HD6 - Forest Products Economic Initiatives Plan for the Commonwealth of Virginia

  • Published: 1993
  • Author: Department of Forestry
  • Enabling Authority: House Joint Resolution 68 (Regular Session, 1992)

Executive Summary:
Pursuant to the 1992 House Joint Resolution No. 68, the Virginia Department of Forestry was requested "to promote Virginia's Forestry products industries through certain programs and initiatives."

In cooperation with other state agencies, as mentioned in the resolution, three specific initiatives were examined:

1. Exploring and promoting additional markets for pine pulpwood and chips.

2. Promoting the use of wood residues by creating linkages between residue producers and industries using residues in their manufacturing process.

3. Promoting interest in producing hardwood dimension products.

Working with other state agencies and private industries, the following actions were taken to accomplish the resolutions requests:

1. A list of all producers of pine pulpwood and chips was obtained for Virginia. A list of all users of pine pulpwood and chips was obtained from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Each list will be sent to buyers and suppliers respectively so additional markets are available for each. An International Market Planning study on the feasibility of exporting pine chips will be accomplished and available in early 1993.

2. Wood residues producers and buyers were identified and respective lists will be mailed to each to provide market contacts for them.

3. Three educational seminars will be held to stimulate interest in the production of dimension products. This should produce a value-added product from lumber processed in the state.

4. All materials, data, and information produced will be made available to all public/private agencies and individuals for the purpose of promoting better use of the state's timber resource.

Recommendations

1. Develop value added seminars for other wood products, which would include promotional and economic development material.

Estimated Funding Need: $20,000

2. Produce a video(s) showing how to manufacture hardwood dimension.

Estimated Cost: $15,000

3. Produce a manual on manufacturing hardwood dimension.

Estimated Cost (1,000 copies): $10,000