These publications are representative of New England Forestry Foundation’s (NEFF) commitment to deliver actionable ideas and information to our diverse constituents, and to further scientific exploration of the contributions sustainable forestry and forest conservation can make to New England’s future. Our publications library provides access to:
Cross-laminated Timber in New England – With support from the USDA Forest Service, NEFF recently completed an analysis of the potential for a New England cross-laminated timber (CLT) mill. The analysis looked at the suitability of New England tree species, their availability, the potential cost of New England produced CLT, and likely returns on investment from a CLT mill.
Forestry Guides – NEFF’s expert foresters have compiled guides to sustainable forest management for beginners, experts, and everyone in between. They particularly highlight Exemplary Forestry, the NEFF-developed gold standard of sustainable forestry.
Mass Timber Dialogue Report – New England Forestry Foundation has participated in the Mass Timber Dialogue since it began in fall 2020; it investigates how mass timber construction, including but not limited to CLT, could be effectively increased across the New England region to help mitigate climate change. The group released a 2021 report that acknowledges full optimization of climate benefits depends on the implementation of climate-smart forestry practices like NEFF’s Exemplary Forestry standards. The report explains the benefits of mass timber, its current status, obstacles to increasing its use, and policy recommendations for actions that could be taken to increase its use.
From Engagement to Action – With support from the Overhills Foundation and numerous partners, NEFF produced a detailed report of its participation in the MassConn Woods Landowner Outreach Initiative, and in an Executive Summary, shares lessons and recommendations for scaling up investment in proactive outreach and communications to the private owners of New England’s woodlands in order to protect the future of our region’s forests.
Licensed Harvester Survey – Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation commissioned a survey to gain insight into the effect of weather on harvesting operations, cost, and implementation of Best Management Practices. Timber harvesters are a critical link in the supply chain that produces renewable wood products and achieves forest management goals. Given that, it is important to understand the economic, environmental, and social challenges they may be facing and consider ways state agencies and partner organizations can help ensure these businesses continue to operate sustainably—both from an environmental and economic perspective. NEFF led the design of the logger survey, with input from a number of partners, and also administered and analyzed the survey.
“Forests, Forestry, Cities and Mitigating Climate Change: A Systems Approach” – This September 2020 essay from NEFF Executive Director Bob Perschel explains our best path forward if we want to maximize New England forests’ ability to mitigate climate change—and lays out the systemic challenges that stand in our way.
The Path to Sustainability – New England’s forests have tremendous potential to provide economic, environmental, and social benefits to the citizens of New England. Right now, some of that potential is slipping away. This NEFF report summarizes the benefits our region’s forests could provide, starting with the premise that we keep New England Forested.
Massachusetts Forest Scenarios – What will Massachusetts look like in 50 years if current trends in population, development, and economic activity continue? This NEFF report investigates four different future scenarios, and analyzes how changes to the landscape will influence the ability of our forests to provide benefits including clean air, clean water, forest products, recreation, and wildlife habitat.
The Place You Call Home – NEFF partnered with Northern Woodlands magazine to create both a Massachusetts and a Connecticut edition of this resource guide for landowners. Each guide combines practical information about conservation, logging, and tax programs with engaging articles about wildlife habitat, birds, and invasive species.
Into the Woods – Quarterly – Articles in our quarterly print publication range from updates on NEFF programs and news and research connected to the New England woods, to stories of the people and places that inspire forest conservation throughout New England. In each publication you will find donor lists of of the organizations, foundations, and individuals that make our work possible.
