Today in honor of National Forest Products Week 2020, we take a look at the Sustainable Forestry Carbon Cycle. Not only do forests provide a renewable source of forest products, but they also sequester carbon. And that carbon can be stored in long-lasting wood products like lumber, furniture, etc. So, as we continue with National Forest Products Week 2020, let’s take a quick look at the carbon benefits of sustainably managed forests.
The above graphic comes from Washington’s Working Forests, recent Facebook post. Adapted from California Forestry Association materials, we see the cyclical nature of forest management and the associated manufacturing of forest products. Managed forests go through a cycle of growth, harvest, and reforestation (aka planting in most cases). The harvested wood is manufactured into the many wood products we used every day.
More than Just Wood Products
And more than just wood and paper products are manufactured. Chips and sawdust (referred to as residuals) from the harvest and manufacturing process are used to generate energy. Today many sawmills produce excess power that is sold into the power grid and renewable energy. Additionally, in some communities, stand-alone power plants use wood for fuel. And a portion of the carbon generated from other sources (transportation, other manufacturing, etc.) is captured by the trees as the managed forest grows.
Active forest management is a tool to provide society with needed wood products and is a tool to sequester and store carbon. So, as we continue with National Forest Products Week 2020, let us all remember the multiple benefits from wood products.