The Outlook, May 2010
The Outlook
May 2010
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W e l c o m e
This month we have another full newsletter! One of the items you'll find is a case study of urban wood utilization in the Twin Cities region of Minnesota. This report is part of a project funded by the USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Area State & Private Forestry, Wood Education and Resource Center. In addition to reading this report, you are invited to participate in a webinar on June 2nd that will detail the findings of the project and tips and tools for supporting the responsible use of urban wood resources.
You'll also find our commentary this month highlighting the need for natural resource professionals to engage in current policy debates and offering an invitation for finding our collective voice.
We also remind you to register for the upcoming Forest Carbon Workshop and Field Tour on June 9th and 10th. Speakers at the event will include representatives from the American Carbon Registry and the Climate Action Reserve. We'll also hear from the Forest Guild regarding forest management and carbon considerations, and Great River Energy will provide an update on the latest climate policy developments and carbon offset market implications from an energy producer perspective. Aitkin County will be hosting the field tour and will share the finding of a recent gap assessment of their proposed carbon offset project. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.dovetailinc.org/content/working-forests-carbon
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Enjoy!
- Jeff
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I n T h i s I s s u e:
Dovetail Commentary:
Finding a Voice for Scientists and other Experts in Natural Resource Fields
Dovetail Report:
Urban Wood Utilization and Industrial Clusters: A Twin Cities Case Study
Dovetail News:
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05/12/2010
Upcoming Events:
Building an Urban Wood Utilization Program: A Twin Cities Case Study
June 2nd, 2010
1:00 PM Central
Webinar Event
<http://www.dovetailinc.org/content/building-urban-wood-utilization-program-twin-cities-case-study>
Working Forests & Carbon
Recognizing another benefit of well-managed forests
June 9-10th, 2010
Workshop and Field Tour
Palisade, Minnesota
<http://dovetailinc.org/content/working-forests-carbon-workshop-and-field-tour>
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Dovetail Commentary:
Finding a Voice for Scientists and other Experts in Natural Resource Fields
For many of us, careers in natural resource-based organizations began with a love of wild places. Over the years, with a combination of experience and a few degrees, I have come to think of myself as having at least an “informed opinion” on matters related to forestry and forest products – especially on environmental issues. And as I look around at my friends, acquaintances and colleagues in the field I see a group of highly dedicated people that have committed themselves to their professions and who are truly experts on many of the issues under discussion by policy makers today. Yet it seems that the views of this group are rarely represented in big picture discussions about things such as forest policy, climate change, cap and trade and the like – even though forests and the products and services derived from them are clearly part of the solution. I know change is hard and we are highly resistant to it; but I also know that for positive change to occur we can’t throw away the learning’s of many lifetimes. So, as we listen to policy makers discuss new and exciting solutions to the world’s problems, and the positions being advanced, some of us recognize the need to speak up – but where do we start?
To read the full commentary, visit:
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Dovetail Report:
Urban Wood Utilization and Industrial Clusters: A Twin Cities Case Study
Steve Bratkovich
Nationally, the U.S. Forest Service, State and Private Forestry, has developed publications, case studies, and educational programs, as well as provided financial support for demonstration projects on urban wood use. The Ash Utilization Options project—spearheaded by the Southeast Michigan Resource Conservation and Development Council—is one example of a regional effort (created after the discovery of the emerald ash borer) to promote better utilization of urban trees. Numerous wood-using industries and entrepreneurs—including, as examples, CitiLog in New Jersey, Horigan Urban Forest Products in Illinois, and Pacific Coast Lumber in California —have expanded or created new businesses in recent years based on converting urban trees to value-added products. Even local construction projects in numerous communities—Cross Plains, Wisconsin and Ann Arbor, Michigan as examples—have featured urban tree “take downs” in products such as flooring, paneling, benches, tables and chairs. Also, select communities such as Lompoc, California have ramped up efforts to use all or a portion of their tree removals for a variety of products including mulch, biomass (for energy), animal bedding, specialty products and lumber. Augmenting these initiatives are a variety of books, videos, conferences, art exhibits and partnerships, all of which have been developed during the past decade with a specific focus on urban wood use.
All of these urban wood utilization efforts are important and praiseworthy for their environmental and economic benefits for local communities. Many do an excellent job of focusing on one or more key elements needed to create awareness and sustain activities of an urban wood utilization project such as education, financing, or entrepreneurship. Each specific effort has the potential for replication or use in other areas throughout the country.
Another approach for planning and developing a broad-based community-wide urban wood utilization program is to base the effort on a “big picture” (comprehensive) model or proven business or economic development strategy that includes many or all key elements for success. One such strategy or model that could be used as a template for building an urban or community based wood utilization program is the notion of “industry clusters”.
This report focuses on an emerging urban wood-based industrial (business) cluster in the Minneapolis-St. Paul (Twin Cities) metropolitan area. Examples of Twin Cities’ cluster-based wood utilization activities and corresponding cluster-building techniques are highlighted. Recommendations for advancing wood utilization activities on a community-wide basis are offered.
To read more and download the full report:
To download the report, click here:
http://www.dovetailinc.org/files/DovetailUrbanTC0510.pdf
N e w s R e l e a s e s f r o m D o v e t a i l:
-
05/12/2010
Upcoming Events:
Building an Urban Wood Utilization Program: A Twin Cities Case Study
June 2nd, 2010
1:00 PM Central
Webinar Event
<http://www.dovetailinc.org/content/building-urban-wood-utilization-program-twin-cities-case-study>
This presentation will describe how the business model of industrial ‘clusters’ is being used to support urban wood utilization in the Minneapolis-St. Paul (Twin Cities) metro area. The information includes lessons learned and recommendations that can be used by community leaders, businesses, local governments, non-profit organizations and others to support the development of strong, sustainable urban wood utilization clusters by investing and supporting activities that build on one another. The webinar will consist of a 40-minute presentation followed by a question-and-answer period.
<http://dovetailinc.org/content/working-forests-carbon-workshop-and-field-tour>
Mark your calendars for the Working Forests & Carbon event to be held June 9-10th, including a workshop at the Long Lake Conservation Center near Palisade, MN and a field tour the following day. The workshop will feature presentations by the Climate Action Reserve (CAR) and the American Carbon Registry (ACR) with details about carbon offset standards and forest project requirements. Great River Energy will discuss the latest on carbon policy and the energy provider perspective. The Aitkin County Land Department will provide an update on the development of a Northwoods carbon offset project. Registration is $120; Students $85. For more information contact: 612-333-0430; info@dovetailinc.org. Event organized by the Aitkin County Land Department, Forest Guild, Northeastern Area - US Forest Service, and Dovetail Partners. Additional information and registration detail available at
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