We recently completed work in the area of forest product opportunities for northern Alberta from traditional uses of dimension lumber to new bio-chemicals. We examined the pine beetle effects and reviewed some of the actions that a community leadership group can take to help address these long-term issues.

""It is important to examine current economic and market conditions to help understand the sector investment perspectives in Alberta and Canada. Currently, the USA housing market appears to have about 2 million unsold houses and related economic declines in 2008 and even into 2009. A short term market change in the USA economy is not likely and will negatively impact the forest products sector. However, the Canadian renovation marketplace is still relatively strong and the issue of continued low interest rates will have a bearing on the product and opportunity outlook.""

The World Forestry Center in Portland provides a good network into the world's leading thinkers on forestry. Forests provide enjoyment, jobs, habitat and life for people throughout the world. We recently travelled to the Center to meet and discuss their programs and ideas.

Another interesting place we have visited is Earth University in Costa Rica. Earth tries to prepare its leaders with ethical values to contribute to sustainable development.   The focus is on resource management and entrepreneurship.  

Resource sectors are becoming highly important natural resources to sustain and need to be carefully managed in a global economy. Forests offer many opportunities for current and future generations.