Woodland News December 2015

Hi {{CONTACT.FIRSTNAME}},

Happy Holidays! We hope that this year, which is so quickly coming to a close, has been a good one for you and yours. This truly is a magical season, when time flies and the New Year will be upon us before we know it. Hopefully, you will have a chance to relax and get refreshed, possibly by taking a walk or two in your woods as we enjoy these milder temperatures– for now.

As the year comes to a close, family and friends will be center on our minds. As it should be. We thank everyone who helped make 2015 a banner year at FORECON, and extend our Best Wishes and Happy New Year to you and your family, from everyone here at FORECON.

Your Friends at FORECON

Timber Markets 2015 Review

The close of the 2015 timber market continues to show improvements in key investment areas. A significant portion of our regional hardwood production goes to the export market, of which China is the largest consumer. Therefore, hardwood lumber markets are closely tied to the Chinese economy. Hardwood exports hit record levels in 2014, and 2015 numbers are the second highest ever for hardwood exports.

Look for Signs of the Emerald Ash Borer

The Emerald Ash Borer larvae lives underneath the bark of your trees. They feed on the softer tissues just under the bark, in an area called the ‘vascular tissues.’ The EAB larvae eat meandering paths through this sensitive tissue, effectively cutting off the food supply to the upper reaches of the tree.

Trees infected may show signs of new sprouts or branches below the affected tissues. You may also see their upper-most leaves dying too early in the season. Additional signs may appear in the bark itself, with splits developing around the dead vascular tissues. Severe damage may cause a tree to die within only two years.

Learn more.

Are Conservation Easements for Me?

Are you looking for opportunities to get paid AND keep your timberland as a well-managed working forest? Sound too good to be true? You might be surprised.

Conservation Easements can be used to protect the forest resource and may offer attractive financial benefits for landowners, as well. At FORECON we have experience in many aspects of conservation easements. We can help you explore this valuable management option.

FORECON Continuing Community Outreach Program

One of FORECON’s primary missions is to help support urban and community forestry practices. Our team of dedicated forest specialists tracks the vital conditions and changes throughout our region, and is intimately familiar with the forces affecting the health and well-being of Northeastern forests.

If your municipal program or community group is looking for an interesting and informative presentation, consider one by a professional natural resources expert from FORECON!

Stumpage Defined

If you are a landowner new to the idea of harvesting the trees from your forest, you may be “stumped” by the terms foresters use to define their work. One of the first terms you will see when learning about harvesting timber is Stumpage.

The “Free Dictionary” (www.thefreedictionary.com) defines “stumpage” as either “standing timber regarded as a commodity, or the value of standing timber, or the right to cut standing timber.” It is dictated by a variety of standard measurement units, usually in “board feet”, “tons”, or “cords.” “Stumpage value” then is the market value of the wood product as it exists in its raw form still standing in the woodlot.

FORECON can help you assess both your property’s “stumpage” and “stumpage value.” And we can help you learn everything you need to safely, profitably and sustainably manage your forest land.