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Restoring Forests, One Rare Tree at a Time
21 Jun
Summary
- Jacobs restores rare trees, aiming to repay a debt to the planet.
- He mills dying hardwoods, replanting clones and setting aside revenue.
- His methods contrast with the industry's quick-harvest Douglas fir preference.
Rod Jacobs, a resident of Elmira, has transitioned from a career in the timber and transport industries to focusing on ecological restoration and sustainable practices. He now owns Unique Woods, a business specializing in hand-milling rare hardwood species, primarily for instrument makers.
Jacobs endeavors to atone for his past involvement in exporting hardwood logs, which he estimates at around 2,000 trees. His current approach involves harvesting only dying trees and ensuring future growth by leaving stumps to produce clones. These new tree starts are then distributed to local tribes and land trusts.
His business model allocates 7.5% of revenue to tree restoration. Jacobs actively participates in initiatives like the 100 Figured Maples Project and supports the Coquille Indian Tribe's forest management. He advocates for the instrument industry to adopt more conscientious sourcing practices, highlighting the environmental benefits of diverse hardwood forests over monoculture Douglas fir plantations.
