While regulatory issues are key to the continued supply of logs for processing, nationwide public sentiment is driving those industry pressures making them difficult or impossible for us to effect locally. National media coverage of timber issues has effected the overall image of Humboldt County to the outside world. Local community support is of key importance to local industry success and currently there are many misconceptions about the timber industry. Transportation availability and cost is the key element for competitive positioning of local lumber products. Transportation will become an even greater issue when harvesting hits it peak in 10-15 years.
Urban encroachment poses threats to future ability to harvest timber stands.
Logs are imported at a cost similar to local supplies. Supply fluctuations effect the ability to plan effectively, increase costs to secondary manufacturers, decrease manufacturing efficiencies and result in unstable employment. Workforce training needs to include computer technology. Redwood is the niche product being shipped out of the County. Land logged 30-50 years ago and replanted will be ready to harvest in the next 15 years increasing standing timber available for harvest.