Hardwood Timber Outlook Glenn Ahrens Oregon State University
Hardwood Timber Outlook Glenn Ahrens Oregon State University Extension Forester
Agenda • Overview of Hardwood Timber Situation in the Pacific Northwest • Hardwood Supply Trends • Hardwood Resource Management Trends • Future Outlook and Sustainability
Source: Oregon Department of Forestry quarterly log price reports 1977 -2008
Sources: Raettig et. al 1995, Gray et. al 2002, Azuma et al. 2005
Source: Washington Hardwoods Commission
Source: BC Harvest Billing System
Availability of Hardwood Resources in W. Washington Hardwoods Commission GIS 2002 Acres (000) Impact Gross total* alder (Mmbf) maple (Mmbf) Cottonwood (Mmbf) 12, 497 11, 993 1, 451 811 minus high elevation (>600 meter) 6, 689 11, 993 1, 451 811 minus Riparian zones 5, 819 9, 951 1, 241 696 minus Non forest, non stocked & 5 acre operable 4, 618 9, 835 1, 225 687 minus 50% riparian (water type 4) 4, 585 9, 738 1, 212 680 minus Federal Lands 3, 735 7, 739 965 531 minus 50% unknown owner 3, 701 7, 583 944 518 Available
The future depends on hardwood management • Current abundance – Legacy of past management • Future abundance – Management favoring conifer – Management for hardwood?
Oregon Coast Range Example ~16. 4 % Broadleaf Source: K. Norm Johnson 2002, CLAMS
Oregon Coast Range Example ~4. 6 % Broadleaf Source: K. Norm Johnson 2002, CLAMS
US Private Industrial Forests 22 % of Alder Inventory 65 % of Alder Harvest
US Private Non Industrial Forests BC Private Forests 19 % of Alder Inventory 3. 6% of Alder Inventory 25 % of Alder Harvest ~0. 5 % of Alder Harvest
US State Forests 13 % of Alder Inventory 6 % of Alder Harvest
BC Government Forests 31 % of Alder Inventory 3. 7 % of Alder Harvest
US Government Forests 11 % of Alder Inventory 0. 3 % of Alder Harvest
Alder Harvest Outlook? All species Alder
Be n ic on Ec Sustainability its ef en om l. B cia So efi ts Hardwoods are an important objective for all 3 sides of sustainability Hardwoods are recognized for providing diversity • biological • aesthetic Environmental Benefits • economic
Source: Oregon Department of Forestry quarterly log price reports 1977 -2008
Outlook for Hardwood Timber — Continuing management favoring conifers on major private and public lands. — Non-forest development, particularly on lowlands. ┼ Increasing value of alder – major industry and employment. ┼ Increasing management for alder - both economic and ecological goals. ± Climate change affects on suitability of sites for alder.
Outlook for Hardwood Timber Emphasizing the Positive • • Hardwoods will continue to be a major component on private non-industrial (NI) forest lands. Private industry increasing alder management. Social & Political Climate - Movement towards balance between economic and environmental Government Lands may increase management for hardwoods?
Outlook for Hardwood Timber Priorities for action • • Increase public understanding and acceptance of forest management maintain “license to practice forestry” Keep forest lands in forest – prevent conversion to non-forest Increase professional knowledge and skills in Hardwood Forest Management Demonstrate success and transfer technology
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