A Survey Of Animal-Powered Logging In Alabama

This study examined the extent of animal logging in the state of Alabama to determine who is logging with animals, where they are working, what equipment are they using, and what these people perceive to be the future of animal-powered logging within the state.

Interviews with operators of horse/mule logging operations in Alabama revealed that these groups operate mostly in non-industrial, privately owned forests, with an average operation of 3 people, 2 animals, and a side-loading truck.

The majority (90%) of animal loggers in Alabama are age 40 and older. About 27 loggers had retired over the previous five years, with the overall number of animal-based loggers in the state expected to decline or hold steady over the next decade or two.

This report’s authors suggest that, as the average area of these non-industrial, privately owned forested tracts continues to decrease, the demand for animal-powered logging systems may increase.