|
|
- Info
Non-timber forest products enterprises in the south: perceived distribution and implications for sustainable forest management
| Author: |
Chamberlain, J. L.; Predny, M. |
| Date: |
2003 |
| Periodical: |
In: Proceedings, First National Symposium on Sustainable Natural Resource-Based Alternative Enterprises for Private Landowners. [Publishing city unknown]: [Mississippi State University] |
| Link: |
http://www.srs4702.forprod.vt.edu/pubsubj/pdf/03t22.pdf
|
| Abstract: |
Forests of the southern United States are the source of a great diversity of flora, much of which is gathered to produce non-timber forest products (NTFPs). These products are made from resources that grow under the forest canopy as trees, herbs, shrubs, vines, moss and even lichen. They occur naturally in forests or may be cultivated under the forest canopy or in agroforestry settings. NTFPs may be marketed with little processing, such as dried roots and herbs, graded and bundled leaves and twigs, or live plants. Some are processed into finished products, such as carvings, walking sticks, jams, jellies, tinctures, or teas. Over the last decade, interest in managing forests for NTFPs has grown tremendously, yet very little is known about the materials collected, the people who collect them, or the enterprises that produce and market them. NTFP enterprises are found throughout the south, and may be small family owned operations with a few employees or may be an individual gatherer or craft person. The current state of knowledge about the major NTFPs is identified and discussed. We examine and present the estimated distribution of NTFP enterprises, by major product category, throughout the southern United States. This is correlated with ecological distribution of the major species and forest type data. Issues and concerns regarding the sustainable management of non-timber forest resources to support these enterprises are discussed. To sustain non-timber forest product enterprises will require considering and including them in forest management. |
|
