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California
Hardwoods: About the Sustainable Hardwoods Network Sustainable Hardwoods Business Directory
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California's
Hardwood Industry - Why now?
From the 1800's up until WWII California based it's timber industry on harvesting giant redwoods. During 1940's and 50's the introduction of new technologies (chainsaws, bulldozers, loaders, and logging trucks) capable of harvesting these giant trees enabled timber harvesting operations to access redwood resources which were relatively inaccessible up to that time. A booming market for new homes in the post WWII economy, coupled with these new harvesting methods also created a market for Douglas fir, which was considered a marginal resource until this new context emerged. In the late 50's and early 60's Mal Coombs' hardwood mill in nearby Piercy, California succeeded in overcoming the technical difficulties in establishing a hardwood processing concern in the heart of a large and dominant softwood timber industry. Many north coast homes, restaurants, and institutions built during the early 60's have floors, trim, and paneling which are a testament to his success. After the WWII boom years the introduction of synthetic carpeting and linoleum reduced the market for hardwood flooring by 90 percent. Caught in the downturn in demand for hardwood flooring, Coombs' mill went out of business. Now, most of the virgin softwood timber is harvested. While the timber industry is making a transition to managing and processing second growth softwood timber, much of the regrowth in formerly dense softwood forests is in hardwoods. The desire to restore forest stand structure to pre-industrial species distributions has encouraged conscientious forest managers to take a closer look at the hardwood resource. Western hardwood markets are again expanding. People appreciate the character and natural beauty of quality wood products, and concerns about healthy home and institutional environments, are driving a thriving market for solid hardwood products from flooring to furniture. Concerns regarding the sustainabiliy of forest management practices are also encouraging consumers to shop carefully and to choose wood products from certified sustainable sources. Increasing knowledge and appreciation of western hardwoods species, opens the door to a new era in west coast hardwood utilization, and sustainable forest management. |
Updates: ISF
Hardwood Utilization Techniques Woody Biomass Forum presentations Wild Iris mill update: Weinig molder installed at Whitethorn Hardwoods and Wild Iris primary mill moves to ERA Forest Products in Arcata. UCFPL Tanoak Yield Study Progress Reports now available
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PO Box 1580 For more information send us an email, or visit ISF's website... |
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