About NTFPs
 

What are Non-Timber Forest Products?

Some commonly collected nontimber forest products (NTFPs) in the U.S. include wild mushrooms, berries, ferns, tree boughs, cones, moss, maple syrup, honey and medicinal products like cascara bark and ginseng.  The term NTFP is not based on a biological or ecological category but rather is a political economic category useful for highlighting overlooked values and biodiversity that can occur when timber production is the primary focus of forest management.  The boreal, temperate, and subtropical forests of the United States have both an extensive diversity and density of nontimber forest products.  A flexible definition of NTFPs broadly includes all nontimber vegetation in forests and agroforestry environments with, or potentially with, commercial value.  However, many species with commercial value are culturally and ecologically sensitive, two critical factors (of many considerations) that can affect commercial viability.  For example, for every species that is harvested commercially there are likely to be people who harvest for noncommercial reasons (e.g., family tradition, subsistence).  Other terms synonymous with nontimber forest product include special forest product, non wood forest product, minor forest product, alternative forest product and secondary forest product.  Other terms synonymous with harvesting include wildcrafting, gathering, collecting and foraging.

Why are NTFPs an important component to sustainable forestry?

Essentially, NTFPs can be used to supplement or supplant timber cutting from forests ecosystems.  Even-aged timber management, the most common form of forest management in Pacific Northwest forests,  typically contributes to a decline in forest health through reducing complex ecological systems to monocrop tree plantations.  Active management for NTFPs on the other hand can potentially maintain ecosystem complexity and play an important role in restoring biodiversity and balance to damaged forests.  Furthermore, extraction of a broader range of natural resources other than just timber products can lead to economic diversity and stability for rural forest communities and the state economy in general.

How could these products help me add value to my forestland?

Even with little active management,  NTFPs industries have been growing rapidly since the mid-1980s and contribute billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year.  By managing your forestland so that NTFP diversity is allowed to flourish, you can potentially increase the long-term value of your forests while simultaneously playing an important role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management.

What kinds of resources exist to help me develop this aspect of my land?

Currently, existing NTFP businesses have most of the information about NTFP markets, production, and regulations.  However, forestry extension agents, sustainable development organizations, environmental consulting firms, and more are starting to become more knowledgeable about NTFPs.  Let these businesses and groups know you are interested in exploring NTFP options and ask for their help.

What are some main issues associated with NTFPs?

Gathering forest species for food, medicine, shelter, and other uses, dates back to the first human inhabitants.  Euroamerican pioneers who settled the country also gathered nontimber resources from the forests.  Some of these traditions continue to this day and are an important part of our heritage, embedded in our cultural fabric, and part of our national identity.  Thus, it is important that new commercial industries respect and not undermine these noncommercial use patterns.

Most NTFP extraction is done by harvesters working by hand.  Thousands of people across the country make part or all of their living as harvesters.  Some of these people are employees of businesses, but many are independent contractors with a vested interest in the well-being of the forest areas they harvest.  Many talk about the joy of working in the woods and their efforts to steward the land and resources they depend upon.  In recent years forest managers have restricted access to NTFP harvesters, squeezing them into smaller areas of the forest, increasing competition and tension between harvesters, and undermining stewardship incentives.  To avoid these problems, managers, harvesters, and all other stakeholders need to work closely together to educate each other and construct sensible and reasonable management approaches.

See the IFCAE NTFP Publication list for detailed discussions of NTFP issues.

Written by Eric T. Jones 2004.