A risk index for multicriterial selection of a logging system with low environmental impact

• We propose a decision-making algorithm to select eco-friendly logging systems.
• Analytic hierarchy process was applied for ranking 4 types of logging systems.
• An environmental risk matrix with 28 risk factors in forest operations was made up.

Setting up the working stages in forest operations is conditioned by environmental protection and forest health requirements. This paper exposes a method for improving the decision-making process by choosing the most environmentally effective logging systems according to terrain configuration and stand characteristics. Such a methodology for selecting machines or logging systems accounting for environment, safety as well as economics, becomes mandatory in the context of sustainable management of forest with multiple functions.Based on analytic hierarchy process analysis the following classification of the environmental performance for four considered alternatives was obtained: skyline system (42.43%), forwarder system (20.22%), skidder system (19.92%) and horse logging system (17.43%).Further, an environmental risk matrix for the most important 28 risk factors specific to any work equipment used in forest operations was produced. In the end, a multicriterial analysis generated a risk index RI ranging between 1.0 and 3.5, which could help choosing the optimal combination of logging system and logging equipment with low environmental impact.In order to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed approach, a simple application in specific conditions of a harvesting site is presented.