NEWS RELEASES
Forest Service Report Promotes Benefits of Non-Timber Forest Product Harvesting
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through USDA's website.
A new report recently issued by USDA Forest Service provides science-based information to help decision-makers, practitioners, and researchers to promote the sustainable harvest of non-timber forest products. These harvests contribute millions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year. For example, in 2001 the estimated market value of four medicinal and floral species (blood root, black cohosh, American ginseng, and galax) exceeded $25 million.However, the lack of available data has impeded a thorough economic analysis of these and other non-timber products. The Forest Service report helps fill this gap and guides readers through the laws and regulations at the local, state and federal levels that complicate sustainable management and conservation of these important natural resources.
According to the press release by the USDA, "The Assessment of Nontimber Forest Products in the United States Under Changing Conditions synthesizes the best available science for managing non-timber forest resources in the U.S." This publication (titled above) highlights the importance of non-timber forest products to the cultures of diverse communities in the U.S. “Many private landowners harvest non-timber products to generate income from their forests,” said Forest Service Interim Chief Vicki Christiansen. “The harvest of specialty products like medicinal herbs, wild onions, and mushrooms creates jobs, boosts rural economies, and meets growing market demands.”
To learn more via the complete US Forest Service report click here.