February 1, 2005

For Immediate Release

Contacts:
Jasen Stock, NHTOA (603) 224-9699
Charles Niebling, SPNHF (603) 224-9945

NHTOA/SPNHF Initiate Study of Regional Wood Supply Concerns

Concord, NH - In the past several weeks there has been much said and written about the levels of timber being harvested in various areas of the North Country. Some have raised concerns that the level of harvesting taking place may endanger the long-term viability of the forest products industry and have undesirable environmental impacts.

There is a need for substantive information to either quell or verify these concerns. Therefore, the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association (NHTOA) and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (SPNHF) are mutually initiating a study of regional wood flow and supply.

Using existing data and collecting other available data this study will:

1. Quantify the rate of historical and current timber harvest and timber growth on the region's private and public lands; and
   
2. Identify and quantify the factors affecting long-term wood supply for the NH forest products industry.

Both organizations hope the information gleaned from this study will provide data for interested groups, concerned citizens, and policy makers on what could be done to promote long-term forest stewardship and assure a sustainable wood supply for the state's third largest manufacturing industry-forest products.

Jasen Stock, NHTOA executive director said:

"NHTOA's interest in this matter stems from a core tenet of our organization and the number one goal found in our strategic plan - Promoting sustainable forestry and reducing the rate of loss of productive forestland in NH. For NHTOA or any other organization interested in these goals it is important we all have good information on what is actually happening in the field."

Charlie Niebling, SPNHF vice president for policy and land management said:

"The Forest Society is committed to the long-term viability of New Hampshire's forest products industry. Good forest policy relies upon well-documented factual information. We are committed to developing this information in close cooperation with the NH Timberland Owners Association, state and municipal officials, and other interested parties."

Founded in 1911, The New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association's (NHTOA) promotes private and public working forests by encouraging responsible land management and supporting a strong forest products industry. Its over 1,300 members collectively manage and protect more than 500,000 acres of New Hampshire forestland.

Founded in 1901, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests is a10,000-member-supported conservation organization with programs in land protection, conservation education, advocacy and sustainable forestry. The Society owns 38,000 acres of productive forestlands which it actively manages for timber, wildlife habitat, clean water and public recreation.

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