Forests provide important raw materials to the citizens of northern New England (Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont). One of the most important raw materials in the world is round-wood. Wood fiber is an important product by itself, as well as being part of many different products; from firewood as a fuel, to paper and cellophane products, to luxury items such as wooden dashboards in cars, or elegant furniture. Since wood products are so important, much emphasis has been placed on growing trees efficiently as well as the processing of round wood into other products. However, little research has emphasized wood supply from the loggers’ point-of-view in northern New England.

The logging industry is one of the largest industries of northern New England (Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont). This industrial community fuels much of the economy in these states, as well as other states, and even parts of Canada. One successful way of getting to know the logging population of this region is by studying them through a survey. A comprehensive survey was conducted in 2001, aimed at surveying as many logging professionals working in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont as possible.

In this study, the extent of terminal harvests will be quantified using GIS techniques, from existing data, responses from the survey instrument, as well as Landsat 7 Thematic Mapper classified images. Relationships between sociodemographic information about loggers and economic/financial practices and outlooks will be presented. Relationships between types of logging operations (mechanized, traditional, etc.), harvested wood lot sizes, and number of wood lots per year will also be studied and presented. Also, barriers that impede logging operations and businesses will be identified from survey responses and presented.