Hardwood industry research priorities in West Virginia.

摘要

A mail survey carried out in July 2002 was used to determine hardwood research technology priorities in West Virginia, USA. This paper provides direction to researchers with interests in developing and promoting a sustainable and profitable wood products industry. Results from a survey of 462 key personnel (owners and managers) representing the primary and secondary wood products manufacturers in West Virginia indicated that the top five hardwood utilization research needs were: (1) improved markets and marketing techniques for lower grade lumber; (2) new products and processing technologies to utilize lower grade logs and lumber; (3) new cutting technologies to reduce kerf and increase yields; (4) automated processing systems for hardwood logs and lumber; and (5) better utilization of by-products and waste. Highest rated hardwood forest management research needs were: (1) sustainability of the West Virginia forest resource; (2) long-term management/harvest systems for higher quality logs; (3) harvesting systems (impacts, productivity, and environmental effects); (4) regeneration of shade intolerant species; and (5) regulations..