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Forest experts from across the state are gathering at the University of Connecticut tomorrow to discuss the preservation of the state’s woodlands. The forum, is taking a look at the impact of the global economy on local forests.

More than 80% of the state’s forests are owned by individuals and families. Municipalities, the state, timber companies and nonprofits own the rest. Many private owners would like to make enough money from timber sales to pay their taxes. That could keep the forests intact.  However Steve Broderick of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association says forest practices in some other countries are affecting the sustainability of local woodlots.

“Wide spread, indiscriminate. often illegal and unsustainable harvesting of oak in Siberia and Indonesia  and oak substitutes has create a crisis in the Connecticut timber industry where the prices paid today for landowners who grow and harvest timber are as low as 30% of what they were  just a few years ago.”

Broderick says these imports could have an impact on the preservation of the state’s forests.