https://priceless-meitner.74-208-238-145.plesk.page/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=Edenmark 2026-04-23T09:13:44Z User contributions MediaWiki 1.41.0 https://priceless-meitner.74-208-238-145.plesk.page/index.php?title=RE-FOREST&diff=3525 2024-10-29T18:40:40Z

<p>Edenmark: </p> <hr /> <div>&lt;h1&gt;What is the Opportunity?&lt;/h1&gt;Decades of ill-conceived forest treatment, inconsistent wood product demand, numerous mill closures, and a shrinking rail network have left North America with overburdened forests and a dislocated wood products industry short of adequate material supply. These dynamics strain the economies and quality of life of forest-based communities. Meanwhile, dense forests fuel massive, fast-spreading fires, further decimating the wood baskets of remaining mills. <br /> <br /> Forests hold the key to sustainable life on Earth. When untouched by humans, they self-manage. However, given our past forest treatment approaches and ongoing influence, we must redesign our relationship with forests to meet the vital need for forest products, forest enjoyment, CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; reduction, and sustainability. <br /> <br /> This opportunity can be realized by implementing a continental forest-to-market approach to harvesting, logistics, processing, and manufacturing that supports local community revitalization. Income from multiple value streams within a holistic forest treatment plan can fund forest and watershed restoration and support local forestry services and forest products companies. <br /> The viability of the continent’s remaining mills and new facilities will be bolstered by effectively combining trucking to local mills with rail movement of excess material to out-of-area mills and buyers. <br /> <br /> The NASFBP enriches the efforts of agencies and businesses by incorporating local community insights. To achieve sustainable forests and forest product industries, we must adopt a broad perspective that spans the continent. By clearly understanding the resource availability, market dynamics, and value chains, we can create effective strategies tailored to each forest and its surrounding community. <br /> <br /> What questions will this initiative answer?<br /> # What elements of a continental forest-to-market strategy applied locally and regionally to individual forests provide a long-lasting approach to forest, watershed, and community renewal?<br /> # How can collaborating and coordinating across political jurisdictions, including national borders, deliver enhanced returns to all involved?<br /> <br /> === What are the components of these Continental, National, and Local Action Plans? ===<br /> <br /> # Multi-layer GIS mapping of forests, logistics infrastructure, woods products companies, and political jurisdictions<br /> # Forest recovery and treatment plans<br /> # Optimal harvesting-to-processing plan for multiple value streams<br /> # Stakeholder roles and participation plan (who is doing what)<br /> # Transportation and logistics plans<br /> # Equipment plan<br /> # Month-by-month expense and revenue plan<br /> # Sustaining organization and governance design<br /> <br /> == Phase One: '''Illuminating''' the Situation ==<br /> <br /> === Core Question: What overarching dynamics in forest management and the wood products industries inform the general improvements needed to establish sustainable forests, vital local communities, and viable wood products companies and industries? ===<br /> # '''What are the current conditions of our forests?'''<br /> # '''What are the challenges to sustainable forest management?'''<br /> # '''What approaches can stakeholders agree on for sustainable forest management?'''<br /> # '''What are the issues and challenges in the wood products industries?'''<br /> ## The current cycle sees timber exported and then finished products imported back into the U.S.<br /> ## Thirty sawmill closures nationally in 2023<br /> ### Net sawmill capacity decreased by 2% in 2023 (NIP Impressions)<br /> ### Closures are concentrated in the northwest U.S. and southern states, although there is some geographic diversity in closures<br /> ### Northwestern U.S. and Montana (Montana Free Press) seem to be hotspots for mill closures.<br /> ### Closures affect (Workingforest.com)<br /> #### Local economies<br /> #### Supply chains<br /> #### Communities (Loss of tax revenue, decrease in services)<br /> #### New openings do not ensure net zero exchange of capacity/impacts (location matters)&lt;br&gt;<br /> ### Factors influencing include:<br /> #### Worker shortages (industry salaries not keeping up with increasing home prices)<br /> #### Fluctuation in lumber pricing – lower prices in 2024?<br /> #### Restrictions on cutting on federally owned lands<br /> ## Attempts to close the national housing supply gap might lead to future demand for lumber (Realtor.com estimates the supply gap at 7.2 million housing units)<br /> # '''Who are the stakeholders in forest management?'''<br /> ## Landowners<br /> ## Watershed associations<br /> ## Local and Indigenous Peoples<br /> ## Individual citizens<br /> ## Land Grants<br /> ## Public agencies<br /> ## Landscape conservation collaboratives<br /> ## Environmental entities<br /> ## Elected leaders<br /> ## Consultants/experts<br /> ## Foundations<br /> ## Investors/lenders<br /> ## Scientific and research organizations<br /> ## Loggers, mill management, and other forest workers<br /> # '''Who are the stakeholders in forest harvesting and processing?'''<br /> ## Forestry Industry<br /> ### Loggers<br /> ### Mills/processors<br /> ### Other forest workers<br /> ## Trucking and transportation companies<br /> ## Local and state economic development agencies<br /> ## Elected leaders<br /> # '''How many acres of forest are there, and where?'''<br /> ## Private lands<br /> ## State lands<br /> ## Federal lands<br /> # '''What mills are in operation?'''<br /> ## What value streams does each mill handle?<br /> ### What wood material does each mill handle?<br /> ### What wood products does each mill produce?<br /> ## Which mills are short on supply to satisfy their current capacity?<br /> ## Which mill management wants to expand capacity for value streams they already handle?<br /> ## Which mill management wants to expand to handle other value streams?<br /> # '''Which mills have closed in the last ten years?'''<br /> ## What is the physical condition of each closed mill and its potential for repurposing?<br /> # '''What is each state’s Forest Action Plan?'''<br /> ## What does it say about the acreage?<br /> ## What does it say about the challenges?<br /> ## What solutions does it recommend?<br /> ## What logistics solutions does the plan lay out?<br /> ## What harvesting solutions does the plan specify?<br /> ## Is there an action plan for the Forest Action Plan?<br /> ## How is the plan commercially informed and commercially relevant?<br /> ## What progress has been made since the last Action Plan was completed?<br /> # '''Who wants to participate in these efforts to revive our forested landscapes and wood products companies?'''<br /> # '''What do forest fires mean to the temporal concerns of forestry?'''<br /> ## How long do we have before burned wood has to be removed and used as timber?<br /> ## How long do we have before burned wood has to be removed and used as biomass?<br /> ## How does the urgency of ecological restoration demand our focused attention on optimizing existing service providers rather than bringing in resources from across the nation?<br /> ## What does the surge in harvesting mean for future supply and, therefore, commercial concerns now?<br /> ## How can work on the urgent priority areas be done to serve the next set of priorities?<br /> ## Is there a basis for installing “mobile” facilities, including new technology-focused ones, that can be moved to other forest regions?<br /> ## What are the “Consequences of Delay”?<br /> ### See Journal of Forestry, April/May 2004, by Dr. John Sessions et al.<br /> ## What is the best treatment of ground cover in the aftermath of fires for the long-term vitality of forests, and how is this integrated into forestry operations?<br /> ## How do we address high oak densities post-fire to accelerate recovery to later serial stages?<br /> ## What changes in genetic or ecological composition are needed to anticipate climate change?<br /> ## What are the best approaches to stump treatment?<br /> ## Given shifting climates, what are the desired future conditions for our landscapes, watersheds, and communities?<br /> ## What is the most appropriate balance between post-fire recovery and future fire mitigation?<br /> # '''What are the non-timber industry benefits of improved thinning and holistic forest management?'''<br /> ## Reduces future fire risk and improves ecological function<br /> ## Accommodates human access and enables ecological and watershed restoration<br /> ## Improves balance between juniper and pinon pine for healthier ecosystems<br /> ## Stabilizes the soil and restores the landscape<br /> ## Increased downstream stream flow from forest thinning and fire recovery treatment mitigates drought and climate change and improves water access for agricultural producers<br /> ## Improves wildlife habitat and diversity<br /> ## Facilitates grazing and other traditional lifeways<br /> ## Advances livelihoods consistent with local and Indigenous values<br /> # '''What community factors should be identified and weighed in decision-making?'''<br /> ## What demographic and economic dynamics of nearby communities should inform the project, e.g., population demographics, primary industries, unemployment, and economic conditions?<br /> ## What other related industries in the region should be considered in tandem with the forest products logistics strategy, e.g., mines, mills, oil, gas, renewables, agriculture, and manufacturing?<br /> ## What are the economic development goals of the local communities?<br /> ## Which communities and residents should be included in evaluating and siting new facilities and infrastructure?<br /> # '''What are the economic impacts of the forest products industry?'''<br /> ## What are the employment implications?<br /> ### How many people are employed?<br /> ### How many people are unemployed?<br /> #### What is that unemployment cost burden on the state?<br /> ### How much do employees earn in each forest product-related industry?<br /> ### Where in the county or state are these people employed?<br /> ### Which areas have the talent/skills for expansion, and which areas need to import new sources of labor?<br /> ### If employment talent is lacking, how will it affect the cost of this labor pool?<br /> ### How much impact would it have on state average wage levels?<br /> ### What is the seasonal impact of these jobs?<br /> ## What are the public benefits?<br /> ### What is the gross revenue?<br /> ### What are the tax revenues?<br /> ### What other industries are stimulated by wood/forest industries?<br /> ### How can downstream industries like furniture manufacturing, wood pellets, paper, cardboard, and general milling help keep jobs in the US?<br /> ### How will this spur the trucking, rail, and shipping industries?<br /> ### How would growth in these industries improve our national balance of payments?<br /> ### What are the environmental concerns and sustainability trends that will impact the industry?<br /> ### How are tree planting subsidies impacting the expansion of forestry?<br /> ### How do technological changes impact the expansion and price of wood?<br /> ### How could the diversification of products in subsectors, such as paper mills, offset declines in traditional markets?<br /> ## What is the current economic impact of the industry?<br /> ### How big is the industry?<br /> ### How much of manufacturing GDP does it comprise?<br /> ### How many people are directly employed, and how many are indirectly employed?<br /> ### How has the industry performed over the last year, five years, and ten years?<br /> ### Which subsectors have grown, and which ones have declined?<br /> ### How do the questions above vary by state and county?<br /> ### How much is the industry forecast to change?<br /> ### How will the housing construction sector in 2025 impact the lumber industry?<br /> ### How are the interest and mortgage rates going to impact lumber demand?<br /> ## What are the regional impacts?<br /> ### In which states and counties is the wood industry in the top 10 manufacturing employment?<br /> ### How many employees and how much is earned by employees by occupation in each wood-related industry by state and county?<br /> ### Where in the county or state are these people employed?<br /> ### How do we determine if there’s sufficient employment talent in the regions for growth?<br /> ### How do the state and county average wage levels vary by region?<br /> ### How much has employment by sector changed over the past five years by state and county?<br /> # '''What are the economic implications of the non-harvesting forest activities?'''<br /> ## Tourism<br /> ### Camping and hiking<br /> ### Skiing<br /> ## Hunting<br /> ## Agriculture<br /> <br /> == Phase Two: '''Determining''' the Local and Regional Material Supply ==<br /> <br /> === Core Questions: What will a scaled-up, sustainable, and holistic treatment approach generate as accessible forest material for each value chain from each forest and region?What is needed to harvest and transport this material volume? ===<br /> # '''What GIS map layers are needed to inform this opportunity?'''<br /> ## All forests<br /> ## Each forest harvesting volume by tree type and size, and ancillary material type and volume<br /> ## Local logging companies<br /> ## Timber product sorting facilities<br /> ## Wood product processors and mills<br /> ## Wood products manufacturers<br /> ## Roads, highways, rail sidings, lines, and yards<br /> ### Operating or potential for reactivation<br /> ## Container terminals and ports and their wood products capabilities<br /> ## Export fumigation facilities<br /> ## Transportation service providers<br /> # '''What are the value streams to evaluate?'''<br /> ## Cants<br /> ## Lumber<br /> ## Wood Pellets<br /> ## Wood Chips<br /> ## Mulch<br /> ## Animal bedding/shavings<br /> ## Compost<br /> ## Firewood<br /> ## Vigas<br /> ## Specialty Wood Products<br /> ### Flooring<br /> ### Furniture<br /> ### Fence posts<br /> ## Treated Posts<br /> ## Latillas (Wood stays)<br /> ## OSB and other stranded material<br /> ### Oriented strand board<br /> ### Wood wool cement<br /> ### Carbon fiber-reinforced plastics<br /> ## Wood mass to biochar<br /> ## Wood mass to energy<br /> ## Secondary processing<br /> ## Recreation<br /> ## Ecosystem services<br /> ## Agriculture<br /> ### Grazing<br /> ### Water supply<br /> ## Fire mitigation<br /> ## Carbon credits<br /> ## Federal and state funding<br /> # '''What are the silvicultural prescriptions and feedstock volumes?'''<br /> ## What is the current status of the state’s stand-based inventory?<br /> ## What entity owns and manages each forest stand, i.e., federal, state, county, tribal, or private?<br /> ## What types of trees and sizes, including species, age, health, stand structure, and photosynthetic activity?<br /> ## What are the slopes and aspects (direction)?<br /> ## What percentage of the forest is burned or likely to burn soon?<br /> ## What is the stand's current condition and its anticipated condition/deterioration over the coming months while harvesting activity can be scaled up?<br /> ## What cultural, ecological, and hydrological values need to be addressed?<br /> ## What is the current forest management plan for the entire forest, and is it current?<br /> ## What is the current forest management plan for the stand, and is it up to date?<br /> ## What activity is going on in each forest? What species are harvested? Who is currently harvesting each forest? How does each entity type approach its forestry management activities?<br /> ## Which stands are not being managed to meet the forest restoration goals, particularly overstocking?<br /> ## Where is the forest composition relative to historic baseline conditions?<br /> ## What was the historic range of variation, and how do we move closer to those conditions?<br /> ## What is the silvicultural prescription?<br /> ## What are the species, tree sizes, log volumes, and logging residues to be removed based on the silvicultural prescription?<br /> ## What quantity and type of byproducts (e.g., forest slash) are generated at each forest? Are they shipped, and if so, where and how?<br /> ## What quantity and type of waste products are generated at each forest, and how and where are they disposed of?<br /> ## What are the most significant unmet opportunities?<br /> ## What material and volumes from each stand need new market solutions?<br /> ## Which entities are best positioned to conduct the harvesting activities in each forest?<br /> # '''How do the feedstock volumes add up at the regional level?'''<br /> ## How does each stand relate to other stands in the region so that the aggregate regional volume of common material is identified?<br /> # '''How do in-forest logistics assets determine accessibility for harvesting?'''<br /> ## What are the roads in each forest stand, and what entity owns and maintains those roads?<br /> ## What are the legal guidelines for road use, construction, and maintenance?<br /> ## What are these roads’ conditions, how has fire damaged them, and how are they vulnerable?<br /> ## What work is needed on which roads for accessibility to treat forests?<br /> ## What are the seasonal characteristics of these roads?<br /> ## What are the characteristics of the critical infrastructure elements in the forest? What do we have? What’s missing?<br /> ## Where are new roads and cleared land needed to render forest material removal viable?<br /> ## Given the characteristics and regulations of the in-forest logistics, what percentage of the forest stands are physically accessible?<br /> ## Which entities are best positioned to conduct the transportation activities from each forest?<br /> # '''What is the composition of the regional infrastructure for forest materials’ logistics?'''<br /> ## What is the region’s publicly accessible road network?<br /> ## What is the general condition of forest road access?<br /> ## What are these area roads' weight, clearance, and safety restrictions?<br /> ## Where are the existing railroad main lines, branch lines, spur lines, sidings, and loading infrastructure?<br /> ## Where are the existing rail- and truck-served infrastructure assets for transload, distribution, and storage?<br /> ## Who owns each facility and network section, and what services and capacities do they have?<br /> ## Where can new rail loading facilities enhance forestry operations and minimize transportation costs and impacts?<br /> ## Are these new developments commercially viable, or do they need public subsidization?<br /> # '''What existing and new capacity is needed for short- and long-term harvesting?'''<br /> ## Which entities are best positioned to conduct harvesting activities in each forest?<br /> ## What new resources or support does each entity need?<br /> # '''What are the performance characteristics and costs of available equipment types for harvesting, in-forest logistics, and regional transportation?'''<br /> ## What are the harvesting equipment choices?<br /> ## What are the transportation equipment choices?<br /> ### What are the specifications of the trucks that can be utilized in each stand in support of each material-removal activity?<br /> ### What transportation range can each vehicle type be viable?<br /> ### What are the equipment costs for each vehicle type?<br /> ### What is the status of diesel-alternative energy technology for each vehicle type?<br /> ## What new collaborative pooling of harvesting and transportation equipment improves the financial viability of scaled-up harvesting and logistics?<br /> &lt;h2&gt;Phase Three: '''Conceiving''' the Forest-to-Market System for Logistics and Processing of Forest Materials<br /> &lt;/h2&gt;<br /> <br /> === Core Questions: What innovations, logistics, and business systems will support scaled-up local processing of forest material and, as needed, transportation to out-of-area processing to handle large volumes? How can these new initiatives align with current forestry and economic development efforts? ===<br /> # '''What is the optimal conception of existing and potential new local processing facilities, including mills?'''<br /> ## Where are the in-area timber (lumber, pellets, paper, paperboard, energy, biomass) processing facilities?<br /> ## What are the significant barriers to and opportunities for developing supply chains related to conventional forestry products (e.g., firewood, posts, flooring, timber, vigas, etc.)?<br /> ## What does each existing facility need to reach its capacity expansion goals?<br /> ## How do existing mills fit into a regional strategy?<br /> ## How do we coordinate processing capacity for optimal benefit?<br /> ## What is the optimal size and location of new processing capacity for conventional products?<br /> ### What are the implications/limitations of weather on the location choice?<br /> ### What are the implications of elevation and grade direction to the location choice?<br /> ### What are the implications of the road network on the location choice?<br /> ## What other value streams can be nurtured to encompass a complete forest treatment-to-market approach, including new uses of biomass for energy and construction materials?<br /> ### What are the significant barriers and opportunities associated with developing supply chains related to biomass energy, biochar, building materials, carbon markets, electricity, and other non-traditional uses of forest products?<br /> ### How can biomass and other income streams improve the viability of mill operations?<br /> ## What inbound freight exists for forestry and connected and parallel industries, such as papermaking chemicals and animal feeds?<br /> ## What new associated product manufacturing facilities are made viable by this coordinated forestry planning?<br /> ## What new investments in existing or new technologies can be deployed in the region in the short- and long term?<br /> ## Where should new processing facilities with the latest technologies and products be optimally located?<br /> # '''What forest materials need additional capacity to be met outside the area?'''<br /> ## Where are the nearest out-of-area wood processing facilities?<br /> ## Which facilities have supply needs or growth potential?<br /> # '''What new logistics solutions and capital are needed for this long-distance transportation?'''<br /> ## What logistics services enable viable transportation of each forest’s harvested materials to the optimal destination?<br /> ## What new infrastructure elements are needed for each transportation solution?<br /> ## What truck types and numbers are needed for local transportation?<br /> ## What rail car types and fleet management strategies are needed for instate and out-of-state transportation?<br /> ## Which transportation providers, including rail, trucking, port, and transload operators, can be engaged to assess the commercial feasibility of gathering and delivering forest products to domestic and foreign markets?<br /> # '''How do the financial elements of this forest-to-market solution add up to an economically viable, culturally informed, and environmentally sound approach for everyone involved?'''<br /> ## What are the needs and opportunities for investors in this North American Sustainable Forestry Business Plan?<br /> ## Who are the investors that want to make these investments?<br /> # '''What governance and commercial innovations are needed to sustain this collaboration?'''<br /> ## How do we best integrate local and Indigenous values into our process?<br /> ## What laws and protocols must be addressed to accommodate this coordination among Canada, the United States, and Mexico?<br /> ## How can relations with and between local, state, and federal governments be improved?<br /> ## What new governance arrangements need to be undertaken to create these improvements?<br /> ## What corporate or coop structures are needed to reflect holistic, collaborative frameworks?<br /> ## Who should be seated at the table, and how is it organized?<br /> ## How do we fund whole communities, not just individuals, businesses, homes, and landowners?<br /> ## What financial and logistical support should be funded by the federal governments of Mexico, the U.S., and Canada?<br /> ## Through what public-private partnerships can the completion and implementation of the Business Plan be supported?<br /> ## What do agencies need to enable them to share or devolve power or authority to non-governmental or collaborative entities?<br /> ## What are state or federal entities' major fiduciary and statutory requirements?<br /> ## What governance arrangements are needed to meet these state and federal requirements?<br /> ## How do we address inurement prohibitions in organizational structures?<br /> # '''How do we interface with, support, and augment existing landscape and watershed conservation efforts?'''<br /> ## How do we build upon and augment the legacy and current collaborative landscape-scale forestry already underway?<br /> ## Specifically, which programs do we build on, and what models do we emulate regarding local and national initiatives?<br /> ## What pitfalls should be avoided - what has worked and what has not?<br /> ## How are private lands best integrated into state and federal planning efforts?<br /> ## How can progress on private lands assist the overall forest management and stewardship goals?<br /> ## How can the USFS and state forestry departments assist in the stewardship of private lands?<br /> # '''How can we better synthesize public and private land stewardship?'''<br /> ## How can collaboration succeed in the region?<br /> ## What barriers to progress in forests and the forest industry must be addressed?<br /> ## How do we ensure industry involvement is consistent with landscape conservation and community development goals?<br /> ## What assessments of existing industry and barriers and needs have already been completed? And when were they completed?<br /> ## Are local forestry-related businesses changing their business models due to recent fires?<br /> ## What assistance do businesses need toward contracting with the State, Fed, or private customers?<br /> ## How can we better inform contractors of emergency harvesting activities to retain commercial value and maximize ecological and social benefits?<br /> ## What can we learn from the experience of the recent fire mitigation and recovery efforts going forward?<br /> ## How can state forestry departments and the national forestry agency (e.g., U.S. Forest Service) improve their collaboration toward shared goals?<br /> ## Are the new U.S. Forest Plans completed in 2022 the best framing, or should we follow other legal guidelines? In essence, how do we best integrate with the existing frameworks?<br /> ## How does the NASFBP collaborate with other large landscape and community forest conservation efforts?<br /> ## How do we define the regional boundaries, and with whom must we align or partner in each region?<br /> <br /> == Throughout: '''Informing''' the Conception with Local Knowledge ==<br /> <br /> === Core Question: What questions do we ask each stakeholder group, and what have they contributed to the collective thinking so far? ===<br /> # '''What questions do we ask specific stakeholder groups, and what have they contributed to the collective thinking so far?'''<br /> ## Local and Indigenous peoples<br /> ### How does forest and watershed renewal align with your values and lifeways?<br /> ### How can newer, more efficient, diversified approaches to forestry further your values or interests?<br /> ### What threats to your values and lifeways are occurring from the existing dynamics?<br /> ### How do threats from previous or potential wildfires impact your culture and lifeways?<br /> ### What opportunities, threats, or disadvantages do you see from a regional forestry strategy?<br /> ## Landowners<br /> ### Forest management<br /> #### What are the primary land stewardship issues landowners face?<br /> #### What quality of life goals do we want front and center in a regional forest-to-market approach?<br /> #### What environmental concerns do we want to address in a regional forest-to-market approach?<br /> #### What assistance is needed to relate to the state and federal government effectively?<br /> ##### What are the issues in accessing state and federal funds?<br /> ##### What are the management plan challenges?<br /> ##### What are the issues in assessing loss?<br /> ##### What are the issues in implementing fire recovery approaches?<br /> ##### How can we relate most productively with other landscape cooperatives?<br /> #### What is the status of each landowner’s forest management plan?<br /> #### What is the total forestry harvesting volume needed to be done annually?<br /> #### How much new labor is needed?<br /> #### What are the opportunities to establish shared equipment pools?<br /> ##### Burn wagons<br /> ##### Firewood processing gear<br /> ##### Trucks<br /> #### What are the opportunities to establish collective forest treatment contracts?<br /> #### Which log roads need maintenance?<br /> #### How do we better integrate stewardship of public and private lands?<br /> ##### Connect with the State Lands Office<br /> #### How can smaller landowners participate in this Action Plan?<br /> #### How do we integrate federal recovery funding granted to individual landowners into a coherent strategy?<br /> ## Market development<br /> ### What challenges identifying contractors need to be addressed?<br /> #### Bonding and legitimacy of payroll protocols render many small contractors ineligible for government funding.<br /> ### What challenges in identifying markets for materials need to be addressed?<br /> ### For which forest materials have it proven easier to find contractors?<br /> ### What issues with contractors need to be addressed?<br /> ### What issues with processors need to be addressed?<br /> ### What types and volumes of material need new local processing capacity?<br /> ### Which forest material needs a costs-for-service agreement?<br /> ### Where should new milling capacity be established?<br /> ### What entity and organizational structure best supports this overall forest-to-market system?<br /> #### What involvement of the large landowners should be considered?<br /> ##### Volume guarantees<br /> ##### Investment in facilities and infrastructure<br /> ##### Short-term advances against costs, then reimbursed by product supply<br /> ### What concerns for privacy, confidentiality, and appropriate treatment of information need to be addressed within a collaborative planning process?<br /> ### What education for landowners is needed?<br /> ### How can we establish a fair and impartial process for timber valuation?<br /> ### What elements comprise a productive and fair regional forest material “exchange”?<br /> ## Fire prevention and mitigation<br /> ### How can prescribed fire be used productively and safely as a management strategy?<br /> #### How is fear of fire handicapping overall effectiveness?<br /> #### How can we improve the process for obtaining burn and smoke permits?<br /> #### How can we coordinate a regional fire management strategy?<br /> ##### How do each landowner’s priorities fit into the larger landscape approach?<br /> ### How do we use geospatial information to guide fuel break locations and related strategies?<br /> #### What are the optimal uses of fuel breaks within the overall forest management strategy?<br /> #### What factors need to be incorporated into a fuel breaks strategy?<br /> ##### Where are the prevailing winds?<br /> ##### What is the optimal scale of prescribed burns?<br /> ##### What are the associated costs at various scales?<br /> ### Where are the optimal locations to focus forest thinning activities?<br /> ## Burnt forest issues<br /> ### What has to happen for soil and erosion control?<br /> ### What can be done with the forest slash safely and viably?<br /> ### What are the uses of burnt forest material?<br /> ### What is needed to restore the roads?<br /> ### What is needed to restore the acequias?<br /> ### What is needed to restore the fences?<br /> ### What is needed to restore the water system?<br /> # '''What are the trespass issues that need to be addressed?'''<br /> ## ATVs<br /> ## Poaching for game<br /> ## Taking firewood<br /> ## Partying<br /> ## Vandalism<br /> # '''Questions for individual landowners'''<br /> ## Is the high density of burned or unburned trees a severe challenge on your lands?<br /> ## What concerns about how adjacent forests to your lands are being managed?<br /> ## What harvesting activity are you doing now, and how?<br /> ## What is your on-staff and available contracting capacity for forest harvesting?<br /> ## How many acres would you treat if a viable approach were developed within this comprehensive forest-to-market strategy?<br /> ## In what timeframe do you want to have this acreage treated?<br /> ## How do you want to participate in the development of the Action Plan?<br /> ## How do you want to participate in the implementation of the Action Plan?<br /> ## What is your political influence, and how can we activate that influence as a group?<br /> ## Will you engage with OTNA to make a case for this Action Plan with decision-makers?<br /> ## Will you contribute financially to this effort?<br /> ## Will you agree to this participation agreement?<br /> ### I promise to respond to the OTNA emails or phone messages within 48 hours or sooner when time is crucial.<br /> ### I promise to invest up to 1-2 hours a week in reading and writing when asked so that my input effectively contributes to this effort.<br /> # '''What else needs to be investigated?'''<br /> ## What is the condition and use of area wood-fired boiler systems?<br /> # '''State and federal forestry staff'''<br /> ## Administrative<br /> ### How does the U.S. Forest Service Planning Rule 2012 inform the local work?<br /> ### What Forest Plans have been completed?<br /> ### What other legal guidelines have to be recognized?<br /> ### What is the best way to coordinate with these plans and guidelines?<br /> ### What funding or other support opportunities can we tie into, and how can state and federal agencies assist?<br /> ### How do we assist states and agencies in attaining funding and logistical support?<br /> ### What misinformation challenges you?<br /> #### What information do you need to spread?<br /> #### How can we use our networks to inform and educate the public and decision-makers?<br /> ## Current Efforts Assessment<br /> ### How do we build upon and augment the legacy and ongoing collaborative landscape-scale forestry efforts already underway?<br /> ### Specifically, which programs do you suggest building on, and what models do you suggest we emulate among local initiatives and national programs?<br /> ### What pitfalls should be avoided - what has worked and what has not?<br /> ### What can we learn from the experience of the recent fire mitigation and recovery efforts going forward?<br /> #### How can State Forestry Divisions and the U.S. Forest Service improve their collaboration toward shared goals?<br /> ### What is the most appropriate balance between post-fire recovery and future fire mitigation?<br /> ### What assessments of existing industry barriers and needs have been completed, and when?<br /> ### What other large landscape and ecosystem planning efforts are underway?<br /> ### How do you suggest the NASFBP collaborate with these other forest conservation efforts?<br /> # '''Private Land Coordination'''<br /> ## How are private lands best integrated into these state and federal planning efforts?<br /> ## How can progress on private lands assist the overall forest management and stewardship goals?<br /> ## How can the USFS and State Forestry Divisions assist in the stewardship of private lands?<br /> ## How can we better synthesize public and private land stewardship?<br /> # '''Forestry and forest products business leaders'''<br /> ## How can we improve how federal agencies handle forest material?<br /> ### Bid before harvesting so it can be cut to suitable lengths<br /> ### FEMA, in post-fire situations, has little connection to forest companies and landowners and is chopping material into 4’-6’ pieces with limited utility<br /> ## How do we level the playing field between large national and local contractors?<br /> ## How can we improve communications between the local forest industry and state and federal agencies?<br /> ### Close the timber sales promptly on state and private lands<br /> ### How do we establish communications between the USFS and the timber industry?<br /> ## What federal policies concerning forest management need to be re-evaluated?<br /> ### NEPA needs to be streamlined<br /> ### NEPA exception in devasted landscapes and Federal Disaster Zones<br /> ### Archaeological sites are already known and have typically already been damaged<br /> ### 1990 Roadless Act, passed during the Clinton administration, requires using main roads only<br /> #### Carson National Forest and the Bridge Road area had 100,000+ latillas that could have been harvested in the aftermath of the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf’s Canyon Fire, but for the closure of the roads<br /> ### They need to take a whole forest management approach<br /> ### The prohibition against salvage alongside forest treatment has to be removed<br /> ### The federal agencies that are involved in forest management, recreation, fire recovery, environmental issues, wildlife, and transportation aren’t coordinating<br /> ### Need equipment loans to cover operating capital, FSA loans are capped, stringent requirements, 150% collateral<br /> ## How can we improve communications and understanding with the environmental community?<br /> ### Recognize loggers as environmentalists.<br /> ## How can we improve how landowners relate to forest treatment and local logging and mill management?<br /> ### Need to address small landowners’ burned trees near their homes<br /> ### Communication and Education<br /> ### Forest treatment for material contracts<br /> ### Utilize the logging and mill owners to educate the landowners and others<br /> ### Establish a local marketplace hub for pricing, supply, and offers on forest treatment services and material disposition<br /> ### What other challenges in doing your work do we want to address?<br /> ## What capacity increases would you like to be capitalized for?<br /> ### What shortcomings do you find in how banks relate to you?<br /> ## There are no local banks that offer standard equipment financing<br /> ### Need new low-interest/reasonable-interest equipment loan fund<br /> ### Banks don’t understand the non-equipment capital needs<br /> ### Need a new source of collateral and guarantee<br /> ### Need a method for valuing wood inventory<br /> ### Need to be considered an ag industry<br /> ## In addition to capital, what else do you need to grow?<br /> ## What are the opportunities to share and coordinate equipment across your businesses?<br /> ## What are the opportunities to share and coordinate wood supply contacts and relationships across your businesses?<br /> ## What are the opportunities to coordinate forest activity across your businesses?<br /> ## What concerns about this cooperation do you want to make sure are addressed?<br /> ## What are your other concerns about the current system, and how can it be improved to better assist you in expanding your work?<br /> ## How can we address the need for more skilled labor, operators, and managers?<br /> ### Environmentalists have to stop stigmatizing logging<br /> ### Invite equipment providers like Ponsee to participate in training<br /> ## How can we address the need for additional employee housing in emergencies?<br /> ## How can state and federal financial and logistical support better serve your needs?<br /> # '''Local public sector and community leaders'''<br /> ## How have the recent fires impacted your community and your work?<br /> ## What goals would your community want to see advanced from this forestry action plan?<br /> ## What concerns do you want to ensure are addressed in this Action Plan?<br /> ## What resource limits need to be addressed for this initiative to be successful? Potential issues include, but are not limited to:<br /> ### Housing<br /> ### Labor force<br /> ### Road capacity<br /> ### Transportation networks<br /> ### More effective and relevant state and federal support<br /> ## What adjustments to your current role or mission would enable you to focus more on long-term collective benefit?<br /> # '''Environmental groups'''<br /> ## How do you define and conceive forest and watershed health?<br /> ## How does forest and watershed health impact your work and programmatic mission?<br /> ## How have recent fires impacted your mission and operations?<br /> ## What are the significant barriers to improving forest and watershed health?<br /> ## What are the significant opportunities for improving forest and watershed health?<br /> ## What concerns for the vitality of the environment, watersheds, and wildlife do you want to have a role in addressing within this forest-to-market strategy?<br /> ## How can your organization support a positive view of forest workers as environmental stewards?<br /> # '''Foundations and philanthropists'''<br /> ## What forest and watershed issues are the most significant challenges?<br /> ## How have the recent fires impacted your actions and role?<br /> ## What needs are not being addressed under the current system?<br /> ## What would help you make your work more effective?<br /> ## What resources can you provide to this Initiative, and what questions and guidance do you have toward applying those resources?<br /> # '''New technology developers'''<br /> ## What technology could be productively included in this initiative?<br /> ## What is the current status of your technology and its deployment?<br /> ## What capital or support is needed to advance your technology?<br /> # '''Foundational questions for all stakeholders'''<br /> ## What resources do you have in your control that may be helpful to this Initiative?<br /> ## What resources do you know outside your control that you want to ensure we are aware of?<br /> ## What resources do you want assistance accessing?<br /> ## What is your vision for how the federal government, the state, and the region should relate to this Initiative?<br /> ## How do you want to participate in this Initiative?<br /> ## Based on your understanding of this initiative, do you want the state and federal governments to embrace and support the project?</div>

Edenmark https://priceless-meitner.74-208-238-145.plesk.page/index.php?title=RE-FOREST&diff=3524 2024-10-29T18:22:11Z

<p>Edenmark: </p> <hr /> <div>&lt;h1&gt;What is the Opportunity?&lt;/h1&gt;Decades of ill-conceived forest treatment, inconsistent wood product demand, numerous mill closures, and a shrinking rail network have left North America with overburdened forests and a dislocated wood products industry short of adequate material supply. These dynamics strain the economies and quality of life of forest-based communities. Meanwhile, dense forests fuel massive, fast-spreading fires, further decimating the wood baskets of remaining mills. <br /> <br /> Forests hold the key to sustainable life on Earth. When untouched by humans, they self-manage. However, given our past forest treatment approaches and ongoing influence, we must redesign our relationship with forests to meet the vital need for forest products, forest enjoyment, CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; reduction, and sustainability. <br /> <br /> This opportunity can be realized by implementing a continental forest-to-market approach to harvesting, logistics, processing, and manufacturing that supports local community revitalization. Income from multiple value streams within a holistic forest treatment plan can fund forest and watershed restoration and support local forestry services and forest products companies. <br /> The viability of the continent’s remaining mills and new facilities will be bolstered by effectively combining trucking to local mills with rail movement of excess material to out-of-area mills and buyers. <br /> <br /> The NASFBP enriches the efforts of agencies and businesses by incorporating local community insights. To achieve sustainable forests and forest product industries, we must adopt a broad perspective that spans the continent. By clearly understanding the resource availability, market dynamics, and value chains, we can create effective strategies tailored to each forest and its surrounding community. <br /> <br /> What questions will this initiative answer?<br /> # What elements of a continental forest-to-market strategy applied locally and regionally to individual forests provide a long-lasting approach to forest, watershed, and community renewal?<br /> # How can collaborating and coordinating across political jurisdictions, including national borders, deliver enhanced returns to all involved?<br /> <br /> === What are the components of these Continental, National, and Local Action Plans? ===<br /> <br /> # Multi-layer GIS mapping of forests, logistics infrastructure, woods products companies, and political jurisdictions<br /> # Forest recovery and treatment plans<br /> # Optimal harvesting-to-processing plan for multiple value streams<br /> # Stakeholder roles and participation plan (who is doing what)<br /> # Transportation and logistics plans<br /> # Equipment plan<br /> # Month-by-month expense and revenue plan<br /> # Sustaining organization and governance design<br /> <br /> == Phase One: '''Illuminating''' the Situation ==<br /> <br /> === Core Question: What overarching dynamics in forest management and the wood products industries inform the general improvements needed to establish sustainable forests, vital local communities, and viable wood products companies and industries? ===<br /> # '''What are the current conditions of our forests?'''<br /> # '''What are the challenges to sustainable forest management?'''<br /> # '''What approaches can stakeholders agree on for sustainable forest management?'''<br /> # '''What are the issues and challenges in the wood products industries?'''<br /> ## The current cycle sees timber exported and then finished products imported back into the U.S.<br /> ## Thirty sawmill closures nationally in 2023<br /> ### Net sawmill capacity decreased by 2% in 2023 (NIP Impressions)<br /> ### Closures are concentrated in the northwest U.S. and southern states, although there is some geographic diversity in closures<br /> ### Northwestern U.S. and Montana (Montana Free Press) seem to be hotspots for mill closures.<br /> ### Closures affect (Workingforest.com)<br /> #### Local economies<br /> #### Supply chains<br /> #### Communities (Loss of tax revenue, decrease in services)<br /> #### New openings do not ensure net zero exchange of capacity/impacts (location matters)&lt;br&gt;<br /> ### Factors influencing include:<br /> #### Worker shortages (industry salaries not keeping up with increasing home prices)<br /> #### Fluctuation in lumber pricing – lower prices in 2024?<br /> #### Restrictions on cutting on federally owned lands<br /> ## Attempts to close the national housing supply gap might lead to future demand for lumber (Realtor.com estimates the supply gap at 7.2 million housing units)<br /> # '''Who are the stakeholders in forest management?'''<br /> ## Landowners<br /> ## Watershed associations<br /> ## Local and Indigenous Peoples<br /> ## Individual citizens<br /> ## Land Grants<br /> ## Public agencies<br /> ## Landscape conservation collaboratives<br /> ## Environmental entities<br /> ## Elected leaders<br /> ## Consultants/experts<br /> ## Foundations<br /> ## Investors/lenders<br /> ## Scientific and research organizations<br /> ## Loggers, mill management, and other forest workers<br /> # '''Who are the stakeholders in forest harvesting and processing?'''<br /> ## Forestry Industry<br /> ### Loggers<br /> ### Mills/processors<br /> ### Other forest workers<br /> ## Trucking and transportation companies<br /> ## Local and state economic development agencies<br /> ## Elected leaders<br /> # '''How many acres of forest are there, and where?'''<br /> ## Private lands<br /> ## State lands<br /> ## Federal lands<br /> # '''What mills are in operation?'''<br /> ## What value streams does each mill handle?<br /> ### What wood material does each mill handle?<br /> ### What wood products does each mill produce?<br /> ## Which mills are short on supply to satisfy their current capacity?<br /> ## Which mill management wants to expand capacity for value streams they already handle?<br /> ## Which mill management wants to expand to handle other value streams?<br /> # '''Which mills have closed in the last ten years?'''<br /> ## What is the physical condition of each closed mill and its potential for repurposing?<br /> # '''What is each state’s Forest Action Plan?'''<br /> ## What does it say about the acreage?<br /> ## What does it say about the challenges?<br /> ## What solutions does it recommend?<br /> ## What logistics solutions does the plan lay out?<br /> ## What harvesting solutions does the plan specify?<br /> ## Is there an action plan for the Forest Action Plan?<br /> ## How is the plan commercially informed and commercially relevant?<br /> ## What progress has been made since the last Action Plan was completed?<br /> # '''Who wants to participate in these efforts to revive our forested landscapes and wood products companies?'''<br /> # '''What do forest fires mean to the temporal concerns of forestry?'''<br /> ## How long do we have before burned wood has to be removed and used as timber?<br /> ## How long do we have before burned wood has to be removed and used as biomass?<br /> ## How does the urgency of ecological restoration demand our focused attention on optimizing existing service providers rather than bringing in resources from across the nation?<br /> ## What does the surge in harvesting mean for future supply and, therefore, commercial concerns now?<br /> ## How can work on the urgent priority areas be done to serve the next set of priorities?<br /> ## Is there a basis for installing “mobile” facilities, including new technology-focused ones, that can be moved to other forest regions?<br /> ## What are the “Consequences of Delay”?<br /> ### See Journal of Forestry, April/May 2004, by Dr. John Sessions et al.<br /> ## What is the best treatment of ground cover in the aftermath of fires for the long-term vitality of forests, and how is this integrated into forestry operations?<br /> ## How do we address high oak densities post-fire to accelerate recovery to later serial stages?<br /> ## What changes in genetic or ecological composition are needed to anticipate climate change?<br /> ## What are the best approaches to stump treatment?<br /> ## Given shifting climates, what are the desired future conditions for our landscapes, watersheds, and communities?<br /> ## What is the most appropriate balance between post-fire recovery and future fire mitigation?<br /> # '''What are the non-timber industry benefits of improved thinning and holistic forest management?'''<br /> ## Reduces future fire risk and improves ecological function<br /> ## Accommodates human access and enables ecological and watershed restoration<br /> ## Improves balance between juniper and pinon pine for healthier ecosystems<br /> ## Stabilizes the soil and restores the landscape<br /> ## Increased downstream stream flow from forest thinning and fire recovery treatment mitigates drought and climate change and improves water access for agricultural producers<br /> ## Improves wildlife habitat and diversity<br /> ## Facilitates grazing and other traditional lifeways<br /> ## Advances livelihoods consistent with local and Indigenous values<br /> # '''What community factors should be identified and weighed in decision-making?'''<br /> ## What demographic and economic dynamics of nearby communities should inform the project, e.g., population demographics, primary industries, unemployment, and economic conditions?<br /> ## What other related industries in the region should be considered in tandem with the forest products logistics strategy, e.g., mines, mills, oil, gas, renewables, agriculture, and manufacturing?<br /> ## What are the economic development goals of the local communities?<br /> ## Which communities and residents should be included in evaluating and siting new facilities and infrastructure?<br /> # '''What are the economic impacts of the forest products industry?'''<br /> ## What are the employment implications?<br /> ### How many people are employed?<br /> ### How many people are unemployed?<br /> #### What is that unemployment cost burden on the state?<br /> ### How much do employees earn in each forest product-related industry?<br /> ### Where in the county or state are these people employed?<br /> ### Which areas have the talent/skills for expansion, and which areas need to import new sources of labor?<br /> ### If employment talent is lacking, how will it affect the cost of this labor pool?<br /> ### How much impact would it have on state average wage levels?<br /> ### What is the seasonal impact of these jobs?<br /> ## What are the public benefits?<br /> ### What is the gross revenue?<br /> ### What are the tax revenues?<br /> ### What other industries are stimulated by wood/forest industries?<br /> ### How can downstream industries like furniture manufacturing, wood pellets, paper, cardboard, and general milling help keep jobs in the US?<br /> ### How will this spur the trucking, rail, and shipping industries?<br /> ### How would growth in these industries improve our national balance of payments?<br /> ### What are the environmental concerns and sustainability trends that will impact the industry?<br /> ### How are tree planting subsidies impacting the expansion of forestry?<br /> ### How do technological changes impact the expansion and price of wood?<br /> ### How could the diversification of products in subsectors, such as paper mills, offset declines in traditional markets?<br /> ## What is the current economic impact of the industry?<br /> ### How big is the industry?<br /> ### How much of manufacturing GDP does it comprise?<br /> ### How many people are directly employed, and how many are indirectly employed?<br /> ### How has the industry performed over the last year, five years, and ten years?<br /> ### Which subsectors have grown, and which ones have declined?<br /> ### How do the questions above vary by state and county?<br /> ### How much is the industry forecast to change?<br /> ### How will the housing construction sector in 2025 impact the lumber industry?<br /> ### How are the interest and mortgage rates going to impact lumber demand?<br /> ## What are the regional impacts?<br /> ### In which states and counties is the wood industry in the top 10 manufacturing employment?<br /> ### How many employees and how much is earned by employees by occupation in each wood-related industry by state and county?<br /> ### Where in the county or state are these people employed?<br /> ### How do we determine if there’s sufficient employment talent in the regions for growth?<br /> ### How do the state and county average wage levels vary by region?<br /> ### How much has employment by sector changed over the past five years by state and county?<br /> # '''What are the economic implications of the non-harvesting forest activities?'''<br /> ## Tourism<br /> ### Camping and hiking<br /> ### Skiing<br /> ## Hunting<br /> ## Agriculture<br /> <br /> == Phase Two: '''Determining''' the Local and Regional Material Supply ==<br /> <br /> === Core Questions: What will a scaled-up, sustainable, and holistic treatment approach generate as accessible forest material for each value chain from each forest and region?What is needed to harvest and transport this material volume? ===<br /> # '''What GIS map layers are needed to inform this opportunity?'''<br /> ## All forests<br /> ## Each forest harvesting volume by tree type and size, and ancillary material type and volume<br /> ## Local logging companies<br /> ## Timber product sorting facilities<br /> ## Wood product processors and mills<br /> ## Wood products manufacturers<br /> ## Roads, highways, rail sidings, lines, and yards<br /> ### Operating or potential for reactivation<br /> ## Container terminals and ports and their wood products capabilities<br /> ## Export fumigation facilities<br /> ## Transportation service providers<br /> # '''What are the value streams to evaluate?'''<br /> ## Cants<br /> ## Lumber<br /> ## Wood Pellets<br /> ## Wood Chips<br /> ## Mulch<br /> ## Animal bedding/shavings<br /> ## Compost<br /> ## Firewood<br /> ## Vigas<br /> ## Specialty Wood Products<br /> ### Flooring<br /> ### Furniture<br /> ### Fence posts<br /> ## Treated Posts<br /> ## Latillas (Wood stays)<br /> ## OSB and other stranded material<br /> ### Oriented strand board<br /> ### Wood wool cement<br /> ### Carbon fiber-reinforced plastics<br /> ## Wood mass to biochar<br /> ## Wood mass to energy<br /> ## Secondary processing<br /> ## Recreation<br /> ## Ecosystem services<br /> ## Agriculture<br /> ### Grazing<br /> ### Water supply<br /> ## Fire mitigation<br /> ## Carbon credits<br /> ## Federal and state funding<br /> # '''What are the silvicultural prescriptions and feedstock volumes?'''<br /> ## What is the current status of the state’s stand-based inventory?<br /> ## What entity owns and manages each forest stand, i.e., federal, state, county, tribal, or private?<br /> ## What types of trees and sizes, including species, age, health, stand structure, and photosynthetic activity?<br /> ## What are the slopes and aspects (direction)?<br /> ## What percentage of the forest is burned or likely to burn soon?<br /> ## What is the stand's current condition and its anticipated condition/deterioration over the coming months while harvesting activity can be scaled up?<br /> ## What cultural, ecological, and hydrological values need to be addressed?<br /> ## What is the current forest management plan for the entire forest, and is it current?<br /> ## What is the current forest management plan for the stand, and is it up to date?<br /> ## What activity is going on in each forest? What species are harvested? Who is currently harvesting each forest? How does each entity type approach its forestry management activities?<br /> ## Which stands are not being managed to meet the forest restoration goals, particularly overstocking?<br /> ## Where is the forest composition relative to historic baseline conditions?<br /> ## What was the historic range of variation, and how do we move closer to those conditions?<br /> ## What is the silvicultural prescription?<br /> ## What are the species, tree sizes, log volumes, and logging residues to be removed based on the silvicultural prescription?<br /> ## What quantity and type of byproducts (e.g., forest slash) are generated at each forest? Are they shipped, and if so, where and how?<br /> ## What quantity and type of waste products are generated at each forest, and how and where are they disposed of?<br /> ## What are the most significant unmet opportunities?<br /> ## What material and volumes from each stand need new market solutions?<br /> ## Which entities are best positioned to conduct the harvesting activities in each forest?<br /> # '''How do the feedstock volumes add up at the regional level?'''<br /> ## How does each stand relate to other stands in the region so that the aggregate regional volume of common material is identified?<br /> # '''How do in-forest logistics assets determine accessibility for harvesting?'''<br /> ## What are the roads in each forest stand, and what entity owns and maintains those roads?<br /> ## What are the legal guidelines for road use, construction, and maintenance?<br /> ## What are these roads’ conditions, how has fire damaged them, and how are they vulnerable?<br /> ## What work is needed on which roads for accessibility to treat forests?<br /> ## What are the seasonal characteristics of these roads?<br /> ## What are the characteristics of the critical infrastructure elements in the forest? What do we have? What’s missing?<br /> ## Where are new roads and cleared land needed to render forest material removal viable?<br /> ## Given the characteristics and regulations of the in-forest logistics, what percentage of the forest stands are physically accessible?<br /> ## Which entities are best positioned to conduct the transportation activities from each forest?<br /> # '''What is the composition of the regional infrastructure for forest materials’ logistics?'''<br /> ## What is the region’s publicly accessible road network?<br /> ## What is the general condition of forest road access?<br /> ## What are these area roads' weight, clearance, and safety restrictions?<br /> ## Where are the existing railroad main lines, branch lines, spur lines, sidings, and loading infrastructure?<br /> ## Where are the existing rail- and truck-served infrastructure assets for transload, distribution, and storage?<br /> ## Who owns each facility and network section, and what services and capacities do they have?<br /> ## Where can new rail loading facilities enhance forestry operations and minimize transportation costs and impacts?<br /> ## Are these new developments commercially viable, or do they need public subsidization?<br /> # '''What existing and new capacity is needed for short- and long-term harvesting?'''<br /> ## Which entities are best positioned to conduct harvesting activities in each forest?<br /> ## What new resources or support does each entity need?<br /> # What are the performance characteristics and costs of available equipment types for harvesting, in-forest logistics, and regional transportation?<br /> ## What are the harvesting equipment choices?<br /> ## What are the transportation equipment choices?<br /> ### What are the specifications of the trucks that can be utilized in each stand in support of each material-removal activity?<br /> ### What transportation range can each vehicle type be viable?<br /> ### What are the equipment costs for each vehicle type?<br /> ### What is the status of diesel-alternative energy technology for each vehicle type?<br /> ## What new collaborative pooling of harvesting and transportation equipment improves the financial viability of scaled-up harvesting and logistics?<br /> &lt;h2&gt;Phase Three: '''Conceiving''' the Forest-to-Market System for Logistics and Processing of Forest Materials<br /> &lt;/h2&gt;<br /> <br /> === Core Questions: What innovations, logistics, and business systems will support scaled-up local processing of forest material and, as needed, transportation to out-of-area processing to handle large volumes?How can these new initiatives align with current forestry and economic development efforts? ===<br /> # What is the optimal conception of existing and potential new local processing facilities, including mills?<br /> ## Where are the in-area timber (lumber, pellets, paper, paperboard, energy, biomass) processing facilities?<br /> ## What are the significant barriers to and opportunities for developing supply chains related to conventional forestry products (e.g., firewood, posts, flooring, timber, vigas, etc.)?<br /> ## What does each existing facility need to reach its capacity expansion goals?<br /> ## How do existing mills fit into a regional strategy?<br /> ## How do we coordinate processing capacity for optimal benefit?<br /> ## What is the optimal size and location of new processing capacity for conventional products?<br /> ### What are the implications/limitations of weather on the location choice?<br /> ### What are the implications of elevation and grade direction to the location choice?<br /> ### What are the implications of the road network on the location choice?<br /> ## What other value streams can be nurtured to encompass a complete forest treatment-to-market approach, including new uses of biomass for energy and construction materials?<br /> ### What are the significant barriers and opportunities associated with developing supply chains related to biomass energy, biochar, building materials, carbon markets, electricity, and other non-traditional uses of forest products?<br /> ### How can biomass and other income streams improve the viability of mill operations?<br /> ## What inbound freight exists for forestry and connected and parallel industries, such as papermaking chemicals and animal feeds?<br /> ## What new associated product manufacturing facilities are made viable by this coordinated forestry planning?<br /> ## What new investments in existing or new technologies can be deployed in the region in the short- and long term?<br /> ## Where should new processing facilities with the latest technologies and products be optimally located?<br /> # What forest materials need additional capacity to be met outside the area?<br /> ## Where are the nearest out-of-area wood processing facilities?<br /> ## Which facilities have supply needs or growth potential?<br /> # What new logistics solutions and capital are needed for this long-distance transportation?<br /> ## What logistics services enable viable transportation of each forest’s harvested materials to the optimal destination?<br /> ## What new infrastructure elements are needed for each transportation solution?<br /> ## What truck types and numbers are needed for local transportation?<br /> ## What rail car types and fleet management strategies are needed for instate and out-of-state transportation?<br /> ## Which transportation providers, including rail, trucking, port, and transload operators, can be engaged to assess the commercial feasibility of gathering and delivering forest products to domestic and foreign markets?<br /> # How do the financial elements of this forest-to-market solution add up to an economically viable, culturally informed, and environmentally sound approach for everyone involved?<br /> ## What are the needs and opportunities for investors in this North American Sustainable Forestry Business Plan?<br /> ## Who are the investors that want to make these investments?<br /> # What governance and commercial innovations are needed to sustain this collaboration?<br /> ## How do we best integrate local and Indigenous values into our process?<br /> ## What laws and protocols must be addressed to accommodate this coordination among Canada, the United States, and Mexico?<br /> ## How can relations with and between local, state, and federal governments be improved?<br /> ## What new governance arrangements need to be undertaken to create these improvements?<br /> ## What corporate or coop structures are needed to reflect holistic, collaborative frameworks?<br /> ## Who should be seated at the table, and how is it organized?<br /> ## How do we fund whole communities, not just individuals, businesses, homes, and landowners?<br /> ## What financial and logistical support should be funded by the federal governments of Mexico, the U.S., and Canada?<br /> ## Through what public-private partnerships can the completion and implementation of the Business Plan be supported?<br /> ## What do agencies need to enable them to share or devolve power or authority to non-governmental or collaborative entities?<br /> ## What are state or federal entities' major fiduciary and statutory requirements?<br /> ## What governance arrangements are needed to meet these state and federal requirements?<br /> ## How do we address inurement prohibitions in organizational structures?<br /> # How do we interface with, support, and augment existing landscape and watershed conservation efforts?<br /> ## How do we build upon and augment the legacy and current collaborative landscape-scale forestry already underway?<br /> ## Specifically, which programs do we build on, and what models do we emulate regarding local and national initiatives?<br /> ## What pitfalls should be avoided - what has worked and what has not?<br /> ## How are private lands best integrated into state and federal planning efforts?<br /> ## How can progress on private lands assist the overall forest management and stewardship goals?<br /> ## How can the USFS and state forestry departments assist in the stewardship of private lands?<br /> # How can we better synthesize public and private land stewardship?<br /> ## How can collaboration succeed in the region?<br /> ## What barriers to progress in forests and the forest industry must be addressed?<br /> ## How do we ensure industry involvement is consistent with landscape conservation and community development goals?<br /> ## What assessments of existing industry and barriers and needs have already been completed? And when were they completed?<br /> ## Are local forestry-related businesses changing their business models due to recent fires?<br /> ## What assistance do businesses need toward contracting with the State, Fed, or private customers?<br /> ## How can we better inform contractors of emergency harvesting activities to retain commercial value and maximize ecological and social benefits?<br /> ## What can we learn from the experience of the recent fire mitigation and recovery efforts going forward?<br /> ## How can state forestry departments and the national forestry agency (e.g., U.S. Forest Service) improve their collaboration toward shared goals?<br /> ## Are the new U.S. Forest Plans completed in 2022 the best framing, or should we follow other legal guidelines? In essence, how do we best integrate with the existing frameworks?<br /> ## How does the NASFBP collaborate with other large landscape and community forest conservation efforts?<br /> ## How do we define the regional boundaries, and with whom must we align or partner in each region?<br /> <br /> == Throughout: '''Informing''' the Conception with Local Knowledge ==<br /> <br /> === Core Question: What questions do we ask each stakeholder group, and what have they contributed to the collective thinking so far? ===<br /> # What questions do we ask specific stakeholder groups, and what have they contributed to the collective thinking so far?<br /> ## Local and Indigenous peoples<br /> ### How does forest and watershed renewal align with your values and lifeways?<br /> ### How can newer, more efficient, diversified approaches to forestry further your values or interests?<br /> ### What threats to your values and lifeways are occurring from the existing dynamics?<br /> ### How do threats from previous or potential wildfires impact your culture and lifeways?<br /> ### What opportunities, threats, or disadvantages do you see from a regional forestry strategy?<br /> ## Landowners<br /> ### Forest management<br /> #### What are the primary land stewardship issues landowners face?<br /> #### What quality of life goals do we want front and center in a regional forest-to-market approach?<br /> #### What environmental concerns do we want to address in a regional forest-to-market approach?<br /> #### What assistance is needed to relate to the state and federal government effectively?<br /> ##### What are the issues in accessing state and federal funds?<br /> ##### What are the management plan challenges?<br /> ##### What are the issues in assessing loss?<br /> ##### What are the issues in implementing fire recovery approaches?<br /> ##### How can we relate most productively with other landscape cooperatives?<br /> #### What is the status of each landowner’s forest management plan?<br /> #### What is the total forestry harvesting volume needed to be done annually?<br /> #### How much new labor is needed?<br /> #### What are the opportunities to establish shared equipment pools?<br /> ##### Burn wagons<br /> ##### Firewood processing gear<br /> ##### Trucks<br /> #### What are the opportunities to establish collective forest treatment contracts?<br /> #### Which log roads need maintenance?<br /> #### How do we better integrate stewardship of public and private lands?<br /> ##### Connect with the State Lands Office<br /> #### How can smaller landowners participate in this Action Plan?<br /> #### How do we integrate federal recovery funding granted to individual landowners into a coherent strategy?<br /> ## Market development<br /> ### What challenges identifying contractors need to be addressed?<br /> #### Bonding and legitimacy of payroll protocols render many small contractors ineligible for government funding.<br /> ### What challenges in identifying markets for materials need to be addressed?<br /> ### For which forest materials have it proven easier to find contractors?<br /> ### What issues with contractors need to be addressed?<br /> ### What issues with processors need to be addressed?<br /> ### What types and volumes of material need new local processing capacity?<br /> ### Which forest material needs a costs-for-service agreement?<br /> ### Where should new milling capacity be established?<br /> ### What entity and organizational structure best supports this overall forest-to-market system?<br /> #### What involvement of the large landowners should be considered?<br /> ##### Volume guarantees<br /> ##### Investment in facilities and infrastructure<br /> ##### Short-term advances against costs, then reimbursed by product supply<br /> ### What concerns for privacy, confidentiality, and appropriate treatment of information need to be addressed within a collaborative planning process?<br /> ### What education for landowners is needed?<br /> ### How can we establish a fair and impartial process for timber valuation?<br /> ### What elements comprise a productive and fair regional forest material “exchange”?<br /> ## Fire prevention and mitigation<br /> ### How can prescribed fire be used productively and safely as a management strategy?<br /> #### How is fear of fire handicapping overall effectiveness?<br /> #### How can we improve the process for obtaining burn and smoke permits?<br /> #### How can we coordinate a regional fire management strategy?<br /> ##### How do each landowner’s priorities fit into the larger landscape approach?<br /> ### How do we use geospatial information to guide fuel break locations and related strategies?<br /> #### What are the optimal uses of fuel breaks within the overall forest management strategy?<br /> #### What factors need to be incorporated into a fuel breaks strategy?<br /> ##### Where are the prevailing winds?<br /> ##### What is the optimal scale of prescribed burns?<br /> ##### What are the associated costs at various scales?<br /> ### Where are the optimal locations to focus forest thinning activities?<br /> ## Burnt forest issues<br /> ### What has to happen for soil and erosion control?<br /> ### What can be done with the forest slash safely and viably?<br /> ### What are the uses of burnt forest material?<br /> ### What is needed to restore the roads?<br /> ### What is needed to restore the acequias?<br /> ### What is needed to restore the fences?<br /> ### What is needed to restore the water system?<br /> # What are the trespass issues that need to be addressed?<br /> ## ATVs<br /> ## Poaching for game<br /> ## Taking firewood<br /> ## Partying<br /> ## Vandalism<br /> # Questions for individual landowners<br /> ## Is the high density of burned or unburned trees a severe challenge on your lands?<br /> ## What concerns about how adjacent forests to your lands are being managed?<br /> ## What harvesting activity are you doing now, and how?<br /> ## What is your on-staff and available contracting capacity for forest harvesting?<br /> ## How many acres would you treat if a viable approach were developed within this comprehensive forest-to-market strategy?<br /> ## In what timeframe do you want to have this acreage treated?<br /> ## How do you want to participate in the development of the Action Plan?<br /> ## How do you want to participate in the implementation of the Action Plan?<br /> ## What is your political influence, and how can we activate that influence as a group?<br /> ## Will you engage with OTNA to make a case for this Action Plan with decision-makers?<br /> ## Will you contribute financially to this effort?<br /> ## Will you agree to this participation agreement?<br /> ### I promise to respond to the OTNA emails or phone messages within 48 hours or sooner when time is crucial.<br /> ### I promise to invest up to 1-2 hours a week in reading and writing when asked so that my input effectively contributes to this effort.<br /> # What else needs to be investigated?<br /> ## What is the condition and use of area wood-fired boiler systems?<br /> # State and federal forestry staff<br /> ## Administrative<br /> ### How does the U.S. Forest Service Planning Rule 2012 inform the local work?<br /> ### What Forest Plans have been completed?<br /> ### What other legal guidelines have to be recognized?<br /> ### What is the best way to coordinate with these plans and guidelines?<br /> ### What funding or other support opportunities can we tie into, and how can state and federal agencies assist?<br /> ### How do we assist states and agencies in attaining funding and logistical support?<br /> ### What misinformation challenges you?<br /> #### What information do you need to spread?<br /> #### How can we use our networks to inform and educate the public and decision-makers?<br /> ## Current Efforts Assessment<br /> ### How do we build upon and augment the legacy and ongoing collaborative landscape-scale forestry efforts already underway?<br /> ### Specifically, which programs do you suggest building on, and what models do you suggest we emulate among local initiatives and national programs?<br /> ### What pitfalls should be avoided - what has worked and what has not?<br /> ### What can we learn from the experience of the recent fire mitigation and recovery efforts going forward?<br /> #### How can State Forestry Divisions and the U.S. Forest Service improve their collaboration toward shared goals?<br /> ### What is the most appropriate balance between post-fire recovery and future fire mitigation?<br /> ### What assessments of existing industry barriers and needs have been completed, and when?<br /> ### What other large landscape and ecosystem planning efforts are underway?<br /> ### How do you suggest the NASFBP collaborate with these other forest conservation efforts?<br /> # Private Land Coordination<br /> ## How are private lands best integrated into these state and federal planning efforts?<br /> ## How can progress on private lands assist the overall forest management and stewardship goals?<br /> ## How can the USFS and State Forestry Divisions assist in the stewardship of private lands?<br /> ## How can we better synthesize public and private land stewardship?<br /> # Forestry and forest products business leaders<br /> ## How can we improve how federal agencies handle forest material?<br /> ### Bid before harvesting so it can be cut to suitable lengths<br /> ### FEMA, in post-fire situations, has little connection to forest companies and landowners and is chopping material into 4’-6’ pieces with limited utility<br /> ## How do we level the playing field between large national and local contractors?<br /> ## How can we improve communications between the local forest industry and state and federal agencies?<br /> ### Close the timber sales promptly on state and private lands<br /> ### How do we establish communications between the USFS and the timber industry?<br /> ## What federal policies concerning forest management need to be re-evaluated?<br /> ### NEPA needs to be streamlined<br /> ### NEPA exception in devasted landscapes and Federal Disaster Zones<br /> ### Archaeological sites are already known and have typically already been damaged<br /> ### 1990 Roadless Act, passed during the Clinton administration, requires using main roads only<br /> #### Carson National Forest and the Bridge Road area had 100,000+ latillas that could have been harvested in the aftermath of the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf’s Canyon Fire, but for the closure of the roads<br /> ### They need to take a whole forest management approach<br /> ### The prohibition against salvage alongside forest treatment has to be removed<br /> ### The federal agencies that are involved in forest management, recreation, fire recovery, environmental issues, wildlife, and transportation aren’t coordinating<br /> ### Need equipment loans to cover operating capital, FSA loans are capped, stringent requirements, 150% collateral<br /> ## How can we improve communications and understanding with the environmental community?<br /> ### Recognize loggers as environmentalists.<br /> ## How can we improve how landowners relate to forest treatment and local logging and mill management?<br /> ### Need to address small landowners’ burned trees near their homes<br /> ### Communication and Education<br /> ### Forest treatment for material contracts<br /> ### Utilize the logging and mill owners to educate the landowners and others<br /> ### Establish a local marketplace hub for pricing, supply, and offers on forest treatment services and material disposition<br /> ### What other challenges in doing your work do we want to address?<br /> ## What capacity increases would you like to be capitalized for?<br /> ### What shortcomings do you find in how banks relate to you?<br /> ## There are no local banks that offer standard equipment financing<br /> ### Need new low-interest/reasonable-interest equipment loan fund<br /> ### Banks don’t understand the non-equipment capital needs<br /> ### Need a new source of collateral and guarantee<br /> ### Need a method for valuing wood inventory<br /> ### Need to be considered an ag industry<br /> ## In addition to capital, what else do you need to grow?<br /> ## What are the opportunities to share and coordinate equipment across your businesses?<br /> ## What are the opportunities to share and coordinate wood supply contacts and relationships across your businesses?<br /> ## What are the opportunities to coordinate forest activity across your businesses?<br /> ## What concerns about this cooperation do you want to make sure are addressed?<br /> ## What are your other concerns about the current system, and how can it be improved to better assist you in expanding your work?<br /> ## How can we address the need for more skilled labor, operators, and managers?<br /> ### Environmentalists have to stop stigmatizing logging<br /> ### Invite equipment providers like Ponsee to participate in training<br /> ## How can we address the need for additional employee housing in emergencies?<br /> ## How can state and federal financial and logistical support better serve your needs?<br /> # Local public sector and community leaders<br /> ## How have the recent fires impacted your community and your work?<br /> ## What goals would your community want to see advanced from this forestry action plan?<br /> ## What concerns do you want to ensure are addressed in this Action Plan?<br /> ## What resource limits need to be addressed for this initiative to be successful? Potential issues include, but are not limited to:<br /> ### Housing<br /> ### Labor force<br /> ### Road capacity<br /> ### Transportation networks<br /> ### More effective and relevant state and federal support<br /> ## What adjustments to your current role or mission would enable you to focus more on long-term collective benefit?<br /> # Environmental groups<br /> ## How do you define and conceive forest and watershed health?<br /> ## How does forest and watershed health impact your work and programmatic mission?<br /> ## How have recent fires impacted your mission and operations?<br /> ## What are the significant barriers to improving forest and watershed health?<br /> ## What are the significant opportunities for improving forest and watershed health?<br /> ## What concerns for the vitality of the environment, watersheds, and wildlife do you want to have a role in addressing within this forest-to-market strategy?<br /> ## How can your organization support a positive view of forest workers as environmental stewards?<br /> # Foundations and philanthropists<br /> ## What forest and watershed issues are the most significant challenges?<br /> ## How have the recent fires impacted your actions and role?<br /> ## What needs are not being addressed under the current system?<br /> ## What would help you make your work more effective?<br /> ## What resources can you provide to this Initiative, and what questions and guidance do you have toward applying those resources?<br /> # New technology developers<br /> ## What technology could be productively included in this initiative?<br /> ## What is the current status of your technology and its deployment?<br /> ## What capital or support is needed to advance your technology?<br /> # Foundational questions for all stakeholders<br /> ## What resources do you have in your control that may be helpful to this Initiative?<br /> ## What resources do you know outside your control that you want to ensure we are aware of?<br /> ## What resources do you want assistance accessing?<br /> ## What is your vision for how the federal government, the state, and the region should relate to this Initiative?<br /> ## How do you want to participate in this Initiative?<br /> ## Based on your understanding of this initiative, do you want the state and federal governments to embrace and support the project?</div>

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