Graduation Date
Spring 2025
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Science degree with a major in Natural Resources, option Forestry, Watershed, & Wildland Sciences
Committee Chair Name
Hunter Harrill
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Erin Kelly
Second Committee Member Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Mathew Smidt
Third Committee Member Affiliation
Community Member or Outside Professional
Keywords
Forestry, Capacity, Capabilities, Employment, Survey
Subject Categories
Forestry
Abstract
There is limited literature describing the capacity and capabilities of the logging workforce in California. This study examines the logging workforce in California to quantify the number of logging crews, assess demographic diversity, and evaluate capacity and capabilities. The target population was California Licensed Timber Operators (LTOs) who have the legal right to harvest timber. A survey was developed and distributed to LTOs on the CAL FIRE database. Surveys were also distributed at regional logging conferences or collected by phone. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and emergent coding for follow-up interviews was conducted. There were 220 responses to the survey which corresponded with a 24.6% response rate. Nine LTOs completed the interview portion. Results indicated that although the logging workforce in California is diverse, it contains an aging population of white men. Most LTOs have one logging crew (77.2%) and almost half had 1-3 employees per crew (49.8%). Annual production ranged up to 200,000 mbf (thousand board feet) and averaged around 30 mbf daily. Production had a significant positive correlation with the number of crews (p < 0.001) and machines (p < 0.001). Most (60.9%) contracts were on industrial and nonindustrial timberland, primarily focusing on commercial and fuel reduction projects. Availability of work was one of the largest threats while both experience and knowledge were some of the top strengths. Results from this study will provide forest managers and consumers with insight into the status of the workforce.
Citation Style
APA
Recommended Citation
Gerstenberg, Kendra Jean, "An assessment of the California logging workforce" (2025). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2275.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2275