May 22, 2019 — In an age of catastrophic wildfire, there’s been some enthusiasm for forest management practices that involve thinning small-diameter trees and underbrush. Much of that material has long been thought of as unusable. But a year-old organization called the Forest Reciprocity Group, an initiative of the Cloud Forest Institute, has some ideas for how to use small poles to build fences, furniture, and even homes. Its members say this method of tending the forest and using unconventional lumber can benefit the environment and have a positive effect on the local economy.
We’ll hear from three members of the Forest Reciprocity Group about how they plan to move forward, what’s already being done with forest thinnings, and what their top priorities are. For those who would like to learn more, Polecraft Solutions, a local construction firm that specializes in using this material, will be demonstrating how to put together a poleframe cabin kit on May 25. That’s in Laytonville, just north of The Chief, at 44450 Hwy 101, from 10am-3pm. There will also be a round pole furniture workshop and informational booths.