What is the basis for managing under a 2.9% inventory cap?
The 2.9% inventory cap recognizes both substantive and community related goals. Substantively, a “percent-of-inventory” or “POI” cap will help recruit larger trees and higher inventories across the ownership regardless of market forces which may come into play. Many concerned citizens also believe that a harvest cap is one of the most simple and effective ways to assure that forests are not over-harvested. Over time, RFFI plans on harvesting no more than 2.0% POI on an average annual basis over a five-year period. Given, however, the financial flexibility that is required to manage a forest and a desire to sell ecosystem services, such as carbon, RFFI determined that it would be best to sell an easement with a 2.9% POI. This cushion provides RFFI with increased management opportunities while also assuring that its forest management and sustainability goals are achieved. • Will the inventory cap allow RFFI to complete the thinning and tan oak control necessary to restore the forest? Yes
