Non-Timber Forest Products
Our region's mixed mesophytic forest holds great promise. In
addition to a diverse mix of high-value hardwood species, the
forest is filled with non-timber forest products whose potential
is yet to be fully explored: gourmet mushrooms such as blue oysters,
chanterelles, morels, and chicken of the woods; medicinal herbs
such as ginseng, goldenseal, blue cohosh, black cohosh, bloodroot,
and numerous others; wild fruits such as paw paws, persimmons
and wild cherries; nut trees like black walnuts, hazelnuts, hickory
nuts, and others; and ornamental plants valued by florists, wreath
makers and other craftspeople.
For a look at the Sustainable Economies Initiative please see the Sustainable
Economies Initiative Strategy Paper. This economic initiative is centered
on four principles:
1. Keep local dollars local
2. Close the environmental loop
3. Build on unique local assets
4. Expand local ownership and ownership options