The Forest Reciprocity Group (FRG) is an initiative of Cloud Forest Institute. The focal strategy of FRG for improving ecosystems and fire resiliency in the western region is the utilization and promotion of small diameter trees thinned from overburdened forestlands. FRG aims to collaborate with First Nations, land-owners, and local and state agencies in the sales and utilization of materials thinned from forest improvement projects for value added timber frame homes, and many other meaningful products.
By understanding and developing new economic incentives, we can remove fire fuel loads and turn them into meaningful products, steward forests back to fire-resiliency, foster biodiversity, mitigate CO2 gas emissions and create meaningful full-time jobs in local Mendocino communities. A replicable model providing profitable opportunities based in restoration for all forest interface communities and partners.
Preventing catastrophic wildfires by incentivizing bio-regional economic development of small pole utilization can change the way we think about housing and our relationship with our forests. The concept of forest reciprocity can be an invaluable advance for long term carbon sequestration, local economic development, and the interface of forestland and human ecologies across many bioregions.