Skogslager

Skogslager is a term used in forestry to describe a storage yard for timber located near a harvest site. In practice, a skogslager serves as a temporary staging area where felled trees are stored, sorted and prepared for transport to mills or processing facilities. The size, layout and permanence of a skogslager vary with the scale of operation and local regulations; in smaller operations it may be minimal, while larger forest districts may maintain multiple yards along logging routes.

Typical elements include prepared ground or gravel to minimize soil compaction, drainage systems, and access roads for tractors, skidders, forwards and logging trucks. Sorting zones are set up to separate logs by species, length and diameter, and there may be loading ramps, cranes or pallet skids for efficient handling. Facilities for measurement, recording, and basic maintenance are commonly found on site, along with storage for fuel and consumables.

Environmental and safety considerations are central to skogslager operations. Runoff and sediment control are important to protect watercourses, and waste wood, bark, and oil spills must be managed according to environmental regulations. Safety measures include clear traffic separation for heavy machinery, signage, lighting, and adherence to forestry safety standards. Site plans often address reforestation and post-harvest land restoration.

Used within the broader forestry supply chain, skogslager facilitates the flow of timber from felling to processing. In practice, several yards may operate along a harvest area to optimize transport and reduce idle time, with logistics coordinated by the forest manager or timber company.