logging

Logging is the activity of harvesting trees for timber and other wood products. In commercial operations, it involves planning sustainable harvests, felling trees with chainsaws or machinery, delimbed and bucking, skidding or forwarding logs to roads or mills, processing at mills, and transporting products to markets. The activity is seasonal and regionally variable, often regulated by management plans and quotas. Reforestation and silvicultural practices are commonly integrated to maintain forest health and future harvests. Safety is a central concern due to hazards from heavy equipment, unstable slopes, and working with heavy loads.

Forestry logging can impact ecosystems through habitat disruption, soil compaction, and disturbance of waterways. Sustainable forestry aims to balance wood production with conservation: regulated harvest levels, protection of sensitive areas, and certification schemes such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Illicit logging and illegal timber trade are global concerns. Advances include selective logging, reduced-impact logging methods, and the use of remote sensing and GPS to monitor harvests and ensure compliance.

In computing, logging refers to the recording of events, messages, or transactions by software and hardware. Log data helps diagnose problems, audit actions, monitor performance, and provide security monitoring. Logs typically include a timestamp, severity level, source, and message. Common practices include log rotation, centralized collection, and retention policies. Tools and formats vary, with structured, semi-structured, and unstructured logs. Privacy and regulatory compliance prompt careful handling of sensitive information.