Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Forest Products - 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
Email: lisa.ball@usda.gov

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.

  1. In Excel, left mouse click the “File” Menu heading near the upper Left corner of the Excel Window which will take you to the Excel backstage.

  2. On the Left frame of the Excel backstage, left mouse click Options (just above Exit) which will open a new Excel Options window.

  3. On the Left frame of the Excel Options window, left mouse click "Trust Center“ (at the bottom of the left frame), which will change the Excel Options window contents.

  4. Then Left mouse click “Trust Center Settings…“ found on the right, centered, which will open a new Trust Center window.

  5. On the left frame of the Trust Center Window, left mouse click "Macro Settings“.

  6. Then left mouse click the round button to "Enable all macros (not recommended; potentially dangerous code can run)” at the bottom of the upper Macro Setting list.

  7. Click "OK“ in the lower right corner to close the Trust Center window.

  8. Click "OK“ in the lower right corner to close the Excel Options window.

  9. Exit Excel without saving.

Skyline Analysis

  • SkylineXL - Version 25: (XLSM, 1.5 MB)
    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, 8 KB)
    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, 522 KB)
    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 26: (XLSM, 3.06 MB)
    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 4/27/2026.

  • HaulCost - Version 26: (XLSM, 1.82 MB)
    HaulCost is a Microsoft Excel Workbook used to estimate log truck transportation costs from the loading point to the mill or appraisal point. Updated 4/27/2026.

Other Programs

  • Volume Summary Form: (XLSM, 405 KB) 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, 275 KB)
    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.