Research Brief #18

An Analysis of State Level Economic Development Programs Targeting the Wood Products Industry
Louisiana Forest Products Development Center
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA

Research Objectives

This research first reviews a sample of forest products oriented development efforts in place in the United States and then discusses the results of a study that examines state level initiated wood products industry development policies and programs. This exploratory study identifies elements of successful programs targeting economic development in the forest products industry throughout the United States. Specifically, the study discusses how forest products development programs are initiated, planned, funded, promoted, and evaluated

Conclusions

In spite of development detractors, many regions are pursuing value added natural resource processing strategies. For example, many states are fostering economic diversity in their forest resource based industry sectors. Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington are examples of states that are taking advantage of abundant resources to improve economic conditions within their borders.

While nationally, studies indicate that natural resource based economic development is risky and of limited potential, some states are successfully targeting rural development of the wood products industry sector. States in regions with abundant forest resources are developing new approaches to stabilize rural economies and maximize economic contribution. By combining public sector infrastructure resources and private sector capabilities, value added forest resource based programs are emerging as stimuli for employment growth. However, defining and implementing effective wood products industry economic development programs at the state level are daunting tasks complicated by a myriad of factors.

Researchers

• Richard P. Vlosky, Assistant Professor
  Forest Products Marketing
  Louisiana Forest Products Laboratory
  Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
  Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• N. Paul Chance, Graduate Research Assistant, Forest Products Marketing
  Louisiana Forest Products Laboratory
  Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
  Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Anne Burrell-Smith, Honors Student
  Louisiana State University
  Baton Rouge, Louisiana