Let the market help prescribe forest management practices

Abstract

To obtain the best economic returns from a hardwood forest, you must consider markets. Management decisions made now will affect a stand's future character and value, whether or not the decision results in immediate timber sales. Progressive forest landowners will have a management plan for their woodlots. Typically, such plans are largely land- and resource-oriented, with very little attention to market considerations. But a comprehensive management plan for a forest should combine objectives for timber, wildlife, recreation, and other resources with consideration of current and potential markets. In other words, product and market information are just as important as resource information for good forest management decisions. Use the following four steps to incorporate a market analysis into your forest management planning and practice.

Parent Publication

• Central hardwood notes

Citation

Zinn, Gary W.; Pepke, Edward. 1989. Let the market help prescribe forest management practices. In: Hutchinson, Jay G., ed. Central hardwood notes. St. Paul, MN.: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station. 7.04