2024 is fully underway and the holiday season is behind us. With a strong sense of renewal, we are looking forward to the great things the new year will bring to our team and our clients.
We’ve been busy these the first days of the year with field work and project planning across the spectrum. Below are several articles we think you’ll enjoy.
Studies out of Michigan State University suggest that a specific type of wasp, Tetrastichus planipennisi, will likely play a critical role in suppressing the Emerald Ash Borer populations. Tetrastichus planipennisi is highly specialized in its host preference, primarily targeting Emerald Ash Borers.
Familiar to many throughout our region, our white oaks (Quercus alba) are vital for both our wildlife and our forest products industry. White oak sawtimber volume in Pennsylvania has increased 22% since 2004, even while the number of white oak trees has decreased 16% during the same period, a characteristic of maturing white oak forests. Many reasons factor into these data, and a new article by our team at FORECON offers insights.
Trends in the overall U.S. economy profoundly affect our local and regional forest products markets. Our team watches these trends closely so we can bring timely relevant insights for our loyal clients. Despite some headwinds, recent data support a positive outlook in a number of markets.
Here, our team offers you a review and commentary on trends in recent timber stumpage prices for a key portion of the region we serve, following last quarter’s Timber Market Report published by the Pennsylvania University.
Happy New Year! We hope 2024 brings you, your family and your business good fortune! Thank you and do let us know if we can provide further details on any of the items on this letter.
Brian Bullard President
FORECON, Inc., 1890 East Main Street, Falconer, NY 14733, USA, 716.664.5602
