whodat90, I agree. I saw the same thing on TV, it was amazing! Wish it could work out. But what happens is that the loggers spend megabucks on their machinery (mega mega bucks for that bug, I'm guessing) and they have to pay for it. Cutting small areas or select-cutting large areas just doesn't pay the bills. But the other problem is that the machinery has gotten larger in order to become more efficient. The size of the machines prohibits 'select' cutting entirely. Most of them in our area are grudgingly following Best Management Practices and are sparing creek bottoms and drainages, but the days of select cutting seem to be gone. The logging outfit my B-I-L hired said, sure we can select cut...in 40' circles around each harvestable tree. Well, that 40' circle gets it all. Nothing left standing after the pines are removed. And sadly, it is virtually impossible to hire anyone in this area to take a more 'sensitive' approach to cutting your land. And the money talks; the income from small scale and select cutting is waaaay less than standard practices.
In addition to that, there is very little interest in hardwoods. Its all about the pines. There are some outfits that cut and chip cedar for pet bedding. Makes me cringe to think about it. There is some one time hardwood harvesting but it is limited and there isn't much money in it for the landowner or logger.
Interestingly enough there are some very small time outfits that will cut your place traditionally, get this, using draft horses and mules. They do very little damage and they can cut as selectively as you wish. They are expensive and slow and can't make you (the landowner) nearly as much money as a crew with a huge feller buncher and a couple of skidders. But, if it is important to you, you can hire the horse crews. Most of them are based in the southern Appalachians as far as I know. Personally, when I do some cutting on my place I might consider these horse guys. They say they are a blast to watch (but maybe not as much fun as the bug!). But, when I cut my planted pines I'll get the mechanized folks to do it. Nothing in there to hurt or save. Will probably turn that space into pasture anyway.
Finally, the attachment that allows for the felling, stripping and lenghtening is called a Waratah attachment and can be used on any vehicle that can carry it and support the computer system it uses. It is the thing that is so amazing to watch. Very efficient and results in much less waste.
a big old texas grasshopper! Think it cost more than the old toro push mower?