Having lived and worked in the Sierra for more than 35 years, I've watched as regulations have expanded while the economic viability of harvesting trees on smaller forest ownerships has deteriorated. This has been exacerbated in the last few years with the substantial increase in prices paid for undeveloped forest land. So if a person who owns 40 acres of forest land with average productivity harvests timber on a sustainable basis, they may generate $15,000 to $25,000 every 15 years before income taxes. In the interim between harvests, the landowner pays property taxes and maybe, insurance. On the other hand, a 40-acre property where I live (Susanville) with decent access will sell these days for $100,000 or more. Thus, the economic incentive is for the owner or their heirs to eventually sell to somebody who wants to build a house. In my experience, residences in the forest tend to have greater negative impacts on water quality, soil erosion and wildlife, and activities are regulated far less than timber harvesting. The west side of the Sierra is facing this threat much more than on the east side where I live, but in my opinion, it is one of the biggest threats to long-term conservation of our private forests.
A Big Threat to Our Forests - Urbanization
Having lived and worked in the Sierra for more than 35 years, I've watched as regulations have expanded while the economic viability of harvesting trees on smaller forest ownerships has deteriorated. This has been exacerbated in the last few years with the substantial increase in prices paid for undeveloped forest land. So if a person who owns 40 acres of forest land with average productivity harvests timber on a sustainable basis, they may generate $15,000 to $25,000 every 15 years before income taxes. In the interim between harvests, the landowner pays property taxes and maybe, insurance. On the other hand, a 40-acre property where I live (Susanville) with decent access will sell these days for $100,000 or more. Thus, the economic incentive is for the owner or their heirs to eventually sell to somebody who wants to build a house. In my experience, residences in the forest tend to have greater negative impacts on water quality, soil erosion and wildlife, and activities are regulated far less than timber harvesting. The west side of the Sierra is facing this threat much more than on the east side where I live, but in my opinion, it is one of the biggest threats to long-term conservation of our private forests.
Phil Nemir