Fahey, Thomas D.; Snellgrove, Thomas A.; Plank, Marlin E. Changes in product recovery between live and dead lodgepole pine: a compendium. Res. Pap. PNW-353. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station; 1986. 25 p. Six studies were used to compare differences in recovery of volume and value among live, recent dead, and older dead lodgepole pine (Pinus contorts Dougl. ex Loud.) in the Western United States. The products studied included boards,

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... random-length dimension, studs, and veneer. For the average size log (12 cubic feet) absolute values were highest for boards, followed by dimension, veneer, and studs for both live and dead timber. The percentage change in value from live to dead, however, showed the reverse order; studs lost the least value and boards the most. Six studies were used to compare differences in recovery of volume and value among live, recent dead, and older dead lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.) in the Western United States. The products studied included boards, random-length dimension, studs, and veneer. Although results are presented for the studies individually, the intent was to provide an interpretation of recovery that would be applicable across a wide range of conditions. Results suggest that blue stain occurs before insect-killed lodgepole pine trees can be harvested and that checking also is likely to begin before they can be harvested. The length of time that dead trees remain standing varies by climatic conditions; in colder, drier climates it is usually at least 10 years. Once a tree contacts the ground, deterioration occurs rapidly and within a few years the material is unmerchantable for solid wood products. The wood from dead trees is drier, lighter, and more brash than wood from live timber; and more breakage may occur in harvesting. In a board mill, both stain and checks are important causes of reduction in volume and value. For structural lumber and core veneer, checks are the main cause for loss in volume and grade, but stain is not important. A higher proportion of low quality products is produced from dead timber; selling this material may be a problem under certain market conditions. Although stain is not an important grading factor, it can be a problem when structural grades of lumber are marketed. At all mills, the value of products manufactured from dead trees was less than for live trees. Some of the loss in volume of lumber or veneer can be recovered when the value of chips is included in the total log value; losses because of poor grade cannot be recovered. Availability of markets for chips and the value of chips will be critical factors in determining whether small and low quality product items are salvaged. For the average size log (12 cubic feet) absolute values were highest for boards, followed by dimension, veneer, and studs for both live and dead timber. The percentage change in value from live to dead, however, showed the reverse order; studs lost the least value and boards the most. These relationships can vary by log size and do not consider costs. 6 Processing 7 Product Volumes