US Southeast Timberland Markets in Transition — A University Perspective with Erin Lincoln

The ForestLink newsletter sign-upHarley Langdale Jr. Center for Forest BusinessToday, I’m joined by Erin Lincoln, Director of the Harley Langdale Jr. Center for Forest Business at the University of Georgia, for an academic, data-driven look at what’s happening across timberland markets in the U.S. Southeast. Erin breaks down how hurricane impacts, permanent pulp and paper mill closures, and soft housing starts are reshaping demand for small-diameter wood—and what that means for landowners, communities, and investors. We explore where opportunity may emerge next, from bioenergy, carbon capture and storage, biochar, sustainable aviation fuel and natural capital themes, alongside the growing role of higher-and-better-use (HBU) revenue streams. Erin also explains how investor expectations differ across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, why reporting requirements are pinching TIMOs, and where AI could unlock new efficiency across forestry operations, compliance, and decision-making.Forestry is extremely data intensive, and AI has the potential to fundamentally change how we manage forests—from thinning decisions to trucking efficiency and compliance.00:00 Welcome to Forest Invest00:32 Erin Lincoln’s favorite tree (and why oaks matter)01:02 Erin’s career path and role at the Center for Forest Business02:10 Education, outreach, and research at UGA03:19 Why the program is known for forest finance and economics04:48 Setting the scene: the state of the US forest industry05:00 Mill closures in the Southeast and hurricane impacts07:12 Housing starts, inflation, and pressure on sawmills08:04 Declining paper demand and global competition09:09 Permanent mill closures and real estate constraints10:05 Downturns create opportunity: bioenergy, biochar, SAF11:39 Public perception of forestry and sustainable harvesting14:43 What investors should know right now14:56 Real estate, HBUs, and diversified revenue streams16:16 ESG, natural capital, and return expectations17:24 US vs European investor priorities18:41 Reporting burdens and pressure on TMOs20:06 Specialisation in a maturing timber investment market22:01 What future forest investment professionals care about23:52 Generational shifts in forestry careers25:56 Research priorities: natural capital and bioeconomy27:42 Measuring the full economic impact of forestry28:42 Key knowledge gaps in carbon and forest products30:04 The role of investors in shaping innovation31:04 Advice for young foresters choosing a specialty32:34 Why Erin is optimistic about the sector’s future33:31 Artificial intelligence in forestry and timber investment36:32 Where AI is already improving efficiency38:08 One actionable piece of advice for new investors39:18 Where to learn more about the Center for Forest Business40:01 Closing remarksProduction teamFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesSound libraryNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudSign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.