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U.S. Forest Service
Caring for the land and serving people

United States Department of Agriculture

Programs and Software

The following programs are available for download from this site. All programs have been developed by the USDA Forest Service and are public domain software. Programs were created by USFS employees Steve Rheinberger and Rick Toupin (retired).

Logging Systems Programs

Contact Person:

Lisa Ball
Logging Specialist
Voice: 503.808.2977
Email: lisa.ball@usda.gov

  • Enable Excel Macros: (.pdf file) Contains the instructions to modify Microsoft Excel Options to enable macros. Most of the excel spreadsheets on this site must have macros enabled to operate properly. Only enable Excel macros from trusted sources.

SKYLINE ANALYSIS

  • SkylineXL 25 0.xlsm (Version 25): (.xlsm file) SkylineXL is a Microsoft Excel Workbook used to analyze terrain profiles for skyline payload analysis, line tensions, rigging lengths and skyline feasibility. SkylineXL is able to analyze four different skyline configurations: Standing Skyline, Multispan Skyline, Running Skyline and Live Skyline in English or Metric measurement units. SkylineXL includes a database consisting of widely used yarder/tower combinations and carriages along with their respective line lengths, line sizes and other important data. The user has the option within SkylineXL to add custom designed yarders and/or carriages to the database for skyline analysis.

  • SkylineXL v1 0.ProfilePoints.pyt.zip : (.zip file)

    This is an ESRI Add-In utility for ArcPro version 3.1 or later which will convert your line layer representing skyline terrain profiles or deflection lines into a SkylineXL Profile with elevations taken from your underlying terrain raster layer (you must have a bare earth DEM for tool to work). Follow the installation instructions to add the SkylineXL GIS Profile Tool to your ArcPro version 3.1 or later user interface. The current version of SkylineXL (above) must reside on your computer. Updated February 2018.


  • Skyline Tatum Aids: (.docx file) Skyline Tatum Aids are a set of tables and charts taken from Oregon State University and Oregon OSHA to assist in the field preparation of feasible skyline settings. These tatum aids may be printed and laminated to use in the woods during skyline timber sale planning and layout.

LOGGING COSTS

  • LogCost (Version 24): (.xlsm file) LogCost is a Microsoft Excel Workbook used to estimate stump-to-truck costs and production for a variety of logging systems and equipment configurations simultaneously: Skyline, Mechanized, Tractor, Shovel and Helicopter logging systems. Variations within logging systems are also possible. Biomass harvest costs can be estimated within the Mechanized and/or Skyline logging system worksheet (including biomass haul cost). Updated December 2024.

  • HaulCost (Version 22): (.xlsm file) HaulCost is a Microsoft Excel Workbook used to estimate log truck transportation costs from the loading point to the mill or appraisal point. Updated 4/7/20.

OTHER PROGRAMS

  • Volume Summary Form: (.xlsm file) CCF, MBF, Cords. The spreadsheet is an automated volume summary form. Creates a volume summary form. The spreadsheet includes hidden defect & breakage utility, down woody debris option, and report options. Last update 12/9/2009.

  • Residual Value Economic Evaluation (Version 18): (.xlsm file) Estimate the economic viability of planned Federal timber sales (residual value method). The user inputs the data necessary to make the determination in various tables. The summary table displays items such as the advertised rate, base rate, timber value, whether or not the unit and/or sale is estimated to be deficit or not, and the estimated value the sale is above (or below) base rates. The evaluation is based on the residual value appraisal methodology. Additional information is displayed in the Cost Centers Evaluation & Summary screen. Last update 4/7/2020.