 M A N U F A C T U R I N G
SUSTAINING OUR CYPRESS FORESTS April 03, 2007 Corbitt Manufacturing Co., Inc. shares the concern of many people regarding the care and protection of our natural resources. Although cypress is a dynamic, self-renewing resource, we agree there are conditions under which this resource should be left untouched. We do not own or oversee any logging operations. We are manufacturers of finished wood products and have no involvement in the harvesting of timber, regardless of species. To help ensure the beneficial stewardship and sustainability of our forests, we leave this task to the experts. From our inception in 1964 to this date, we have never employed any loggers, logging crews, nor logging contractors. The landowners and/or loggers have the option to sell their timber to whomever they choose. There has been much discussion recently about the harvesting of cypress in protective coastal regions of Louisiana. Corbitt Manufacturing, Inc. adamantly supports efforts to protect these areas. This issue directly correlates to loggers using Best Management Practices to dictate their harvesting efforts. Best Management Practices is a system of land management criteria that guide landowners, and timber harvesters in operations that sustain profitable forest operations while protecting wetlands, soil, wildlife, water, forests, and other environmental concerns. When left unmanaged, forests become susceptible to disease, pests, and natural disasters. The changes seen in Louisiana’s wetlands are the result of saltwater intrusion. This intrusion is the result of extensive dredging activity and levee construction, not timber harvesting. The truth is, no logging removals are being done in true coastal areas. The Louisiana Forestry Association is the sponsor of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) in Louisiana. This initiative specifically addresses forestry practices designed to meet current needs without compromising the needs of future generations. The U.S. Forest Service recently reported that cypress forests are growing at 300% of total annual losses and 600% of logging removals. Many do not realize that the vast majority of Southern cypress forests are regenerated stands. This is living testimony to the regenerative power of cypress trees. Mulch represents only 6% of forest by-products and less than 1% of total forest production. It is a very small part of timber harvesting but offers maximum utilization of valuable resources. Mulch helps cover bare ground to reduce soil off gassing, lower greenhouse emissions, prevent erosion, eliminate weeds without chemicals, cool the soil, and conserve water. We all love and care about our forests and can become passionate about issues impacting their conservation. It is important, however, that forest conservation efforts be governed by facts and not by emotion invoked from misinformation. As a processor of wood products, Corbitt Manufacturing, Inc. has a huge interest in the sustainability and protection of forest resources. Using Best Management Practices in the harvesting of timber helps ensure the health and regeneration of our forests.
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