Education and Research Committee Report Washington Hardwoods Commission Annual Meeting – 2008

Hardwood Publications Scheduled for 2009 to advance awareness of Washington’s hardwood resource Northwest Woodlands and Western Forester Emphasis on significance of resource’s commercial and ecological values Promote new developments in hardwood silviculture and Small woodlot management opportunities

Northwest Woodlands April 2009 Topics: –Red alder ecology, silviculture, requirements for successful stand establishment –Overview of hybrid poplar plantation industry –Wildlife and hardwoods –Ecological/environmental value of native hardwoods –Traditional and novel markets –Emerging species

Western Forester March 2009 Topics: –Hardwood site requirements/selection criteria –Economics of hardwood production –Importance of pruning and stand density management –Development of improved planting stock –Growth and yield of hardwood stand management –Managing for multiple markets –Future outlook for hardwood industry

Rotation Length Study Potential future issue of the maximum allowable rotation under which State’s hardwood resource can be managed as an agricultural crop Current Washington regulation allows for a 15 year rotation Commission study of an ongoing Oregon initiative to clarify regulatory aspects of increasing its exemption to 20 years

Rotation Length Study: WHC Observations Many of the regulations of Oregon’s forest practices act not compatible with hardwood crops grown on agricultural sites with conventional farming practices Option of a longer rotation allows for greater flexibility in managing for multiple markets, formation of grower cooperatives, etc. A longer rotation would increase return from investment in pruning and stand management practices An Oregon extension to 20 years could put Washington growers at a disadvantage. Viability of Washington’s future hardwood industry could help to sustain rural economy.