What Paper Mill Closures Mean for Forest Landowners in the Carolinas
The closures of major paper mills, including International Paper's Georgetown Mill in South Carolina and Evergreen Packaging's Canton Mill in North Carolina, have had a significant impact on forest landowners throughout the Carolinas. For those who have relied on timber income for decades, the sudden loss of major markets has created uncertainty that few could have imagined.
As someone who has spent my entire career managing timberland and working with private landowners, it has been difficult to watch. We have gone from an environment of strong competition for wood to one where landowners are asking whether it still makes sense to actively manage their forests.
The good news is that while the situation has certainly changed, it has not eliminated the value of good forest management.
Your Options Depend on Your Local Markets
Every property is different. The best management decisions depend largely on where your land is located and what forest product markets remain within a reasonable hauling distance. Some areas have experienced much greater impacts than others.
Although stumpage prices have declined in many regions, there are still mills purchasing sawtimber, chip-n-saw, poles, and pulpwood. Prices may not be what anyone wants to see, but for many landowners they are still sufficient to justify continuing sound forest management.
Consider Your Long-Term Objectives
When evaluating whether to continue managing timberland, the most important question is often:
What is the realistic alternative use for the property?
For many rural properties, remaining in forest or agricultural production continues to be the highest and best long-term use. Timberland still offers benefits beyond periodic income, including wildlife habitat, recreation, aesthetics, family legacy, and potential long-term appreciation.
While there has been considerable discussion about alternative land uses such as solar developments, carbon markets, wetlands mitigation, or residential development, those opportunities are not available—or appropriate—for every property. Each should be evaluated carefully against your family's long-term objectives.
Expect Management to Require More Patience
One reality many landowners are experiencing is that management activities simply take longer than they once did.
With fewer logging crews, reduced mill capacity, and longer hauling distances, scheduling timber harvests has become more challenging. At the same time, the costs of forestry services have not declined. Consulting foresters, loggers, equipment operators, and contractors still must operate profitable businesses in order to continue providing quality service.
As a result, landowners should expect projects to require additional planning and greater patience than they did just a few years ago.
Don't Make Decisions Based on Today's Market Alone
Timber has always been a long-term investment. Markets have experienced cycles before, and they will again.
While today's environment is certainly difficult, making permanent land-use decisions based solely on a temporary downturn can have lasting consequences. A well-managed forest remains a valuable asset, and thoughtful management today can position your property to benefit when markets improve.
The current market requires flexibility, realistic expectations, and careful planning—but it does not mean that active forest management has come to an end.
Working with an experienced consulting forester or land specialist who understands both timber markets and rural land values can help ensure that your property continues to meet your financial and personal goals despite today's challenges.
