REFOCUSED UTILIZATION AND MARKETING

WHEREAS: timber harvests on federally owned forests has declined as a result of heightened public concern over threatened and endangered species and old growth preservation; and

WHEREAS: demand for timber from non-industrial private and state forest land will increase dramatically as federal supplies decline and overall demand for wood products increases; and

WHEREAS: non-industrial private forest owners and small independent operators dependant upon private forest resources are least equipped among the nation's forest stewards to respond to increased demands with efficient, environmentally sensitive and appropriate increases in timber sales and production; and

WHEREAS: communities in proximity to forest resources need expert technical and financial assistance to help understand why to diversify their economics based on both traditional and non-traditional forest resources; and

WHEREAS: communities and businesses facing loss of permissible solid waste disposal options need expert technical and financial assistance on recycling wood based solid waste into products and energy;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the National Association of State Foresters strongly supports the refocusing of State and Federal Utilization and Marketing Programs under a Broad national strategy.

MISSION: to encourage and facilitate conservation of forest resources in their conversion and adaptation to products and services which meet the needs of the people and which improve their economic well being.

GOALS:

• Increased economic opportunities through market and community development related to the full range of values from the forest resource.
• Reduced impact of forest resources by assuring that environmentally sensitive and efficient methods are applied when timber harvesting and processing occurs.
• Increased understanding of the range of values and applications for standing forests by land managers and other forest users.
• Reduces waste disposal problems and oil-dependency through recycling and use of wood for energy.
• Extended useful life of wood products through increased awareness of appropriate practices and applications.