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TimberMark™ is a helicopter-mounted device designed to replace traditional ground marking methodologies by producing a paint line, which is highly visible on the ground as well as from the air. This technology brings a new level of efficiency, productivity, safety and environmental stewardship to any situation requiring visible boundaries. TimberMark™ eliminates some of the important, yet time-consuming, laborious tasks that will then allow the project manager to focus on the higher priority issues. This system is designed to deliver a very accurate burst of paint capable of penetrating down through a mature forest canopy if necessary. TimberMark™ utilizes on-board computer controls and a Global Positioning System (GPS) to provide precise application, spacing, and mapping to meet your specific marking requirements. This on-board computer provides constant regulation and accurate records of each paint mark delivered. TimberMark™ has a universal mounting design, which allows the system to install on most helicopters. The units (42 & 80 gallons) are made of Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) and weigh approximately 150 pounds empty (dry weight). Its strong outer shell protects our paint tank and plumbing from branches and landings. It’s attached to the aircrafts cargo hook with two 32 foot steel cables, which makes this an external load. In case of an emergency, the load can be quickly jettisoned.
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TimberMark™ has a universal mounting design, which allows the system to install on most helicopters. TimberMark™ operates by generating a directed, highly forceful shot of tree marking paint onto foliage, stems and/or ground. The operator can adjust the shot length and spacing on the fly, therefore compensating for the changes in density of vegetation and/or site conditions. TimberMark™ utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS) to accurately map and record GPS coordinates of each paint mark delivered. The onboard computer controls are used to provide constant regulation and an accurate record of paint application. The computer controls in combination with GPS input, also provides precise spacing between shots. The on board system operator communicates with the pilot while monitoring and operating TimberMark™. This allows the pilot to concentrate on flying the helicopter and keep the unit at the appropriate application height. The system paints an intermittent line, whose length is determined by the operator. The paint application is not a broadcast spray, as the width of each mark is typically less than 1 foot. The application height is anywhere from 20 to 100 feet above the ground with an average speed of 6 mph, and is capable of penetrating through up to 80 feet of forest canopy.
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The number one advantage we’ve found in utilizing this technology is SAFETY. By utilizing TimberMark™, you can reduce worker exposure to injury, especially in areas that are difficult to access due to terrain or density of vegetation. The second major advantage is PRODUCTIVITY. TimberMark™ will delineate approximately four to eight miles of line per hour. TimberMark™ is a tool that can significantly increase efficiency, productivity and safety for many field operation layout projects. When used in conjunction with local knowledge and “on the ground” reconnaissance, it can be an extremely effective tool. Other advantages of this technology are:
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The potential applications for utilizing TimberMark™ are endless. Here are a few market possibilities and/or opportunities. Forest Industry: herbicide applications, harvest layout, stream side management areas, wetland delineation, prescribed burning, pest management, skid trail or road layout, pre-commercial thinning and wildlife habitat management. Military Installations: Explosive ordnance disposal, firing range boundary delineation, enhanced safety danger zone delineation, enhanced range utilization, etc. Right-of-Way Industry: ground applications on utilities, bare ground mapping of industrial sites, re-establishing or widening existing power or gas line ROWs, initial clearing and delineation of new power or gas lines, marking danger trees, wetland delineation in gas line ROWs. Federal, State and Private Rangelands: Invasive species / noxious weed control. Forest Fire Management: fire lines (both hand crews and equipment operators), direct line fire drops for fire retardant aircraft, marking hot spots, safety zones, delineating and marking mud slide net barriers, and post fire reclamation.
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TimberMark™ Paint Our paint is a custom latex formulation of tree-marking paint (lead-free) that has been specifically developed for our spray marking system. The closed system for loading paint into TimberMark™ ensures that no batching or mixing of paint is required on site. The paint has a narrow rain fastness window, and depending on the type of paint purchased, can last anywhere from 1 to 7 years. The paint has been tested for LC 50 ratings on several fish and insect species, and has been approved for use by the Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection and the New York Dept. of Environmental Conservation. The paint is currently being offered in the following colors; blue, orange, pink, red, purple, chartreuse and yellow.
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TimberMark™ was originally developed in Maine to target a forest management practice called pre-commercial thinning (PCT). These stands are very dense (sometimes exceeding 80,000 trees per acre). Access is often difficult and these stands can be extremely labor intensive to delineate. Performing layout from the air seemed like a much better way to accomplish this task, thus the idea for TimberMark™ was born. •Winter of 1999 – Began R&D to address the PCT market •Fall of 2000 - first prototype was developed •Spring of 2001 - Introduced the unit and its technology to forest industry in Maine Now, after five years of constant improvement based on diverse projects around the country, we are on Version VI and have a system that will perform well in most any marking/mapping scenario. Although we are extremely confident in the capabilities of the current system, we will continue to devote time looking for ways to refine and improve it. |
