Download report summary here:
http://newforestry.org/pdfs/ISF SustainabilityReportSum.pdf
10pp (40 kb)
Full report available on ISF's publication page.
From the introduction:
Sustainable forest managers on California's north coast face dramatically different economic challenges than just three years ago. Producers from the global north and the global south compete for market share in lucrative northern, primarily US, markets.
Periodic business cycles, reduced access to local log supply, the availability of imported sawlogs in local log markets, oversupply of logs, lumber and production capacity in global markets, and the California regulatory environment are among the factors that combine to create a difficult competitive environment for sustainable non-industrial forest management operations northern California. Strong market prices in the late 1990's encouraged investments in capacity leading to excess supply in world markets in 2001 and 2002. Curtailments and mill closures occurred throughout the Pacific Northwest (PNW) even as the US housing market reached towards record highs. During low points in business cycles non-industrial landowners are caught between the relatively high cost of meeting environmental and labor standards in the developed word and low prices in global markets. As a result conflict over costly regulatory requirements intensifies, even as Californians statewide voice their support for sustainability, conservation easements, clean air, and habitat restoration in surveys and through the initiative process.
In spite of its strong regulatory environment California is not unique. Forest managers and mill operators throughout the Pacific Northwest (PNW) face many of the same issues and difficulties, even those in states with much less stringent regulatory requirements. Relief from regulatory costs alone may not be sufficient to maintain production capacity and local sawlog production for Sustainable Resource Managers. Effective strategies to support Sustainable Forest Management on non-industrial ownerships need to look beyond regulatory relief and respond to dynamics impacting the industry as a whole. Both forest managers and environmental advocates stand to benefit from an informed discussion focused on forming strategies to support sustainable forest management in current and projected economic, social and ecological contexts.
More Updates
- ISF Press Release on Palco/ScoPac bankruptcy filing
2007-01-29
ISF on Palco/ScoPac Bankruptcy Filing:
Financing Conservation Forestry requires upfront investments to protect conservation values in working forests.
- Financing Sustainability - A Case in Point
2006-09-22
Financing Sustainability:
Despite up-front costs, Conservation Forestry generates more income over 60 year period.
- Future Forests on the North Coast
2005-10-27
On October 27th a broad spectrum over 60 forest advocates, landowners, professional foresters, conservation groups, timber companies and forest practitioners gathered in Eureka, Ca to discuss a shared goal: Maintain Healthy and Productive Working Forests on the North Coast. The Institute for Sustainable Forestry (ISF) organized the Future Forests working session in response to the impact of rising Humboldt County land values on the economic viability of maintaining large blocks of forestland for timber production, rural quality of life and conservation values.
- ISF in the North Coast Journal - Finding Common Ground Over Timber
2005-03-06
ISF's March 2005 Commentary in the North Coast Journal:
After more than a century as the cornerstone of the North Coast economy, lumber companies are in trouble. Industry spokespeople find it easy to blame the high cost of regulation and environmental activism for their economic difficulties. But, a closer look at the overall forest products industry reveals a different perspective....
- Community Forestry: Nick's Interns trail building at So Hum Community Park forest restoration project
2005-02-15
ISF, Nick's Interns and SHCP work togther to provide a community access trail through SHCP's demonstration restoration and community forestry project.
- ISF and Working Forest Group
2005-01-30
Institute for Sustainable Forestry and the Working Forest Group
to provide forest management and planning services to foresters, companies, and organizations that seek the highest standards of forest management.
- ISF Position Paper - Press Release
2004-02-18
The Institute for Sustainable Forestry has just released a position paper outlining its vision for sustainable timber management and sustainable timber harvest in Northwestern California. In releasing the position paper ISF is calling on Second District Supervisorial candidates to agree to promote ISF's vision and recommendations for reinvigorating the timber industry in Southern Humboldt County.
- Sustainable Hardwoods Update
2003-12-10
Update on ISF's California native hardwood development efforts and the Sustainable Hardwood Network on the northcoast.
- Woody Biomass Utilization Forum Presentations
2003-09-23
ISF Woody Biomass Utilization Forum, wood chips, forest residues, electric energy generation, heat
