CONSERVATION THROUGH TIMBER PRESERVATION

Abstract

Conservation of the depleted forest resources of the country should be looked at from several dimensions. Reafforestation and Afforestation are primary. Sustainable management in perpetuity is another. But what about the wasteful utilisation practices prevalent in the consumption of one million cubic metres annually? What is the wastage factor? Can this be reduced to a rational level?

The need for a " National Utilisation Strategy " to stop the waste is timely. Some aspects to achieve this are discussed in this paper.

The logging waste by way of logs, tops and branchwood left on the forest floor amounts to over 30% of the tree volume.

Wastage due to inappropriate techniques in sawing is as much as 10%. The exclusion of sap-wood and the non-acceptance of lesser known species contributes to wastage.

The redesigning of components for structural applications by banding groups of species on physical properties, improved techniques in joinery frames and trusses and using timber connectors can not only save resources but have cost benefits.

The service life of timber can be extended indefinitely if preservation treatment and kiln drying is resorted to. This prevents costly replacement and inconvenience to owners.

Reconstitution of logging waste and sawmill residues into particle board could easily replace the need for solid wood for a wide range of selected applications.

The total wastage factor of the volume of a whole tree can be expressed as 65% from the time it is felled to the time it is put to use.