The role of forest plantations in the world's future timber supply

Abstract

The nature of society's wood supply is changing. Traditionally, industrial wood has been harvested from natural forests created by nature. In the recent past, however, this situation has been changing. Planted forests have become common in some regions, e.g., much of Europe, over the past 200 years. Recently, since about 1960, intensively managed forest plantations have become increasingly common in a number of regions, including North America, Latin America, Oceania and parts of Asia. This paper explores some of the forces driving plantation forestry and some of the impacts. The experience of the U.S. is given as a type of "case study" of the types of changes that have occurred, and then a broader global discussion is undertaken. The effects of policy, technology and public attitudes on forestry are examined, both as they have influenced the past and as they are likely to impact forestry in the future.