increase and maximize the operating margins of steep-slope harvesting, and
3) make the steep-slope fibre pool economically and sustainably available.
1
1. Introduction
FPInnovations’ members in western Canada have expressed a need for greater access to timber on
steep slopes, and, consequently, a strong need for increased research and development related to
steep-slope harvesting operations.1
To help members address the many challenges associated with adapting harvesting operations to
steeper terrain, in 2015 FPInnovations launched the Steep-Slope Initiative.
The three main goals of the Initiative, which drive all the Initiative’s activities, are to:
1. mitigate risks to worker safety on steep slopes,
2. increase and maximize the operating margins of steep-slope harvesting, and
3. make the steep-slope fibre pool economically and sustainably available
This document describes the Steep-Slope Initiative’s road map, i.e., its solutions plan (Figure 1).
1.1.
The need for innovative harvesting solutions on steep slopes in western Canada
In western Canada, timber on steep slopes is a major fibre pool. For example, in British Columbia 24%
of the AAC is located on steep slopes.
Workplace accident statistics clearly show that hand falling of trees is one of the leading sources of injuries and fatalities in the industry. Harvesting, road building, and trucking in steep-slope conditions
present significant operational challenges that make fibre coming from steep slopes more expensive
than that obtained from more gentle terrain. These economic challenges are compounded by several
environmental parameters that may be significantly magnified on steeper sites, including terrain stability, water quality, visual landscape quality, regeneration success, and overall ecosystem integrity.
Harvesting timber safely, sustainably, and economically from steep slopes is among the top priorities of
the forest industry in western Canada. Almost every licensee and contractor—especially on the British
Columbia coast, in the British Columbia interior, and in the Alberta foothills—has expressed an immediate need for greater access to timber on steep slopes.
1.2.
The Steep-Slope Initiative: a road map for implementing innovative technology
In response to the demand from its members, FPInnovations and its Forest Operations Research group
are taking a lead role in finding solutions to the steep-slope challenges and in improving the overall the
viability of steep-slope harvesting in western Canada.
1
Steep slopes are here defined as >35%.
2
The solutions plan is called the Steep-Slope Initiative:
Safe
Workers in protected cabs, not in high-risk, on-the-ground positions
Transformative
Develop solutions that will transform timber-harvesting in steep conditions
Economical
Achieve lower costs and higher values relative to current harvesting options
Eco-friendly
Protect ecosystem integrity for sustainable harvest and public acceptability
Professional
Develop a well-trained, skilled, and accountable workforce
The Steep-Slope Initiative is a 5-year operational research and development plan that will pursue transformative, innovative harvesting technologies that will give the forest industry safe, economic, and sustainable access to the substantial pool of fibre on steep slopes in western Canada.
The Initiative will engage forest industry members, equipment manufacturers and distributors, regulators, and other stakeholders in building a common vision and strategy, including high-level goals, outcomes, proposed projects, milestones, and a process to effectively communicate progress and results.
Two commitees have been formed to help guide the initiative and facilitate knowledge transfer, a industry-led steering committee and a manufacturer working group. See chapter 6 for additional information
on these groups.
3
Figure 1. FPInnovations' Steep-Slope Initiative road map.
1.3.
New and innovative technologies
An important component of the Steep-Slope Initiative will be our efforts to learn from and build on existing technologies and research, both domestic and international, that might be suitable for western Canada.
The Steering Committee has indicated the examination of readily available new technologies and
equipment is a high priority.
The use of steep-slope operations technology is well underway in Europe, South America, and New
Zealand. For example, winch-assist systems in which machines are tethered to an anchoring system
via a steel cable, which have been used safely and productively in Europe for more than 10 years, have
good potential for operations in western Canada.
Research relating to steep-slope harvesting and road-construction practices is already underway within
Canada and elsewhere. New Zealand in particular has taken an aggressive approach towards finding
4
steep-slope solutions. Although the conditions are different than in Canada, the needs are similar, so
there is much to be learned from New Zealand’s Steepland Harvesting Program.
FPInnovations and New Zealand’s Future Forest Research group, which leads the steep-slope research in that country, enjoy an excellent relationship and have signed an information exchange MOU.
It is the intention to leverage this relationship to its maximum so that both countries can benefit from
each other’s advancements.
1.4.
Challenges
The development, introduction, and implementation of new equipment for steep-slope harvesting will
need to address the safety, comfort, acceptability, and sustainability of the operating environment. Attracting new workers into the forest industry and getting them trained on new types of equipment and
systems may be one of the biggest challenges in implementing steep-slope solutions. Another will be
the navigation of the various regulatory environments in order to get new equipment approved for operational use.
Regulatory environments
Harvesting and road-building operations on steep slopes are tightly controlled under a variety of
regulations to ensure maximum safety and minimize negative environmental impacts.
Safety. In British Columbia, for example, regulations set a maximum slope where mechanized
equipment is allowed to operate unless a manufacturer’s limit for steep-slope operations is specified or a site-specific risk assessment is conducted. The Slope Limitations Section (26.16) of the
Occupational Health and Safety Regulation says:
(2) If the manufacturer's maximum slope operating stability limit for logging equipment is
known, the equipment must be operated within that limit.
(3) If the manufacturer's maximum slope operating stability limit for logging equipment is
not known, the equipment must be operated within the following limits:
(a) a rubber tired skidder must not be operated on a slope which exceeds 35%;
(b) a crawler tractor, feller buncher, excavator and other similar equipment must not
be operated on a slope which exceeds 40%;
(c) any other forestry equipment specifically designed for use on a steep slope must
not be operated on a slope which exceeds 50%.
(4) Despite subsections (2) and (3) but subject to subsection (5), logging equipment may
be operated beyond the maximum slope operating stability limits specified in those
subsections if
(a) a qualified person conducts a risk assessment of that operation, and
(b) written safe work practices acceptable to the Board are developed and
implemented to ensure the equipment's stability during operation.
(5) Despite anything in this section, logging equipment must not be operated in a
particular location or manner if its stability cannot be assured during that operation.
5
Activities within the Steep-Slope Initiative will require close cooperation between FPInnovations,
manufacturers, and regulators to deliver safe and effective steep-slope operations solutions. This
may include the development of new standards and safe work procedures.
The key components to operating equipment safely, efficiently, and productively on steep slopes
are:

ensure that workers are adequately trained, and

ensure harvest plans are appropriate to the site conditions.
Well-thought-out steep-slope procedures and site plans will not only ensure the safe operation of
equipment but will also improve equipment productivity, efficiency, and cost. The FPInnovations
Steep-Slope Initiative will provide resources, workshops, best practices manuals, and demonstrations in support of safety.
Sustainability. In addition, the public scrutiny of steep-slope harvesting will be magnified because
it is usually highly visible on the landscape and because of the perceived environmental risks (e.g.,
land slides, erosion). It is necessary to conduct steep-slope operations that will protect the integrity
of the ecosystems and be socially acceptable.
Activities within the Steep-Slope Initiative will require that FPInnovations work closely with all its
government partners to ensure that the latest knowledge regarding environmental implications of
steep-slope harvesting is embedded in projects and that FPInnovations foster new R&D collaborations regarding sustainability and public acceptance of steep-slope harvesting practices.
2. The Drivers Behind the Steep-Slope Initiative
Improving worker safety, utilizing the steep-slope fibre pool, and improving margin (reducing costs or
adding value) are the drivers behind the Steep-Slope Initiative.
2.1.
Safety
According to WorkSafeBC’s statistics for 2012, injury rates associated with manual falling are more
than 10 times greater than those associated with mechanical falling (Table 1). Approximately one out of
six fallers sustain serious injuries each year in British Columbia. Although statistics specific to incidents
on steep slopes are not readily available, harvesting on steep slopes is universally understood to be
more dangerous than working on gentle terrain.
Increased overall safety for all steep-slope workers is the necessary and leading objective behind all
technology development and steep-slope innovation implementation.
6
Table 1. Accident statistics: timber-harvesting-related incidents in British Columbia, 2012.
(Source: WorkSafeBC)
Work category
Person Years
Worked
Injury rate
(%)
Serious
a
injury rate
(%)
Claims paid
(millions of $)
Manual tree falling
and bucking
466
27.9
15.7
12.2
Mechanized tree
falling
All forestry work
493
2.4
1.2
0.6
17,496
5.1
2.4
57.4
a
In 2012, Serious Injury was defined as >30-days lost time. The current definition is >60 days lost time.
2.2.
Fibre pool
Steep slopes contain a significant pool of fibre in western Canada. In British Columbia for example,
24% of the total AAC occurs on slopes >35% (Table 2), most of it on the coast and in the southern interior (Figure 1).
Although the total steep-slope volume in the British Columbia interior appears relatively small, it is nevertheless important to the industry. Access to timber in the interior has been highly constrained because of the mountain pine beetle infestation and because of old-growth management, green-up regulations, clear-cut equivalency, etc. In addition, harvesting of timber on steep slopes was deferred
through the recent economic downturn, due to the high associated costs. Much of the beetle salvaging
over the last 8 years occurred on gentle terrain. Therefore, the steep-slope proportion of the AAC in the
interior, and in other areas of the province too, is likely much higher than shown in Table 2 and Figures
1 and 2. [Note also that these statistics do not include private land, on which significant volumes occur
on steep slopes, especially on the British Columbia coast.]
In many areas, the industry’s economic viability and/or robustness depends on being able to harvest
the complete slope profile in order to sustain the AAC. Alternatives to conventional mechanized harvesting methods, in the form of innovative systems and technology, are needed. Innovation may also
allow access wood that is on steep slopes within the AAC but was previously uneconomical, plus possible access to incremental wood that exists outside of the AAC, thereby creating additional fibre supply
for mills.
7
Table 2. Distribution of AAC in British Columbia, by slope class.
(Source: Forest Analysis and Inventory Branch)
Portion of AAC, by slope class
>35% slope
Area
(m )
(%)
35 to 50% slope
3
(m )
Entire province
18,275,747
24
8,971,633
9,304,114
76,990,342
Coastal B.C.
10,098,171
56
3,870,311
6,227,860
18,079,440
Interior B.C.
8,177,576
14
5,101,322
3,076.254
58,910,902
MPB TSAs
3,104.080
8
2,137,785
966,295
36,903,514
3
>50% slope
3
(m )
All classes
3
(m )
Figure 1. British Columbia’s available AAC, by TSA.
8
Figure 2. Proportion of the AAC on slopes >35%, by TSA.
2.3.
Reducing costs and adding value
Harvesting costs on steep terrain are typically higher due to the use of cable yarding systems, higher
fuel consumption and lower productivity relative to flat ground. In order to sustain fibre costs for mills,
harvesting costs should be reduced or the value of timber utilized should be increased to offset the additional cost of operating in steep terrain.
3. Goals and Objectives of the Steep-Slope Initiative
FPInnovations will strive to attain three high-level goals through the Steep-Slope Initiative in western
Canada.
9
3.1.
Goal 1: Mitigate risks to worker safety on steep slopes

Reduce number of steep-slope-related injuries by 50%2, by 2020

Reduce cost of worker compensation claims related to steep-slope operations by 50%,3
by 2020
Implementation of research and development results from the Steep-Slope Initiative should lead
to a significant reduction in injuries and fatalities of steep-slope workers, relative to 2014 baseline statistics. A reduction in incidents translates to reduced costs for the industry.
Statistics specific to slope-related incidents are not readily available. Therefore, FPInnovations
will aim to establish a baseline set of statistics specific to steep-slope incidents that occurred in
2014. A means of tracking steep-slope related incidents is being pursued.
In addition, FPInnovations will consult with WorkSafeBC to identify a realistic target4 for reducing incident rates for steep-slope workers.
3.2.
Goal 2: Increase and maximize operating margins of steep-slope harvesting

Increase operating margin on steep slopes by $5/m³, relative to cost of using
conventional methods on steep terrain. (For example, in British Columbia, potential
annual savings to the industry are estimated at $90 million/y (18 million m³ x $5/m³)

Maximize mill capacities (preventing eventual mill closures or reduced operating
shifts/year)
Through the use of innovative harvesting technology, the Steep-Slope Initiative will effect an increase in operating margin on steep slopes, relative to margins associated with conventional
approaches to harvesting in steep terrain.
Maximized operating margins will be achieved by a combination of reduced harvesting costs
and maximized timber quality and recovery.
3.3.
Goal 3: Make the steep-slope fibre pool economically and sustainably available

In British Columbia, increase the harvest by 2 million m3/year by providing access to
timber on steep slopes that was previously uneconomical.
2
Estimated reduction. See above footnote.
For example, in British Columbia, steep-slope-related claims would reduce to $10 million/y from the current $20 million/y, by 2020.
4
Although the exact target has yet to be confirmed, it is anticipated that the number of steep-slope-related incidents
could be reduced by 50% by 2020 as a result of the Steep-Slope Initiative.
3
10

Mitigate the mid-term timber supply falldown by securing previously unavailable timber
on steep slopes.
The Steep-Slope Initiative will lead to the industry having sustainable access to fibre on steep
slopes that was previously not economically available.
The improved operating margins and physical capabilities associated with innovative steepslope technology will make it feasible to enter otherwise uneconomic stands, i.e., to access both
“un-used” AAC and incremental wood, on both Crown and private land. The objective is to make
this feasible this within all regulated codes and sustainability practices.
3.4.
Overall objectives
Derived from the high-level goals, some of the key objectives of the Steep-Slope Initiative include:
3.5.

Facilitate and promote new technology, including where possible manufactured-in-Canada
equipment

Replace tasks done manually on the ground with mechanization (e.g., maximize the use of
mechanical falling on slopes >35%, yard bunched wood with grapples or grapple carriages
to eliminate choker setting and releasing)

Support a regulatory environment that favors the deployment of safe, sustainable and costefficient steep-slope operations

Improve the efficiency of cable harvesting systems in both old growth large tree conditions
and in second growth, smaller tree conditions

Facilitate the implementation of innovative approaches that maximize worker safety and
minimize environmental and social impact.

Facilitate the development of worker training programs adapted to steep-slope conditions
and equipment
Enablers
Meeting the Steep-Slope Initiative goals and objectives will require the following enablers:

Collaboration and support from a variety of stakeholders including the regulators, equipment
manufacturers and distributors, colleges and universities, provincial government
departments and other R&D bodies

Adequate funding for research, innovation, tech transfer, training development, and
demonstration of new technology
11
3.6.

An identification of policies/regulations that inhibit innovation and the development of
solutions

Availability of trained operators to operate equipment, but more importantly, to train new
workers

An effective communication and tech transfer plan adapted to various stakeholder groups

Best practices and standard work procedures that will ensure consistent and sustainable
achievement of goals and objectives

An effective strategy and a multi-disciplinary team.

Well-articulated milestones and deliverables that are clearly aligned with the high-level goals
Value proposition
The savings associated with achieving the three goals are estimated as follows:

Reduced compensation costs.
In British Columbia alone the industry will realize a reduction of $10 million/year in workers’
compensation costs because the injury and fatality claims related to steep-slope operations
would be reduced by 50% ($10 million/year in 2014 x 50% = $5 million/year in future)5 and
integrated harvesting claims would be reduced by 25% ($20 million/year in 2014 x 25% = $5
million/year in future).

Reduced worker training costs.
British Columbia is estimated to need 100 new fallers in the next 5 years, at an estimated
training cost of $100,000/faller. Replacing fallers with machine operators is not only expected to
improve worker safety, it is anticipated to be more cost effective in terms of training and reduce
the number of workers required for a given harvested volume.

Higher operating margin.
The industry in British Columbia will gain a potential savings of $90 million/year, resulting from
the $5/m³ increased margin over 18 million m³ harvest.

More fibre.
It is estimated that harvesting on steep-slope with innovative technology will generate an
additional 2 million m³/year in fibre for the mills, through the ability to access previously
inoperable, uneconomical, and/or inaccessible timber.
5
There are additional benefits to be had from reduced incidents, e.g., improved productivity; such benefits have yet to
be quantified.
12
If we assume a conservative estimate of achieving 25% of this potential value of $100 million in savings, a benefit of around $26 million could be realized after 5 years. Given a budget of $1.2 million/year
for five years, the return on investment for the Steep-Slope Initiative would be >4:1 (Table 5).
Table 3. Estimated value proposition: research and development related to steep-slope harvesting.
Category
Target, by 2020
Baseline
Estimated
future benefit
Safety claims
50% reduction
$20M
$10M
Injuries
50% reduction
480 claims
3
240 claims
3
Costs
$5/m reduction
18M m AAC
$90M
Faller training
20 workers/y
$100K/worker
$2M
Economic fibre
10% improvement
18M m AAC
3
1.8 m
Potential benefit
Implemented at 5 years
a
3
$102M
25% implementation
a
$26M
R&D investment
$6M
Return on investment
4:1
As per FPInnovations’ standard method for calculating the value proposition of research.
4. Expected Outcomes
4.1.
Short-term outcomes (2015 to 2017)

The introduction of new technologies and innovations for safe, productive, and sustainable
harvesting, trucking, and road construction in steep-slope conditions (e.g., winch-assist
systems, grapple cameras).

Improvements in the cost and efficiency of using cable and aerial harvesting systems.

A steep-slope technology watch that includes available comparative equipment data and
analysis.

Regulatory enablers established to facilitate and support innovation. (Initial focus will be on
safety regulations and support for changes to the stumpage appraisal system).
13

4.2.
4.3.
Cost and productivity comparisons of the slope and stem-size factors associated with
various harvesting systems and equipment options, including innovative systems not
previously used in western Canada.
Medium-term outcomes (2017 to 2019)

A machine stability model that can predict stability as a function of slope for various machine
configurations.

Commercial availability in western Canada of new, specialized, steep-slope equipment and
technology.

Trained workers available to operate new advanced steep-slope harvesting equipment.
Train new and young workers.

Wide-scale application of safe, cost-efficient, sustainable mechanization on slopes >35%.

Development of best practices and planning tools to facilitate safe, efficient, and sustainable
operations.
Long-term outcomes (2020+)

Introduction of technology that enhances the stability of equipment working on steep slopes.

Well-attended and successful training programs supplying a regular stream of high-quality
operators to the industry.

Widespread public acceptance of steep-slope operations that are conducted using state-ofthe-art work methods.

Advanced technologies incorporated in machines and trucks (e.g., remote controls,
automation, autonomous vehicles).
5. 2015-2016 Projects and Activities
A number of harvesting, road construction, and trucking projects will form part of the Steep-Slope Initiative in 2015–2016.
Harvesting operations
 The Steep-Slope Toolbox – decision-support matrix of system options by slope class, with a
focus on the introduction of new technologies and techniques.

Continued development of machine-stability model.
14

New cable system technologies.
Road construction
 Re-activating or rebuilding first-pass roads and associated legacy issues.

Reducing cuts and fills with new technologies/ methods.

Reducing amount of roads deployed per hectare of harvested forest.
Trucking
 New trucking configurations.

Improving truck safety on steep terrain

Coastal transportation network solutions
General
 Timber supply analysis.

International technology watch and comparative efficiency data.

Environmental sustainability of steep-slope operations (in collaboration with other agencies).

Resources, workshops, best practices, and manuals in support of safety objectives.
5.1.
The steep-slope toolbox: decision-support matrix of system options
by slope class
Objective
 Provide tools and information that help the forest industry select the most appropriate
harvesting system options for various slope classes and operating conditions.
Approach
 Measure the productivities, costs, environmental impacts, and safety performances of
various machines and systems in controlled field studies and in variable terrain conditions.
These studies will look at existing systems in order to generate baseline information to use
in making comparisons, but the studies will focus on looking at new technologies and
systems mix.
Deliverables
The outcome of these trials will be a decision-support matrix of cost and productivity by slope class for
existing and new harvesting systems and equipment options. Individual summary reports and communications on specific technologies, machines, and approaches will be produced on a regular basis.
15
The new technology to be studied includes, in priority order:

Winch-assist systems (equipment mounted and remote operated) for feller-bunchers, fellerdirectors, harvesters, forwarders, and hoe-chuckers.

Hoe-chucking in combination with various machines (tilting feller-bunchers, 6-wheeled skidders,
small yarders)

Carriages (with or without grapples) and carriage accessories (GPS, cameras)

8-wheeled harvesters and forwarders

Small mobile yarders

Soft-track extraction machines
The exact machines/systems studied will depend on their availability and on the priorities indicated by
the Steering Committee. Equipment manufacturers and distributors will be encouraged to accelerate
the introduction of some of these technologies.
Collaborators
 Industry members and their contractors

Equipment manufacturers and distributors

WorkSafeBC
5.2.
Machine stability modelling
Objective
 Develop an objective system by which various machine configurations can be evaluated in
terms of their relative stability as a function of slope gradient.
Approach
In collaboration with WorkSafeBC and industry partners, FPInnovations developed a testing protocol to
measure the load transfer ratio (LTR) that occurs between ground contact points as a machine is being
tilted. The test involved hoisting a machine onto an instrumented tilt table. A computer model was developed based on the tilt-table field measurements and it can be used to replicate tilt-table results when
proper machine parameters are provided. Computer modelling can fill in gaps in tilt-table tests, and allow ground conditions, load reactions, and dynamics to be considered in the machine stability rating
system. It is proposed to work with WorkSafeBC and OEMs to assess if the modelled LTR can be used
to reliably assess relative static stability of different equipment configurations. LTR could contribute to
the process of comparing the stability of different machine types. Other stability measures could also be
identified and tested.
16
Over the long term, this work will be used to further support the use of innovative mechanization on
steep slopes by the enabling comparison of machine types, providing safe parameters for operator
training, and developing more stability-related technology.
Collaborators
 WorkSafeBC

B.C. Safety Council

OEMs

University of British Columbia
5.3.
New cable system technology
Objective
 Introduce new cable harvesting technologies that will reduce the costs of extraction
Approach
This project will aim to introduce and evaluate a series of new technologies and make comparisons to
benchmark methods.
The new technologies could include:

Camera systems and GPS to improve grapple yarding in areas with poor visibility,

Use of intermediate supports and back-spars for short-boom yarders such as Yoaders.
The primary benefit of using Yoaders is expected to be from reduced mobilization and
operating costs. Each Yoader could save its owner about $60,000/year on mobilization
costs: if 20 Yoaders deployed on the British Columbia coast, the industry cost savings would
be about $1.2 million/year.

Motorized carriages with chokers or accumulating grapples for small wood,

Grapple carriages to facilitate yarding with less-expensive yarders,

Long-reach skyline systems that can reduce road costs and their environmental impacts,

Automated yarder-control systems that can improve yarder productivity while allowing the
operator to perform processing or other tasks,

Rigging innovations such as synthetic line and blocks,

Use of drones to speed up cable setup and road-change times.
17
Deliverables
Research reports, videos, and posts on the field study results.
Collaborators
 Industrial members and their contractors.

Equipment manufacturers and their distributors.

Future Forest Research (NZ).
5.4.
Road construction
Objectives
 Investigate which innovative road-building methods and equipment could reduce cut-and-fill
volumes on steep terrain.

Document road-building methods for rebuilding de-constructed roads or for re-activating
first-pass roads on steep terrain, and recommend innovations in technique and
technologies.
Approach
 Highlight potential improvements and new technologies for reducing cut-and-fill volumes in
roads on steep and high-elevation terrain.
Conduct case study of two challenging sections identified by Western Forest Products on its
planned extension of the Beartooth Mainline near Powell River.

Benchmark current road-building practices that are challenged by conditions resulting from
first-pass harvesting. For example, de-activated old roads built to low standards and
containing organic materials or roads that were de-constructed with extensive mixing of
organic and mineral soils. Conduct a case study of one or more road types of construction
on steep or high-elevation terrain in the Western Forest Products’ Woss operation. The
objectives will be to document associated challenges and costs, and to highlight potential
improvements and new technologies in remote sensing, planning, and road-construction
practices.
Deliverables
 Literature review of recommended steep-slope road-building practices

Summary reports on research results.
Collaborators
 Western Forest Products, Stillwater and Woss Divisions
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
5.5.
Terratech Consulting Ltd.
Trucking and transportation
Objectives
 Develop a log-truck transportation system that is able to access all fibre on the steep terrain
and future road networks of the British Columbia coast.

Develop new solutions to best utilize truck fleets on steep ground, with a focus on utilizing
the safest trucks possible.
Approach
 Optimized truck specifications for steep terrain


o
Determine which cut-to-length truck combinations are most suitable for working on steep
grades.
o
Maximize payload by minimizing tare weight.
o
Develop a set of optimal truck specifications, with a focus on the adoption of new
lightweight materials and technologies.
o
Focus on evaluating one specific fleet at a time and delivering a specification tailored for
that operation.
Improving truck safety on steep terrain
o
Improve methods of loading log trucks so that loads are well balanced and the risk for
roll-over is reduced.
o
Develop an algorithm that can be applied to existing load-scale systems, to measure
load eccentricity., The intention is to achieve more stable loads by providing feedback to
the driver and loader with stability data from the load scale.
o
Long-log truck configurations typically have two load cells between the bunk and bolster.
Potentially these could be configured to record the side-to-side load balance in order to
aid the driver and log loader in obtaining a more eccentrically balanced load. Similar
approaches will also be explored for the air scales typically used on short-log
configurations.
o
Cooperate with industry members and scale manufacturers to modify an existing load
scale to measure the side to side load balance.
Coastal transportation network solutions
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o
Create a regional transportation network (RTN). This will involve:

Setting up a logistics and dispatch system that will, on an ongoing basis, analyze
the locations of the fibre available, the fibre requirements of the mills, and the
disposition of the trucking fleets;

Developing a plan to maximize the amount of fibre hauled, in the most efficient
manner, with the fewest number of trucks.

Maximizing the use of backhauls, reducing the time that the trucks travel empty.

Working with Western Forest Products (with whom FPI has already conducted
basic backhaul analysis, and proven the potential benefits of improved
transportation networks) to develop a detailed road map for what work has to be
done, and when each potential partner should be brought on board.
Deliverables
 Optimized truck specification
o


Make recommendations for optimum truck configuration and detailed specifications.
Improving truck safety on steep terrain
o
Review current truck scale systems (what is available and what is actually being used).
o
Publish final report (recommending next steps).
Coastal transportation network solutions
o
Road map the regional transportation network strategy (in cooperation with Western
Forest Products).
o
Develop a preliminary model to test and validate the potential benefits across a region.
o
Road map and model the benefits to other members on the island.
Collaborators
 Industrial members, including Western Forest Products.

Truck manufacturers and dealers.
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5.6.
Timber supply analysis
Objective
Member companies have indicated strong interest in knowing how much additional fibre could be accessed using new and cheaper harvesting and transportation techniques.

Define the “marginal zone” of potentially economic fibre in terms of attributes that can be
used in the timber supply review.
Approach
The British Columbia Analysis and Inventory Branch wants to collaborate with FPInnovations to liaise
with companies and develop a meaningful sensitivity analysis of opportunity wood that can be incorporated into the Timber Harvest Land Base. Pilot cases studies for the Strathcona and Kamloops TSAs
will be developed.
Collaborators
 British Columbia Analysis and Inventory Branch

5.7.
Member companies
Steep-slope operations technology watch
Objectives
Internationally, there is a tremendous amount of steep-terrain harvesting technology that has potential
application and benefits to western Canada.

Keep abreast of developments around the world, network with valuable contacts, and facilitate
the introduction of technology, knowledge, and skilled people to western Canada.
Approach
FPI would allocate staff resources to the tracking of interesting technologies and to communicate developments to member companies and partners. FPI staff will also participate and present at international conferences that cover the topic of steep slopes. These include the 2015 FORMEC-AustroFoma
conference in Austria. Regular updates will be shared with the stakeholder groups.
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6. Steering Committee and Manufacturers’ Advisory Group
6.1.
Steering Committee
The industry-led Steering Committee first met on Dec. 8, 2014. The proposed road map was presented
and the Steep-Slope Initiative was strongly supported.
The Steering Committee represents approximately 52 million m3 of industry AAC in British Columbia, as
well as two safety organizations, the provincial government, and a contractor organization. Current
Committee members are listed in Appendix 1.
Minutes from the meeting were distributed to Committee members and are available through FPI’s Information Management System (IMS), which is accessible by members.
Some of the key messages from the meeting can be summarized as follows:

Stay focused on being focused.

All activities should flow from the three mains goals of improving safety, reducing costs, and
increasing economically available fibre.

Social license (public acceptance) and environmental impacts should also be considered.

Industry is looking for harvesting systems and technology options and solutions on steep slopes
as soon as possible. The needs are significant and immediate.

Timely communications are important.
The Steering Committee plans to meet twice per year: once in January in person, and once in the fall
via web-based participation.
6.2.
Manufacturers’ Advisory Group
The Manufacturers’ Advisory Group (MAG) first met on Jan. 27, 2014. There was excellent participation
from equipment manufacturers. The current members of the MAG are listed in Appendix 1.
Minutes were sent to the Steering Committee and MAG and are available on the IMS site.
Some of the key messages from the meeting can be summarized as follows:

A considerable amount of steep-slope harvesting can be done using existing equipment.

Most of the equipment and technology solutions for steep-slope harvesting in British Columbia
are already being employed in other regions of the world, and there are significant efficiency
and cost data available that can be applied to the British Columbia situation.
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
Liability regarding certification of machines to given slope inclinations prevents the
manufacturers from pursuing this option

Operator training is very important and a key factor to success for steep-slope operations.

Block layout and configuration are critical from both a safety and equipment efficiency
perspective.

WorkSafeBC’s position on regulation was presented, and they support the use of increased
mechanization on steep slopes.
The MAG also agree to meet twice per year: once in January in person with call-ins, and once a year in
the fall via web-based participation.
7. Timelines and Milestones
The key milestones for the Steep-Slope Initiative are shown in Table 4. As projects get underway, additional milestones will be added.
23
Table 4. Steep-Slope Initiative, timeline and milestones: summary.
December 2014
• FPI Steep-Slope Steering Committee
January 2015
• Equipment Manufacturer Group
(machine stability rating system)
• Complete FPI Steep-Slope Initiative Road Map
• Initiate regulatory enablers discussion
Summer 2015
• Field studies of innovative ground-based and cable systems
• Introduction/demonstration of new technology
• Stability model completed – Phase I
Summer 2016
• Phase II – Field studies of innovative ground-based
and cable systems
• Commercial availability of new steep-slope technology
in western Canada
Fall 2016
Winter 2016
Summer 2017
Winter 2017
Summer 2018
2020+
• First version of steep-slope decision-support matrix
• Demo 2016
• Regulatory Enablers are established
• Phase III – Field studies of innovative
ground-based and cable systems
• Final
• New version of steep-slope decision-support matrix
• Machine Stability Rating System ready for
implementation by OEMs
• Best Practices & Standard Work guides available
• Advanced technologies tested on steep slopes
(e.g., remote-controlled equipment)
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8. Budget
The budget for the Steep-Slope Initiative is in the range of $1.0 to 1.2 million/year over 5 years, for a $6
million overall budget. The funding will come from a combination of sources, including support from
NRCan’s Transformative Technology Program, the British Columbia Coastal Initiative, the British Columbia BioEconomy Initiative, the industry’s membership contribution to FPInnovations, and contract
work.
As indicated earlier, annual combined savings in fibre cost and injury claims alone will result in a 4:1
benefits-to-cost ratio. This estimate does not consider many of the intangible benefits around improved
viability of mills and communities, safety, job security, promotion of the domestic equipment sector, etc.
9. Communications Strategy
Throughout the Steep-Slope Initiative, well-planned and targeted communication efforts will be undertaken to ensure all stakeholders are kept informed and engaged. Table 5 summarizes the key activities
by stakeholder group.
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Table 5. Tech transfer mechanisms, by stakeholder group.
Activity
Frequency
1. Industry and MAG Steering Committees
 Regular meetings for input, feedback,
and progress reporting
Annually in person and
annually by conference call
2. Industry members and stakeholders
 Progress reports on projects, milestones, and
actions
Semi-annually via the
FPSolutions newsletter

LinkedIn steep-slope harvesting group
Ongoing discussion

Ad Hoc on-site presentation and demonstration of
steep-slope harvesting technology and innovations
May to October each year

Official demonstration of steep-slope harvesting
technology and innovations
Demo 2016
(October 2016 at the
Malcom Knapp Forest)

Regular technical reports (Advantage and others)
Throughout the year

Project updates on FPI Steep Slope webpage
Ongoing
3. Contractors and truckers
 Web-based video
Minimum 2 videos/year
and 2 reports/year

Ad hoc on-site presentation and demonstration of
steep-slope harvesting technology and innovations
May to October each year

Official demonstration of steep-slope harvesting
technology and innovations
Demo 2016
(October 2016 at the
Malcom Knapp Forest)
4. Other stakeholders
(OEM, distributors, government, etc.)
 Articles and reports in magazines and
other publications

Steep-slope workshops
Three articles/year
Once per year (spring)
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APPENDIX 1 – Contact Information
Steep-Slope Initiative Steering Committee
Affiliation
FPInnovations
Member
Jim Hunt
WorkSafeBC
Tom Pawlowski
B.C. Forest Safety Council
Reynold Hert
Canadian Forest Products
Ken Pedersen
West Fraser Timber
Scott Marleau
Tolko Industries
Barry Gladers
Truck Loggers Association
Don Banasky
Western Forest Products
Geoff Payne
Timber West
Don Holmes
B.C. Timber Sales
Russ Laroche
Weyerhaeuser
Norm Druck
Island Timberlands
Mark Leitao
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Equipment Manufacturers’ Advisory Group
Affiliation
FPInnovations
Member
Jim Hunt
T-Mar Industries Ltd.
Tyson Lambert
Tigercat
Grant Somerville
Tigercat
Fil Rinaldis
Allied Systems
Jeff Rink
Risley Equipment Inc.
Dean Isley
John Deere
Richard Lawler
John Deere
SMS Equipment - Komatsu
Komatsu
Dave McFarlane
Mike Walker
Madill Equipment
Dave Wellman
Ron Hait
Caterpillar
Kolin Kirschenmann
Caterpillar
Chuck Crowell
Ponsse Corporation
Dan Fuhrer
University of British Columbia
Kevin Lyons
WorkSafeBC
Tom Pawlowski
B.C. Forest Safety Council
Reynold Hert
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