Associate Professor Rien Visser

Phone: +64 3 364 2987 ext. 6127
Office: Forestry 232

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Fields of Research

• Best Management Practices (codes of practice), minimizing environmental impacts
• Forest engineering, including infrastructure construction and maintenance
• Harvest system planning, efficiency, including modeling and benchmarking
• Supply chain logistics optimisation, improving value recovery
• Bio-energy, woody biomass harvesting and transport logistics for bio-energy
• Geospatial technology integration, machine design and automation
• Steep terrain operations including cable and helicopter logging systems
• Ergonomic improvements including safety and training
• International forest practices, low impact harvesting

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Researcher Summary

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Subject Area: Disciplines

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Research Groups

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Key Methodologies

• Time and motion studies and costing models
• System Evaluation / Operations Research
• Technology integration and automation
• Production and Productivity analyses

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Research Service

• Co-organiser of FORMEC meeting, Graz, Austria - 225 participants from 38 countries. (2011)
• Organised and led an industry tour of steep terrain harvesting operations in Austria and Italy. October 2011. 8 participants from NZ forestry industry companies. (2011)
• Winner of the Inaugural (2011) award for "Communication and Sector Engagement" as awarded by Future Forest Research. (2011)
• Current supervision Simon Fairbrother - PhD - primary supervisor Hunter Harrill - PhD - primary supervisor Hamish Berkett - MSc - primary supervisor Anne Wekesa - MSc - primary supervisor (2006-2011)
• Justin Morgenrth - PhD - primary supervisor - complete 2010 Andy Horcher - PhD - primary supervisor - complete 2008 Brandon Martin - MSc - co-supervisor - complete 2008 Joe Currie - MF - primary supervisor - complete 2007 Mary Yonce - MSc - primary supervisor - complete 2007 (2006-2011)

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Publications

• Visser, R. (2012) Benchmarking to Improve Harvesting Cost and Productivity: 2011 Update. Future Forest Research Harvesting Technical Note HTN05-08. (Report for External Body)

• Visser, R. and Spinelli, R. (2012) Determining the shape of the productivity function for mechanized felling and felling-processing. Journal of Forest Research 17(5): 397-402. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10310-011-0313-2. (Journal Article)

• Harrill, H. and Visser, R. (2012) Matching Rigging Configurations to Harvesting Conditions. Future Forest Research Harvesting Technical Note HTN04-06. (Report for External Body)

• Berkett, H. and Visser, R. (2012) Slope gradients experienced by ground-based forest machines. Future Forest Research Harvesting Technical Note HTN05-03. (Report for External Body)

• Park, D., Manley, B., Morgenroth, J. and Visser, R. (2012) What proportion of the forest of small-scale owners is likely to be harvested: A Whanganui case study. New Zealand Journal of Forestry 57(3): 4-11. http://www.nzjf.org/abstract.php?volume_issue=j57_3&first_page=4. (Journal Article)

• Morgenroth, J. and Visser, R. (2011) Above-Ground Growth Response of Platanus orientalis to Porous Pavements. Arboriculture & Urban Forestry 37(1): 1-6. (Journal Article)

• Magagnotti, N., Nati, C., Pari, L., Spinelli, R. and Visser, R. (2011) Assessing the cost of stump-site debarking in eucalypt plantations. Biosystems Engineering 110(4): 443-449. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2011.09.009. (Journal Article)

• Bloomberg, M., Davies, T., Visser, R. and Morgenroth, J. (2011) Erosion Susceptibility Classification and Analysis of Erosion Risks for Plantation Forestry. Ministry for the Environment. 61pp. http://www.mfe.govt.nz/laws/standards/forestry/erosion-susceptibility-classification.pdf. (Report for External Body)

• Visser, R. (2011) Harvesting system and production improvements in New Zealand's steep terrain. White River, South Africa: 4th Forest Engineering Conference (FEC), 5-7 Apr 2011. In Proceedings 15-16. (Conference Contribution - Paper in published proceedings)

• Visser, R., Tinnelly, B. and Fairbrother, S. (2011) Installation of geogrid to improve forest roads construction. Graz, Austria: 44th International Symposium on Forestry Mechanisation (FORMEC 2011), 9-13 Oct 2011. In Pushing the boundaries with research and innovation in forest engineering Online. http://formec.boku.ac.at/images/proceedings/2011/formec2011_paper_visser_etal.pdf. (Conference Contribution - Paper in published proceedings)

• Visser, R., Spinelli, R. and Magagnotti, N. (2011) Landing Characteristics for Harvesting Operations in New Zealand. International Journal of Forest Engineering 22(2) (Journal Article)

• Visser, R., Spinelli, R. and Stampfer, K. (2011) New Developments in European Yarder Technology. Future Forest Research. 6pp. (Technical Report)

• Berkett, H. and Visser, R. (2011) Using ground-based harvesting machinery on steep slopes: How steep can we go? Graz, Austria: 44th International Symposium on Forestry Mechanisation (FORMEC 2011), 9-13 Oct 2011. (Conference Contribution - Poster presentation)

• Horcher, A. and Visser, R. (2011) Using On-Board GPS to Identify Training Needs of Helicopter Pilots. Croatian Journal of Forest Engineering 32(2): 481-488. (Journal Article)

• Holzleitner, F., Stampfer, K. and Visser, R. (2011) Utilization Rates and Cost Factors in Timber Harvesting Based on Long-term Machine Data. Croatian Journal of Forest Engineering 32(2): 501-508. (Journal Article)

• Harrill, H. and Visser, R. (2011) What is the best rigging configuration to use in New Zealand cable logging operations? Quebec City, Canada: 34th Council on Forest Engineering Annual Meeting, 13-15 Jun 2011. https://www.cirrelt.ca/cofe2011/proceedings/36-Visser.pdf. (Conference Contribution - Paper in published proceedings)

• Visser, R., Berkett, H., Chalmers, K. and Fairbrother, S. (2010) Biomass recovery and drying trials in New Zealand clear-cut pine plantations. Auburn, AL, USA: 2010 COFE Annual Meeting: Fuelling the Future, 6-9 Jun 2010. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)

• Visser, R., Berkett, H., Chalmers, K. and Fairbrother, S. (2010) Biomass recovery and drying trials in New Zealand clear-cut pine plantations. Auburn, AL, USA: 33rd Annual Council on Forest Engineering Meeting, 6-9 Jun 2010. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)

• Stampfer, K., Holzleitner, F., Ghaffariyan, M.R. and Visser, R. (2010) Economic and ecologic variables of forest machinery based on long term recorded enterprise data. Padua, Italy: Forest Engineering: Meeting the Needs of the Society and the Environment, 11-14 Jul 2010. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)

• Stampfer, K., Leitner, T. and Visser, R. (2010) Efficiency and Ergonomic Benefits of Using Radio Controlled Chokers in Cable Yarding. Croatian Journal of Forest Engineering 31(1): 1-9. (Journal Article)

• Visser, R., Spinelli, R. and Stampfer, K. (2010) Four landing biomass recovery case studies in New Zealand clear-cut pine plantations. Padua, Italy: FORMEC 2010 Symposium: Forest Engineering: Meeting the Needs of the Society and the Environment, 11-14 Jul 2010. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)

• Visser, R., Hall, P. and Raymond, K. (2010) Good Practice Guide: Production of Wood Fuel from Forest Landings. EECA. New Zealand Government, EECA Business. 44pp. http://www.eeca.govt.nz/sites/all/files/production-wood-fuels-from-forest-landings-4-10.pdf. (Technical Report)

• Visser, R., Spinelli., R., Magagnotti. and N. (2010) Landing size and landing layout in whole-tree harvesting operations in New Zealand. Padua, Italy: FORMEC 2010 Symposium: Forest Engineering: Meeting the Needs of the Society and the Environment, 11-14 Jul 2010. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)

• Visser, R., Spinelli, R. and Magagnotti, N. (2010) Landing size of harvesting operations in New Zealand. Auburn, AL, USA: 2010 COFE Annual Meeting: Fuelling the Future, 6-9 Jun 2010. (Conference Contribution - Poster presentation)

• Morgenroth, J. and Visser, R.V. (2010) Porous pavements increase above-ground growth of Platanus orientalis. Beijing, China: International Conference for Urban Forestry in Challenging Environments, 29 Aug-1 Sep 2010. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)

• Vuki, G. and Visser, R. (2010) The effect of harvesting system on forest residue production in Fiji. Auburn, AL, USA: 2010 COFE Annual Meeting: Fuelling the Future, 6-9 Jun 2010. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)

• Jourgholami, M., Majnounian, B., Feghhi, J. and Visser, R. (2010) Timber extraction with mules: A case study in the Hyrcanian Forest. African Journal of Agricultural Research 5(22): 3108-3115. (Journal Article)

• Spinelli, R. and Visser, R.J.M. (2009) Analyzing and estimating delays in wood chipping operations. Biomass and Bioenergy 33: 429-433. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2008.08.003. (Journal Article)

• Stampfer, K., Leitner, T. and Visser, R. (2009) Efficiency and ergonomic benefits of using radio controlled chokers in cable yarding. Kings Beach, CA, USA: 32nd Annual Meeting of the Council on Forest Engineering (COFE 09), 15-18 Jun 2009. 9pp. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)

• Visser, R. (2009) Finding the Optimum Piece Size for Mechanised Felling Machines. Future Forests Research. 6pp. (Report for External Body)

• Visser, R., Spinelli, R., Saathof, J. and Fairbrother, S. (2009) Finding the 'Sweet-Spot' of Mechanised Felling Machines. Kings Beach, CA, USA: 32nd Annual Meeting of the Council on Forest Engineering (COFE 09), 15-18 Jun 2009. 10pp. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)

• Fairbrother, S., Visser, R. and McGregor, R. (2009) Forest Road Pavement Design in New Zealand. Kins Beach, CA, USA: 32nd Annual Meeting of the Council on Forest Engineering (COFE 09), 15-18 Jun 2009. 8pp. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)

• Stampfer, K. and Visser, R. (2009) Forstwirtschaft am anderen Ende der Welt. ForstZeitung 2009(4): 43-45. (Journal Article)

• Visser, R., Spinelli, R. and Stampfer, K. (2009) Integrating biomass recovery operations into commercial timber harvesting: the New Zealand situation. Kings Beach, CA, USA: 32nd Annual Meeting of the Council on Forest Engineering (COFE 09), 15-18 Jun 2009. 11pp. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)

• Stampfer, K. and Visser, R. (2009) Stillgelegte Naturwälder und schnell wachsende Kiefern. Wald und Holz 2009(7): 3-6. (Journal Article)

• Spinelli, R. and Visser, R. (2008) Analyzing and Estimating Delays in Harvester Operations. International Journal of Forest Engineering 19(1): 36-41. (Journal Article)

• Rose, K., Guild, B. and Visser, R. (2007) Analyses of Shift Pattern Effect on Productivity at the Kaingaroa Central Processing Plant. Vienna, Austria: Austro2007/FORMEC'07, 7-11 Oct 2007. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)

• Visser, R., Marchi, E. and Spinelli, R. (2007) Le utilizzazioni forestali in Virginia, USA. Sherwood 138: 45-50. (Journal Article)

• Visser, R. (2007) Methodologies for Setting Timber Harvesting Rates. Vienna, Austria: Austro2007/FORMEC'07, 7-11 Oct 2007. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)

• Christopher, E.A. and Visser, R. (2007) Methodology for evaluating post harvest erosion risk for the protection of water quality. NZ Journal of Forestry 52(2): 20-25. (Journal Article)

• Visser, R. (2007) What can Forest Engineering do for Forestry in New Zealand? NZ Journal of Forestry 52(2): 3-4. (Journal Article)

• Stampfer, K., Visser, R. and Kanzian, C. (2006) Cable corridor installation times for European yarders. International Journal of Forest Engineering 17(2): 71-77. http://journals.hil.unb.ca/index.php/IJFE/article/view/5697. (Journal Article)

• Baker, S., Smith, R. and Visser, R. (2006) Regional Analysis of Opportunities for Woody Biomass as a Bioenergy Feedstock. Lebanon, VA:Virginia Coalfields Economic Development Agency. 22pp. (Technical Report)

• Haynes, H.J.G. and R.J.M. Visser. (2004) An applied hardwood value recovery study in the Appalachian hardwood region of Virginia and West Virginia. International Journal of Forest Engineering 15(1): 25-31. (Journal Article)

• McDonagh, K.D., R.D. Meller, R. Visser. and T.P. McDonald. (2004) Improving harvesting system efficiency through system and machine simulation. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry 28(2): 91-99. (Journal Article)

• Mortimer, M.J. and R.J.M Visser. (2004) Timber harvesting and flooding: emerging legal risk and potential mitigations. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry 28(2): 69-75. (Journal Article)

• Aust, W., R. Visser, T. Gallagher., T. Roberts. and M. Poirot. (2003) Cost of six different stream crossing options for the Appalachian area. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry 27(1): 66-70. (Journal Article)

• Visser, R.J.M., B. Tropmann*. and E. Pertlik. (2003) Forces in wire rope slings used to prevent log loss on steep slopes. Transactions of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers 19(1): 85-88. (Journal Article)

• Adams, J.D., Visser, R. and Prisley, S.P. (2003) GIS risk management support system for strategic harvest planning. Seattle: 2nd International Precision Forestry Conference, 2003. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)

• Visser, R. and K. Stampfer. (2003) Tree-length system evaluation of second thinning in loblolly pine plantations. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry 27(2): 77-82. (Journal Article)

• Stampfer, K. Gridling., H. and Visser, R. (2002) Analyses of parameters affecting helicopter timber extraction. Intenational Journal of Forest Engineering 12(3): 7-12. (Journal Article)

• Visser, R. and Stampfer, K. (1998) Cable extraction of harvester felled thinnings: An Austrian case study. Journal of Forest Engineering 9(1): 39-46. (Journal Article)

• Heinimann, H.R., Visser, R. and Stampfer, K. (1998) Effects of harvester pre-bunching on the productivity of a cable yarder system. Council of Forest Engineering: Harvesting logistics: From Woods to Markets, Jul 1998. 6 p. (Conference Contribution - Paper in published proceedings)

• Visser, R. (1998) Neuseelandische Forstwirtschaft - Stand und kunftige Entwicklungen in Beitrage zur Walderschliessung unf forstlichen Arbeitswissensschaft. Forest Engineering Institute, Bodenkultur University Band 8: 57-63. (Journal Article)

• Hartsough, B.R., Visser, R.J.M., Miles, J.A. and Drews, E.S. (1997) Improved cable logging anchors for rocky soils. Trans. Am. Soc. Ag. Eng 40(1): 261-266. (Journal Article)

• Visser, R. (1997) Soil disturbance surveys of forest operations: Trial of the new EU protocol method / (Mesures des perturbations du sol liees a l’exploitation forestiere: Essai du nouveau protocole europeen). Europe: Management Practices for Forest Harvesting Conference: Final Meeting of the European Concerted Action Program AIR3-CT94-2097, 1997. 10p. (Conference Contribution - Paper in published proceedings)

• Visser, R. (1996) Improving environmental performance: The role of the New Zealand Forest Code of Practice. New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science 26(1&2): 158-162. (Journal Article)

• Visser R., Smith., M., Vaughan. and L. (1993) New Zealand Forest Code of Practice - Second Edition.: 103 p. Rotorua: Logging Industry Research Organisation. (Other)