ISF's March 2005 Commentary in the North Coast Journal:
If you missed ISF's commentary in the North Coast Journal it is available on the Local Solutions PAC website at: *http://www.localsolutions.org/article_johnrogers.htm*
Excerpts:
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.
The recent ISF State of Sustainability Report (available at *http://www.newforestry.org* ) provides an overview of the economic conditions facing forest managers on the North Coast. We believe the intensity of current conflicts between environmental concerns and industry bottom lines is a symptom, not a cause, of current economic constraints. As Craig Campbell from PricewaterhouseCoopers puts it, "Forest and paper products companies are truly operating in a global marketplace. Survival in the industry largely depends upon being a low-cost producer."
...
The majority of people on the North Coast support healthy productive forests and a healthy timber economy -- we are neither environmental extremists nor heartless capitalists. Yet, the current debate does not offer the means to define and reach the goals we share. Neither increased environmental protections nor regulatory relief offer a strategic response to the pressures of global competition and forest fragmentation.
It's time to recognize our common interests and work together to protect and rebuild the biodiversity, sawlog inventories and ecological integrity of the forests that define the character and economy of the North Coast.
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.
- 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 State of Sustainability Report Summary
2004-06-30
This report summary reviews recent global, national, state and local trends in the softwood lumber industry and provides a brief summary of policy issues in sustainable forestry. The report was written and distributed as background for ISF's June 26th, 2004 Community Planning Session in Briceland, CA.
- 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
