Current Research: Critical Mass Evaluation of Maryland's Forest Industry

This project will identify the "critical mass" of forest resources needed to sustain Maryland's wood products employment base and will also analyze and prepare policy option recommendations for forest land retention.

Progress to date includes:

Measuring the "woodflow balance" of Maryland, that is, the production, consumption, inflow, and outflow of wood for Maryland's forests and forest industry. This is being measured at the primary processing level, and also at the end consumer level.
Based on this woodflow analysis, a conclusion can be reached as to the amount of forest land that is needed to sustain the current level of manufacturing activity and employment in the state's wood processing industry.
Conducting a general policy analysis examining existing forest retention and management policies from the perspective of retaining a working forest. This review and analysis will identify major cost-effectiveness issues and suggest new policy options that may warrant consideration.

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For more information, contact Dr Nick Place

Last updated: 11/13/2009