Southern Forest Resource Assessment Below is the original wording of one of the preliminary questions and public suggestions or concerns submitted about it--for details see our Public Input or Methods pages

Inputs related to alternative forest practices and products Can [shortened rotations] effects be offset through the increased use of recycled materials, agricultural wastes and fiber crops such as kenaf? Explore alternatives to forest products including hemp, corn stalks and other high productivity fibrous agricultural products. Allowing these mills to operate at this unsustainable rate prevents economic incentive to recycle, reduce, reuse or to find alternatives for virgin wood in pulp and paper manufacturing. In the south, our native mixed species forests are being replaced by quick growing pine trees. There is an alternative. A method of logging called single tree selection can be used to create a continuous flow of forest products without the damaging side effects involved in clearcutting. Single tree selection is like weeding a garden. Trees are selected when they grow two close together, when they are unhealthy, and when they have reached maturity. Trees grown in this manner provide a much better quality wood product. Protecting forests, reducing paper consumption, recycling & looking into alternative fibers are all MUST's. Can recycled materials be used to offset the need for clearcutting as well as fiber crops such as knaf or hemp? These crops produce a far greater amount of material per acre than clearcutting does. The question being, of course, whether much of those wood "products" can be replaced using recycled materials, or reclaimed wood, or -- in the case of paper, for example -- other, more sustainably grown fibres. Additionally, how many Southern forests have to continue to be sacrificed for low-grade uses such as wood pulp? How do alternative sources of fiber affect the overall demand? Assess impact of alternative fibers – AG fibers Alternative material substitutes for wood. ”Other fiber and pulp mills need to look at alternative plants or growing methods. Biomass of C-4 plants may be able to be cropped and processed easier and with less pollution. A pound of fiber, per growing area, per length of time is the name of the game.” How does the alternative use of materials (steel, plastic) effect supply and demand of wood products? Evaluate the substitute/alternative materials for wood fiber and building materials. What are the Question as revised in response to these comments Previous Question | Next Question Public Input Home | Methods | Assessment Home

  modified: 1-MAR-2000
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