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Explore the current status and future outlook of hardwood timber resource ownership, management, and supply issues in the Pacific Northwest. Delve into key determinants of supply, trends by ownership, and implications for sustainable management. Gain insights from forestry experts and data sources to understand the economic, social, and environmental benefits of hardwoods.
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Hardwood Resource Ownership, Location, and Supply Issues Glenn AhrensOregon State University Extension Forester
Agenda • Hardwood Timber Situation in the Pacific Northwest - Key determinants of supply. • Hardwood Resource Trends by Ownership • Future Outlook on Key Factors
Hardwood Resource Data Sources • USFS Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) • 1997 - PNW-RB-237 Azuma et. al 2002 • 2001 - PNW-RB-246 Gray et. al 2005 • 2006 - PNW-GTR-765 Donneganet. al 2008 • 2006 - PNW-GTR-800 Campbell et. al 2010 • Washington DNR, Oregon Dept. of Forestry – Timber Harvest Reports • Washington Hardwoods Commission – processor reports
Key Aspects of Hardwood Supply • Alder component has declined on the landscape and as % of harvest . • Alder “comes along” with softwood harvest –ups and downs of regional harvest trends. • Retention and management for alder in younger stands has increased.
Timber Trends on Private Lands in Western Oregon and Washington: A New Look Darius Adams & Greg Latta. 2007. West. J. Appl. For. 22(1)
Greater attention to management of hardwoods will be needed to sustain benefits from hardwoods. • Abundant alder is a legacy of past practices – current practices generally reduce the alder component.
Foresters and landowners often leave alder in young stands when it appears to be the “best tree”.
The hardwood component on non-industrial private woodlands is increasingly important …
The future depends on hardwood management • Current abundance • Legacy of past management • Future abundance • Management favoring conifer • Management for hardwood?
US Private Industrial Forests • 22 % of Alder Inventory • 65 % of Alder Harvest
US Private Non Industrial Forests • 19 % of Alder Inventory • 25 % of Alder Harvest • BC Private Forests • 3.6% of Alder Inventory • ~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
Economic Benefits Social Benefits Sustainability Environmental Benefits Hardwoods are an important objective for all 3 sides of sustainability • Hardwoods are recognized for providing diversity • biological • aesthetic • economic
Is the worst over ? Loss of red alder forest type slowing down? Non - industrial Industrial Alig et al. 2000 PNW-RP-522. Forest Cover Dynamics in the Pacific Northwest West Side.
Timber Trends on Private Lands in Western Oregon and Washington: A New Look Darius Adams & Greg Latta. 2007. West. J. Appl. For. 22(1)
LUMBER LOGS
Hardwood Timber Resources • Continuing management favoring conifers on major private and public lands. • Non-forest development, particularly on lowlands • Oregon 0.2% per year, 10x worse in Washington? • Increasing value of alder – major industry and employment. • Increasing management for alder - both economic and ecological goals.
Hardwood Timber Resources • Non-industrial forests have about half the hardwood , continue to regenerate hardwood, and provide growing share of supply. • Foresters are increasing alder management. • State Forests aim to provide consistent timber supply including red alder. • Social & Political Climate - Movement towards balance between economic and environmental.
Summary - Hardwood Supply Situation • Recent harvest volume of alder (2007-2009) is about half what it was 15 years ago. • Alder component declining on the landscape and as % of harvest – decline leveling off?. • Alder comes along with softwood harvest -regional harvest trend drives alder supply. • Available landbase and market factors drive forest harvest – worst is over? • Alder retention and management – increasing.
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 the technology