An Integrated Approach to Realizing the Value of Maine’s Forest Resources
Principal Investigator: Adam Daigneault (School of Forest Resources, UMaine)
Partners: Ryan D. Wallace (Maine Center for Business and Economic Research) Mindy Crandall (School of Forest Resources, UMaine)
Abstract: Forests provide many critical ecosystem services, including production of fiber resources, carbon sequestration, protection of freshwater, and preservation of cultural values. In Maine, the economy depends heavily on the resource, which faces increasing pressure from shifts in ownership, declining markets, disturbance agents, and climate change. There is a continuing interest in determining the value of emerging markets and opportunities for Maine’s forest product industry and identifying cost-effective policies to achieve its market potential. Despite ample opportunities for better utilizing Maine’s forest resources, many uncertainties remain about how to translate pilot projects and proven ideas into commercialized entities, positive financial returns, and tangible socio-economic benefits. In addition, the current array of research associated with the forest products industry within the University of Maine System could benefit from a more integrated and systematic effort. To address this, researchers at the University of Maine’s School of Forest Resources and the University of Southern Maine’s Maine Center for Business and Economic Research will collaborate to develop an integrated approach to realizing the value of Maine’s forest resources. The research has two key objectives: (1) Develop an interactive database that tracks key indicators of the Maine forest products industry and a larger set of forest ecosystem services; and (2) Identify policy options to facilitate efficient and cost-effective pathways for transforming UMS’ forest products research into commercial-scale investments, improved land management activities, and sustainable business practices that enhance Maine’s economy. This project will serve as the basis for further funding for research that expands the University of Maine Systems’ capacity and capability to develop effective and cost-efficient decision support tools to facilitate more efficient and effective utilization of Maine’s forest resources.