ORIGIN OF RESOLUTION:
Forest Health Protection Committee
Southern Group of State Foresters

ISSUE OF CONCERN:
The economic and social impact of losses due to Southern pine beetle (SPB) on non-industrial private forests in the South is great when SPB populations are high.

BACKGROUND:
The forest products industry is economically important to the South, accounting for 58% of the total US wood production, and almost 16% of the world's production. It also provides about 700,000 jobs and generates $118 billion in total industry output.

The non-industrial private forest (NIPF) landowner in the South has been a key component in the health and vigor of the southern forest. As of 1999, NIPF landowners controlled 71 percent of the timberland area; they have held at least 70 percent of the total growing-stock volume since 1953. Their willingness to invest in forestry has contributed greatly to the growth of the southern forest products industry and to the environmental benefits that result from well-managed forests.

When NIPF landowners suffer catastrophic losses from SPB attacks, they absorb significant financial losses. These losses are a disincentive to practice forestry, and may result in the conversion of their lands to non-forest uses. In periods of weak markets an NIPF landowner's ability to salvage some value from their investment is severely limited.

SPB is a native insect of Southern pines that has been historically active throughout the South. Epidemic outbreaks move cyclically throughout the South with virtually all areas being impacted. Research into SPB control or eradication has declined since 1975.

Responding to a Congressional inquiry, the Forest Health Protection staff of the USDA Forest Service, State & Private Forestry, reviewed the actions needed to respond to SPB epidemics. The findings are included in "Southern Pine Beetle: A Time for Action to Protect the South's Forests" (See Appendix A).

RESOLUTION:
NASF urges the USDA Forest Service to seek an increase in support to address the needs referenced in "Southern Pine Beetle: A Time for Action to Protect the South's Forests."

NASF shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the Chief of the USDA Forest Service.

NASF ACTION:

( X ) Approved

DATE OF ACTION:
October 2, 2002