The objective of this paper is to provide a global review of the non-wood uses of conifers. For the purposes of this paper, conifers are defined as trees and shrubs of the botanical orders Coniferales, Taxales and Ginkgoales (Rushforth 1987). Although some services are briefly mentioned, the focus of this paper is on products which conifers provide species, which are important sources of non-wood forest products, and places where these products are harvested. With the exception of essential oils, which can be obtained from several parts of the tree, the products described are organized by the part of the tree from which they are obtained (e.g. foliage, bark and roots, resin, seeds and cones). Where possible, data on levels of production and international trade are presented. Problems associated with the sustainable management of these products and compatibility or conflicts with other land uses are also presented. Both contemporary and historical or traditional uses of non-wood products from conifers are discussed.

Temperate broadleaved trees grow in very different ecosystems in the northern and southern hemispheres, but are also found extensively in many tropical and subtropical mountain areas. A wide range of non-wood products are derived from temperate broadleaved trees, and their description is organized in this volume according to the part of the tree from which they are obtained (whole tree, foliage, flowers, etc.). This information is presented in order to raise awareness on, and assist in identifying, opportunities for the management and production of non-wood products from temperate broadleaved trees. The intended audience of this publication ranges from interest groups in the forest, agriculture and rural development sectors to conservation agencies in developed and developing countries.

Supplied with CD-ROM (in English, French and Spanish) inside back cover.

A quiet revolution is taking place in America's forests. Once seen primarily as stands of timber, our woodlands are now prized as a rich source of a wide range of commodities, from wild mushrooms and maple sugar to hundreds of medicinal plants whose uses have only begun to be fully realized. Now as timber harvesting becomes more mechanized and requires less labor, the image of the lumberjack is being replaced by that of the forager. This book provides the first comprehensive examination of nontimber forest products (NTFPs) in the United States, illustrating their diverse importance, describing the people who harvest them, and outlining the steps that are being taken to ensure access to them. As the first extensive national overview of NTFP policy and management specific to the United States, it brings together research from numerous disciplines and analytical perspectives-such as economics, mycology, history, ecology, law, entomology, forestry, geography, and anthropology—in order to provide a cohesive picture of the current and potential role of NTFPs. The contributors review the state of scientific knowledge of NTFPs by offering a survey of commercial and noncommercial products, an overview of uses and users, and discussions of sustainable management issues associated with ecology, cultural traditions, forest policy, and commerce. They examine some of the major social, economic, and biological benefits of NTFPs, while also addressing the potential negative consequences of NTFP harvesting on forest ecosystems and on NTFP species populations. Within this wealth of information are rich accounts of NTFP use drawn from all parts of the American landscape—from the Pacific Northwest to the Caribbean. From honey production to a review of nontimber forest economies still active in the United States—such as the Ojibway "harvest of plants" recounted here—the book takes in the whole breadth of recent NTFP issues, including ecological concerns associated with the expansion of NTFP markets and NTFP tenure issues on federally managed lands. No other volume offers such a comprehensive overview of NTFPs in North America. By examining all aspects of these products, it contributes to the development of more sophisticated policy and management frameworks for not only ensuring their ongoing use but also protecting the future of our forests.

This report reviews commercial and non-commercial non-timber forest products in Ontario, beginning with an introduction discussing the kinds of such products and their importance. Non-timber products are reviewed in the following categories: food products such as maple products, berries, honey, mushrooms, nuts, and wild rice; herbal & personal care products such as medicinal plants; materials & manufacturing products, including specialty wood products and essential oils; environmental products such as fuel wood, biological pesticides, and recycled wood waste; landscape & garden products such as landscape plans, mulches, and soil amendments; and decorative & aesthetic products such as Christmas trees, floral & foliage products, cones, and Native crafts. Issues associated with the development of non-timber forest products are then discussed, including sustainability, health & safety, and economic viability. Finally, recommendations are made that may help to advance the non-timber forest sector in Ontario.

Conifers have diversified stand structures, silvicultural systems, yields, and products and services. The continuous analysis and modeling of conifer stands improves understanding of stands and forests and allows the improvement of their productivity, benefits, and services while maintaining sustainability. Moreover, detailed knowledge of conifer stands enables the development of alternative management scenarios to cope with disturbances. This book is a collection of reviews and research studies in several fields and with different perspectives on conifer stand management, regeneration, growth, production, genetics, ethnobotany disturbances, and wooden constructions.