Wasted Logs in Uncontrolled Chainsaw Milling in Mambasa Forest, Democratic Republic of Congo

Uncontrolled chainsaw milling generates enormous quantity of logging residues on loggings sites. This study focused on the top log or the part of the trunk before the first big branch. It estimates an average of 4.3 m3 for wasted top log by felled tree. The main species logged in the region concern Entandrophrama spp, Milicia excelsa and Khaya Anthotheca. The diameter in middle of wasted log is inferior to the diameter of stump but there are not different in length of wasted log and the sawed log part. The loggers need to practice improvement techniques of quality of the trunk or put activities for recoverable and usable artisanal logging residues in community. This case of study applies to all actors of forest management in The Congo Basin Forest and suggests a rational valorisation of woody materials for a sustainable forest management.