Trends in global shipping and the impact on Alaska’s forest products

Forest Regions of the World

“…Since about 1990, the boreal forests of the Kenai Peninsula and interior Alaska have experienced significant spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis) outbreaks (Boucher and Mead 2006). Most (about 75%; over US$100 million) of the forest product exports from Alaskan forests are to Asian countries, and most of these are in log form, from private forestlands (Roos et al 2011). The economies and communities of southeast Alaska are diverse and affected by forest management direction, and while southeast Alaska has an abundant supply of forest resources, they are primarily controlled by the federal government (Crone 2005).…”