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FAQ & GLOSSARY
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What are Non-Timber Forest
Products? |
Some commonly collected nontimber
forest products (NTFPs) in the U.S. include wild mushrooms, berries,
ferns, tree boughs, cones, moss, maple syrup, honey and medicinal
products like cascara bark and ginseng. The term NTFP is less a
biological-ecological category than it is a political economic concept
intended to
highlight values overlooked or ignored in forest management systems
oriented toward timber production. The
boreal, temperate, and subtropical forests of the United States have
both an extensive diversity and density of nontimber forest products. A flexible definition of NTFPs
broadly includes all nontimber vegetation in forests and agroforestry
environments with, or potentially with, commercial value. However,
many species with commercial value are culturally and ecologically
sensitive, two critical factors (of many considerations) that can affect
commercial viability. For example, for every species that is
harvested commercially there are likely to be people who harvest for
noncommercial reasons (e.g., family tradition, subsistence). Other terms synonymous with nontimber forest product
include special forest product, non wood forest product, minor forest
product, alternative forest product and secondary forest product.
Other terms synonymous with harvesting include wildcrafting, gathering,
collecting and foraging.
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Why are NTFPs an
important component to sustainable forestry? |
Nontimber forest products can be used to
supplement or supplant timber cutting from forests ecosystems depending
on local variables (e.g., species abundance, accessability, labor
availability, cultural factors, forest management knowledge).
For example, even-aged timber management in coniferous forests reduces
forest complexity and diversity that helps mitigate against catostrophic
fire, disease, and errosion problems. Active management for NTFPs
can
play an important role in maintaining ecosystem complexity and biodiversity
simultaneously allowing for a broader selection of extractable products
for commercial, recreational and subsisntence uses. Currently the
lack of investment and infrastructure in the U.S. keeps NTFPs from
fulfilling the economic diversity they can bring to rural
forest communities and state economies.
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How could these products help
me add value to my forestland? |
Even with little
active management, NTFPs industries in the U.S. have been growing rapidly
since the mid-1980s, contributing billions of dollars to the U.S.
economy each year. By managing your forestland so that NTFP
diversity is allowed to flourish, you can potentially increase the
long-term value of your forests while simultaneously playing an
important role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest
management.
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What kinds of resources exist
to help me develop this aspect of my land? |
Resources are continually
being developed for this website so check back often. Also, it is
a good portel to other websites and resources like forestry extension
programs. A key resource about NTFP markets, production,
regulations and other issues for commercial production are other
businesses. Look for their products on store shelves and websites and
check NTFP databases like the
Oregon Forest Industry
Directory to get their contact information so you call or write to
them. Some businesses may not want to help a potential competitor but
many will, especially if there is a chance the connection could develop
into a mutually beneficial economic relationship.
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| Why is biodiversity
important? |
Biodiversity is the basis
of life on earth. NTFP development can help make
it economically practical for non-industrial landowners to
manage for greater biodiversity on their lands.
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commercial harvesters a detriment to NTFPs? |
Any negative impact from harvesting is trivial when
compared against NTFP species loss and habitat destruction
from mountain-top removal, new road building, and the
conversion of forests for development.
Commercial harvesters are commonly portrayed in the media,
by government managers, and others as resource thieves
using unsustainabile practices, despite the lack of credible research
studies to verify such accusations. There is always a
bad apple in every basket but it is counter productive to
sustainable management to perpetuate claims based on thin
data. Research by IFCAE
and other social scientists finds many harvesters are often
concerned about ecological health, experiment (through
trial and error and direct observation) to increase
productivity and protect habitat, educate each other on
best practices, and are willing participants in
collaborating with scientists and managers on NTFP
research.
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| Doesn't
harvesting usually harm the species? |
Many wild species populations respond favorably to some
disturbance of the ground, cutting of branches, or thinning
of populations. Some species are likely adapted to
anthropogenic activity, especially for species like ginseng
and camas that have been harvested for 1,000s of years.
Landowners interested in restoring historical anthropogenic
ecosystems rich with harvestable NTFPs will find books like
"Keeping it Living" by Deur and Turner, "People and Plants
in Ancient Eastern North America," and "People and Plants in
Ancient Western North America" by Paul Minnis invaluable
resources.
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Where are places I can
go to ask for advice?
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NTFP Information Exchange Discussion Forum.
Just register and post your question, somebody will
respond within 1 to 7 days usually, and you will be
notified by email if you selected notification.
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Resource Conservation and Development.
Some local RC&Ds have staff with knowledge about
commercial NTFPs, or know of local individuals with
expertise. Background: Over 40 years ago,
Congress established a unique program within the U.S.
Department of Agriculture that empowered rural people
to help themselves. The USDA focus was to assist local
people by providing tools and technical support to
stabilize and grow their own communities while
protecting and developing natural resources.
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Cooperative Extension.
Your local cooperative extension office can often be
very helpful for getting additional information and
help with commercial NTFP development. Background
on the Cooperative Extension System: The
Cooperative Extension System is a nationwide,
non-credit educational network. Each U.S. state and
territory has a state office at its land-grant
university and a network of local or regional offices.
These offices are staffed by one or more experts who
provide useful, practical, and research-based
information to agricultural producers, small business
owners, youth, consumers, and others in rural areas and
communities of all sizes. Thislink takes you to
the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture
website where they maintain a directory to help you
identify your local extension office.
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eXtension. This
link takes you to the eXtension website, a partnership
of 74 extension universities in the U.S. The website
does not have a lot on NTFPs as of spring 2010 but new
resources are being added all the time. They
offer a free service where you can submit a question
and get a response from experts in the partnership.
To submit a question go to
Ask xXtension.
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USDA Rural Development.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture maintains a network
of offices through the U.S. that you can approach for
advice on many matters of importance for NTFP
development, including funding, marketing and more.
Background: The mission of USDA Rural Development
is to increase economic opportunity and improve the
quality of life for all rural Americans through direct
or guaranteed loans, grants, technical assistance,
research and educational materials.
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National Network of Forest Practitioners.
NNFP has member groups and businesses that they can
refer you to for help with NTFPs. Background: The
National Network of Forest Practitioners promotes the
mutual well being of workers, rural communities, and
forests by supporting individuals and groups that build
sustainable relationships between forests and people.
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Rural Action. Rural
Action focus on the Appalacian region of the U.S. and
has many members involved in NTFP commercial actvities,
particularly forest botanicals.
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FAQS
Forthcoming
What is agroforestry and does it include wild NTFPs?
What is the difference between wildcrafting and forest farming?
Suggest a FAQ.
We welcome your suggestions for new FAQS. Click "Contact
Us" in the left side bar.
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