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In this episode of YourForest, Matthew Kristoff goes into detail about the future of forestry, exploring the evolving relationship between forest management, biodiversity, and society. Dr. Gary Bull, a renowned expert with decades of experience in forestry economics, policy, and sustainability, joins the conversation to discuss the shifting paradigms in how forests are managed and valued. From rethinking timber production to the integration of non-timber values such as biodiversity, carbon storage, and ecosystem health, this episode challenges conventional forestry practices and highlights bold new directions for the future.

Dr. Gary Bull is a Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia in the Department of Forest Resource Management. With expertise in forestry economics and policy, he has spent his career reimagining how forests can be managed to not only produce timber but also promote environmental sustainability. His work includes pioneering efforts in integrating carbon offsets, biodiversity credits, and other non-timber values into forestry management. Dr. Bull has worked internationally with various organizations, including the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, bringing his expertise to a global stage.

Key Takeaways:

Rethinking the Annual Allowable Cut: Discover why the traditional model of annual allowable cut in forestry is outdated and how we can shift to a more sustainable approach that prioritizes ecosystems over just timber production.
Circular Bioeconomy and Wood Products: Learn about the potential for wood to replace fossil fuels in creating products like plastics, biofuels, and even bone replacements, and how this can transform the forest industry.
Biodiversity and Carbon Credits: Understand how integrating biodiversity credits, carbon offsets, and other non-timber values can incentivize forest management for ecological health, not just timber yield.
Balancing Forest Health and Resource Production: Gain insights into how forest management practices can evolve to balance the need for timber production with the importance of maintaining healthy, resilient ecosystems.
Indigenous and NGO Collaborations in Forestry: Learn about the growing role of Indigenous communities, NGOs, and innovative collaborations in reshaping the future of forest management to be more sustainable and inclusive.

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Dr. Gary Bull

Notable Quotes:

[01:12:16] Dr. Gary Bull: “I do appreciate an entrepreneurial spirit and a pioneering spirit and a change in mindset, and that flexibility that comes with being bold and pushing aside that fear so that we can take action and be creative enough. We can figure out how to finance that action. Because if you haven't figured that part out, there's no action going to happen. I'm not dismissing volunteerism at all, and I do think people can contribute in lots of good ways without money being the currency. But I do think that this caution and this fear are probably what hold us back the most.”
[00:26:09] Matthew Kristoff: “Industry worried they're going to lose out on business. The government's worried they're going to lose out on tax dollars. These NGOs are worried that we're going to lose ecosystem health and so on and so forth. And it's all fear. Let's move away from the fear. Let's move away from the finger-pointing. Let's try and work together. Let's see what we can do here. Such huge potential. It's amazing. So it's really about changing the value system, changing how we see and incentivize this type of stuff.”

Takeaways with Timestamps:

[00:00:00] - Introduction to Forestry’s Future - Matthew Kristoff introduces the theme of rethinking the forest industry, focusing on the future of forestry and the new approaches to forest management that prioritize sustainability and ecosystem health.
[00:04:40] - Dr. Gary Bull’s Background - Dr. Gary Bull shares his background growing up in a natural resource-dependent community, his journey into forestry, and his global experiences in forest management, economics, and policy, providing context for his views on the future of the industry.
[00:11:40] - Non-Timber Values and the Role of Economics - Gary discusses the growing recognition of non-timber forest values like carbon storage, water quality, and biodiversity. He explains how these values can be incorporated into forest management practices and supported through economic policies and financial incentives.
[00:13:54] - The Forest Industry of the Future - Gary envisions a future where the forest industry embraces the bioeconomy, moving away from traditional timber-centric models to focus on replacing fossil fuels with renewable wood-based products. This segment explores innovative possibilities for forestry’s role in a sustainable future.
[00:19:26] - The Case for Pricing Environmental Services - The conversation shifts to the importance of pricing environmental services, like clean water and air, to create financial incentives for sustainable forestry practices. Gary highlights how these practices could be integrated into market systems to make them economically viable.
[00:22:05] - Global Examples of Collaborative Forest Management - Gary shares international examples of successful collaboration between industry, government, NGOs, and Indigenous groups, demonstrating how these partnerships can lead to innovative, sustainable forest management strategies.
[00:26:09] - Breaking Down Barriers Between Industry and NGOs - Gary and Matthew discuss the historical mistrust between forest industry stakeholders, including NGOs and government, and how overcoming these barriers through collaboration and trust-building is crucial for implementing more sustainable management practices.
[00:32:17] - Incentivizing Sustainable Forest Management - The discussion focuses on how to incentivize forest management companies to prioritize long-term forest health over short-term timber gains. Gary explores how creating financial incentives, like paying for biodiversity or habitat preservation, can shift industry practices.
[00:38:30] - The Role of Insurance and Real-Time Monitoring - Gary explains how the insurance industry can play a role in forest management by providing incentives for wildfire risk reduction, as well as the importance of real-time forest monitoring technologies to adaptively manage forests and mitigate risks like fires and floods.
[00:46:18] - The Power of Carbon Accounting - Gary dives into the role of carbon accounting in forestry, explaining how carbon credits can be used to incentivize better forest management practices. He discusses how companies can benefit from tracking carbon sequestration and reducing emissions through forest management projects.
[00:55:08] - The Call for Creative Destruction - Gary stresses the need for a "creative destruction" approach in forestry, where outdated practices are challenged, and new, bold ideas are embraced. He calls for innovation and flexibility in the forest industry to move towards more sustainable practices and to break free from conventional thinking.
[01:11:11] - Conclusion: Embracing Change for a Sustainable Future - In the conclusion, Matthew and Gary discuss how embracing calculated risks, challenging old ways of thinking, and fostering innovation are crucial for creating a sustainable and resilient forest industry in the future. They highlight the potential for positive change through collaboration and creative solutions.

ARTICLE

Why New Ideas are the Future of Forestry

Forests are part of our daily lives. They clean the air we breathe, protect the water we drink, and give us many useful products. For a long time, forest management was centered around sustained yield, the idea that if we maintain the number of growing trees on the landscape, the rest of the forest values would follow. Unfortunately, that does not seem to be the case.

Today's forests face more pressure from climate change, fires, and growing resource demand. That's why the way we manage forests must evolve. The future of forestry is about more than wood. It's about finding a better balance between nature and human needs.

Dr. Gary Bull, Managing Partner at Bull & Bull Management Consultants, is a well-known expert in this field. He's a Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia. His work focuses on building better forest systems that support people and the planet. He looks at forests not just for timber, but also for clean water, carbon storage, and wildlife.

He has helped shape policies in Canada and worldwide, working with local communities, governments, and big organizations like the United Nations. His goal is simple: make forest care practical, fair, and useful in the real world.

In this article, we'll look at how forestry might change over the next 30 years. We'll learn about smarter wood use, stronger forest rules, new tools, and the growing role of local and private groups in forest care.

How the Future of Forestry Is Expected to Change in 30 Years

Forests are more than trees. They provide clean water, fresh air, and support wildlife. However, for years, most forest plans focused mainly on cutting timber. That approach is no longer enough. The future of forestry needs to balance wood use with protecting nature.

Using Wood in Smarter Ways

Many countries are now looking at something called a circular forest bioeconomy. This means using wood to replace fossil-based products. For example, wood can be used instead of plastic, and it can even be used in medical tools.

Countries like Finland and Sweden are already leading in this area. Some companies aim to replace fossil materials fully with wood-based ones. This change will likely raise the need for wood. But instead of just cutting more trees, the goal is to use wood better and waste less.

Beyond Timber in the Future of Forestry

Forests offer many other benefits. They protect water, store carbon, and support plant and animal life. These things matter just as much as timber. So, future forest plans must include them.

That means:

Managing forests to lower wildfire risks
Protecting water by keeping forests healthy
Making space for wildlife and natural growth

Putting Real Value on Nature

One big reason nature gets ignored is that it's often unclear in price. If clean water or biodiversity had real value in budgets, people would protect them more. Some experts suggest using simple pricing methods to support better forest care.

It's not about selling nature. It's about making smarter choices. Governments, businesses, and communities must work together for forestry to work in the long run. When everyone sees the value in forests, beyond just timber, it becomes easier to protect them.

Building Balance in the Future of Forestry

Forests offer more than timber. Canada can lead by managing forests to support both people and nature.

Moving Beyond Protected Area Targets

Setting aside more land as protected is not the solution. We need to manage full areas with shared goals. Governments, companies, and community groups now work together in places like Brazil and Australia. They plan land use as a team, balancing wood supply with clean water, healthy soil, and wildlife.

Canada's Missed Opportunity

Canada has skilled people, good schools, and new tech. But old systems and fear of change often slow things down. The real problem isn't tools or knowledge, it's mindsets.

Change needs action, not just plans. We must include more voices, like investors, insurers, and Indigenous leaders, and work toward a common goal.

Next Steps for the Future of Forestry

Rethink Tenure Systems: Mills manage land they don't use. Let others, like Indigenous groups, manage it for nature.
Encourage New Incentives: Pay companies to protect forests, not just cut them. Reward actions that help nature.
Use Real-Time Tools: New tech lets us track forest health fast. This helps fix problems early.
Involve Insurers: Insurance groups can give lower rates to towns that reduce wildfire risks. This model works elsewhere.

Forests change all the time. Our plans should change with them. We already have the skills and tools. We need clear steps, shared goals, and bold thinking to build a better path.

Private Investment in the Future of Forestry

Forests give us more than wood. They help clean our water, support wildlife, and protect the climate. We need new ways to manage and fund forests to keep these benefits. Private investment can play a big role if we create the right system.

Using Nature Credits to Fund Forest Protection

Nature credits allow people and companies to invest in forest health. These include:

Carbon credits for storing carbon by protecting or growing forests
Water credits for improving water through restored wetlands or healthy land
Biodiversity credits for keeping habitats and species safe

These credits give value to things forests already do. Companies can buy them to meet their own goals while helping nature. However, current land rules and outdated forest agreements often make this difficult. Updating these systems can make space for more private money in conservation.

Raising Value Without Raising Volume

Instead of cutting more, we can earn more by making better products. Wood can now replace plastic in packaging, be used in medicine, or even make high-end goods. These products bring in more money per tree, which means less pressure to harvest more land.

Some projects already do this. They just need more support to grow. If we scale up smart forest uses, we can protect forests and support local jobs.

What Needs to Change?

Update forest tenure systems to include both harvest and conservation
Build strong partnerships with Indigenous groups, local experts, and businesses
Support new wood products that bring higher value
Share proven examples to show what works

Forests can give more if we think bigger and act together. The ideas exist. It's time to use them.

Why Creativity, Connection, and Carbon Matter for the Future of Forestry

Forestry can move beyond old ways. It needs fresh ideas, better tools, and stronger links between people and nature. Many forest workers want to try new things but lack the time, support, or money.

Give Space for Innovation

Change needs creativity. Right now, forest workers have little chance to test new ideas. We would see faster progress if they had even one day a week for innovation. Many have great ideas but need time, money, and backing.

Key needs include:

Time and money to experiment
Support to share and test ideas
Better ways to spread success stories

Share the Good Work Already Happening

Many groups do great work, from forest companies to Indigenous communities. Yet most people don't hear about these successes, especially in cities. This gap weakens support for forests. Connecting urban and rural people can help more people understand and protect forests.

Carbon Planning in the Future of Forestry

Carbon storage should be a key forest value. Projects that reduce wildfire risk or grow trees store more carbon. We can measure this and attract investment. While forests aren't permanent, 25- to 40-year carbon plans work well. Rewarding landowners for storing carbon will boost good forest care.

Let Go of Fear and Take Smart Risks

Fear of change slows progress. But taking small, smart risks brings new ideas and better results. Whether it means new products, partners, or funding, forestry must stay open to change. That is how we grow and protect forests together.

Conclusion

Forests give us clean air, fresh water, and many useful products. But for years, we mostly focused on cutting trees. That approach no longer works on its own. We now understand that forests must do more and last longer. The future of forestry depends on how we treat forests today.

We need smarter ways to use wood. We should make better products, waste less, and protect more. Forests also store carbon, reduce fire risk, and support wildlife. These benefits need clear value so people can protect them.

Moreover, we must include more voices in forest plans. Local groups, Indigenous leaders, and private investors all have a role to play. Many already have good ideas. What they need is time, support, and fair rules.

That said, change takes effort. But the tools, knowledge, and examples already exist. We just need to act on them. If we work together and plan carefully, forests can stay healthy for many years. This is how we build a strong future of forestry that supports both people and nature.

FAQs

What role will education play in the future of forestry?

Education will help train people in smart forest practices. It also helps the public understand why forests matter.

How does the future of forestry connect to food systems?

Healthy forests protect water and soil, which support farming. They also offer food like berries and mushrooms.

Can technology jobs grow in the future of forestry?

Yes. Jobs in forest mapping, carbon tracking, and data analysis will grow as we use more smart tools.

Will the future of forestry reduce global poverty?

It can help. Forest jobs and eco-tourism can support local incomes, especially in rural areas.

How can schools support the future of forestry?

Schools can teach kids about forest care early on. Simple lessons can build lifelong respect for nature.

164 - Rethinking Forestry: Bold Ideas for a Sustainable Future with Gary Bull