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Abstract
Although it is an important component of the northern forest, eastern hemlock (
Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.) is a secondary species in its regions' markets. In this paper, we examine the markets for hemlock, analyze price trends for stumpage, and suggest implications of market forces for management of forests containing hemlock. The characteristics of hemlock wood limit its use to relatively low-grade products, such as structural lumber, pulpwood, and pallets, although higher value niche markets exist, such as post and beam house frames. Analysis of trends for sawlog and pulpwood stumpage prices from publicly available reports indicates little change in inflation-adjusted prices over long time periods. Such price performance indicates that available supply is more than adequate to meet demand throughout hemlock's natural range. Markets for hemlock have rarely been strong and are not likely to become so. Therefore, forest management plans that require the removal of hemlock may require opportunistic harvesting decisions. Eastern hemlock's nonmarket values must also be incorporated into management plans.
Parent Publication
Citation
Howard, Theodore; Sendak, Paul; Codrescu, Claudia. 2000. Eastern hemlock: a market perspective. In: McManus, Katherine A.; Shields, Kathleen S.; Souto, Dennis R., eds. Proceedings: Symposium on sustainable management of hemlock ecosystems in eastern North America. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-267. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 161-166.
