Short Rotation Woody Crops in the Industrial West

Chuck Kaiser, Don Rice, and Bill Schuette, James River Clatskanie, OR

Since the conception of Short Rotation Woody Crops operations, many varied strategies have been attempted to maximize tree survival and yields per acre while reducing costs associated with crop management. The complexity of determining what to do, when, and with what has been compounded greatly with the entrance of four major wood producers widely located in the Pacific Northwest -- i.e. MacMillan Bloedel in northern Washington, Georgia Pacific in southern Oregon, Potlatch Corporation and Boise Cascade Corporation in central Oregon/Washington. Each area of operation is unique in itself and will require field and harvesting operations tailored to meet the demands of crop production.

Attempts have been made to bring these interested parties together to focus on operations that might be common to all in order to collectively determine a procedure for overcoming deficiencies in the production of hybrid cottonwood. The uniqueness of everyone’s program has prevented any progress to date. Although not a conclusive list, the following areas have been identified in the past as needing further investigation.

1. The industry must begin to promote multiple product markets. Presently, all large growers have targeted their operations for providing raw material for the production of pulp and paper. This market, to say the least, is always fluctuating and unsteady and may not be the best practice for everyone. Markets for saw logs, plywood and oriented strand board should be developed. This would provide security for all growers especially the small, local farmer who is attempting to find a supplemental crop that would lead to a diversified income.
2. A continuing genetic research strategy should be developed regionally. Presently, major companies are expending large sums of money in their individual genetic research and development programs. This includes participating in joint, cooperative programs with university groups including all other companies within the region. Much duplication of time and energy are being expended in this endeavor. This could be reduced if a joint research program was initiated so breeding material and efforts were available for all to use.
3. Animal damage mitigation will become a necessity in the near future. This problem is only growing as more and more plantations are planted throughout the Northwest into areas normally inhabited with deer, elk, moose, etc. Federal and state fish and wildlife agencies must become aware of this fact with existing laws and regulations modified to meet this new occurrence.
4. Much work remains in attempting to reduce harvest cost. This cost represents up to one-half of the total expenditures in providing material for a pulp mill. All facets of harvesting from felling/bunching, skidding/forwarding, delimbing/debarking, chipping, and transportation must become more efficient and less costly if the industry is to survive.
5. New methods must be developed for post harvest site preparation and ensuing cultivation that will fulfill the many situations existing among major growers in the region. Although a method has been somewhat successful for one company, it may not come close to fulfilling the requirements of other major producers.
6. Genetic engineering must become a top priority for all wood producers. This program is in its infancy in the Northwest with the Tree Genetic Engineering Research Cooperative. Nationally, this will become important for all wood producers as a united voice must be raised to work through stringent federal and state regulations regarding “bio-tech” plants and trees. Setting priorities and following through will eventually enable SRWC growers to have material that will enable them to be good environmental stewards at the same time easing the ever-present paranoia of “another monster weed.”
7. The next area tying closely with genetics is alternatives to herbicides/insecticides through IPM (integrated pest management) programs. Some work is now in progress to work with universities to study natural pests and their predators in order to combat these detrimental pests. Much work needs to be done including developing manufacturing of beneficial insects locally in the region. Although this goal is obtainable, some herbicide/insecticide use will continue. The process required to have chemicals labeled for use on hybrid cottonwood needs to be revamped in order to have them for use on a more timely basis as well as reducing the cost. Further development and/or selection of new or old chemicals not labeled for SRWC needs to continue.
8. Companion crop development is the next area that needs considerable effort in answering questions such as:
   1. Are there any?
   2. What are they?
   3. What techniques need to be used so that yields and/or survival is not hampered?
   4. Will it be part of a total IPM plan or can it stand alone?
9. Finally, alternatives for harvest residue must be developed. Presently, few options are available to most producers. Hog fuel markets, composting, and in-field use as a soil additive or top-dressing mulch are those now being pursued.

In summary, the western industry has many challenges facing it today. A discussion of this list with all producers in the west would have identified more areas than are presently listed. The opportunities are there; we just need to capitalize on them!

File posted on March 17, 1998; Date Modified: February 21, 1999