Sustainable Forest Management by TIMOs Is Unlikely

摘要

In the long run, TIMOs will have a negative impact on sustainable management of forests. Their ownership will do nothing more than continue to drive bare land values higher, attempt to inflate timber values, and further fragment forest land ownership. Opportunities for ecosystem management will be further reduced and absentee ownership will accelerate as lands are held and marketed for high profit and development.rnAbsentee ownership too often lacks a positive, dedicated land stewardship component. Does anyone really believe that the cumulative intellect of the forest products industry (made up of educated, professional forest managers) has been so off base that a group of investment wizards can come along and justify two-digit profit margins on the same lands? The forest industry already had add-ons included in its management programs (hunting leases and other recreational leases). Attempting to elevate land and timber values and selling for development projects may be the only remaining opportunities - none of which are good for sustainable forest management or land conservation.