Economic feasibility of longer management regimes in the Douglas-fir region.

Abstract

The financial returns associated with extended management regimes have been the subject of recurring debate in the Pacific Northwest. Proponents argue that the amount and value of higher quality timber associated with older trees will offset the costs associated with longer management regimes. Land managers and owners express concerns about diminished financial returns depending on the expected costs of holding timber for long periods. The increase in average lumber prices for high-quality timber is insufficient, on average, to offset the costs of longer management regimes. On public land, where ownership continuity is assured and the requirement for positive rates of return is less, longer management regimes may be attractive when they involve the joint production of various public goods such as wildlife habitat and scenery.

Keywords

Forest management, economic feasibility, management regimes

Citation

Haynes, Richard. 2005. Economic feasibility of longer management regimes in the Douglas-fir region. Res. Note PNW-RN-547. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 14 p