The workbook explains all of the concepts applied in the computer software, including for example, the basics of precommercial timber valuation, and what is involved in selecting a discount rate. Stand table and taper information, breakdown of trees into logs by market, product markets, prices and manufacturing costs are used to produce descriptions of log allocation, size, volume, and value. The user simply inputs the frequency of occurrence by two inch diameter class and log length on a species basis, and timber volumes are automatically calculated. By executing macros within the program. Graphical representation of the stand include trees arranged by diameter class, number of trees by diameter class, number of trees per log length, total volume of trees arranged by diameter, and percent of trees within the stand.
Users can enter the system at various points depending on their specific needs.
Module 1 provides volume and value information for a tract of timber a timber sale or management purposes. User-supplied lumber grade prices are combined with predicted lumber grade yields to calculate total value for each species and for the total tract. Module 2 provides information about the size, quality, and value of sawlog and veneer logs that can be produced from the tract of timber. An estimate of the number and volume of cut logs can also be produced. Module 3 provides a means to estimate the volume and the value of lumber by lumber grade that can be produced from logs delivered to the sawmill.