posted 15 years ago
During my apprenticeship with the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute last summer, we took a field trip to a woodland that was being managed for timber as well as general ecological well-being and species diversity, along with a few non timber forest products such as various wild edibles. One of the questions I had for the stewarding forester was how to find sustainably harvested timber in different regions, since I don't live in the Finger Lakes region. He said it's generally word of mouth and you just need to ask around, talk to the guy at the sawmill, or use timber from people's woodlands that you know. Otherwise, it could be supporting clear cutting practices with no regard for ecological health.
I think this is a great place for people 'in the know' to spread word around as far as where one can get responsibly harvested wood products for whatever projects they have in mind.
I live in Rhode Island, and I have begun to manage approximately 60 acres of woodland for both timber and non-timber forest products. Right now, we’re beginning with the “worst first” approach, and simply doing species inventories before we make any major decisions. We are tapping some Black Birch trees for beer, wine, and syrup. We are inoculating some logs with shiitake spores in the spring. We have started some ash coppicing on the edges of crop fields, which also will shed more light on a ton of wild apple and pear trees we have found and want to restore. The list could go on and on. My business partner runs a woodworking shop, and we do business with a local sawmill. From our farm in Western Cranston, RI, I can offer different wood products for carving and turning projects. At this time, this includes apple, pear, and black birch. For those in Rhode Island or nearby locations, I can also offer lumber from our sawmill friend of any dimensions, and most locally growing species. I cannot say that all the wood from this sawmill has been harvested using permaculture principles, but it is better than going to the Depot and buying from afar. If you have an inquiry, just ask! You could also check out my ebay account, user name “rotundrum”. My business partner’s account user name is “Hendo304200”. I am currently going through medical screening for joining the Peace Corps, so all sales go to help support me through this process!
I encourage others to use this thread to let folks know where they can get locally and/or responsibly harvested wood products, or any products at all that they produce. It helps local economy, our ecological integrity, and it helps to support our permacultural lifestyles! Thanks!
Peace Corps Uganda
Agricultural Volunteer
Leaving August 9th!
