Impact Forestry in the Pacific Northwest - with Bettina Von Hagen

In this week's episode, I speak with Bettina Von Hagen, CEO, Co-Founder and Board Chair of EFM. In this conversation we talk about the unique characteristics of Pacific Northwest forests that make this region rich in opportunity for both commercial timber and an array of impact benefits. Bettina goes deep explaining some of the complex ecosystem functions at play in these forests, from migrating salmon to mycorrhizal fungi and the commercial attractiveness of most Pacific Northwest tree species. She describes the 5 R's that EFM applies to their forest management: Rotations, Retention, Reserves, Restoration and Relationships, discusses the carbon market opportunity, provides tips and tricks for making impact forestry operational, and how important active wildfire management strategies are in some of the regions EFM operates. QuoteIf you are serious about climate change, forests should be part of your portfolio. Forests - and other natural ecosystems are the way, are the important mechanism for accomplishing our climate goals over the next decade.Important linksEcotrust Forest Management (EFM)Bettina von Hagen on LinkedInFavourite trees: Western redcedar (Thuja plicata), Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis)Production teamHost: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesDetails02:27Introduction to EFM07:32EMF and impact investing09:265 R's of forest management: rotation, retention, reserves, restoration, relationships14:23Relationships with communities16:41Uptake of this change in silviculture approach19:19Others following in EMF's footsteps22:30How EMF monetise benefits other than carbon credits25:33Carry in funds structure27:45Investor sentiments towards forest impact strategies, and impact metrics (besides carbon)31:43Fire as part of natural ecosystem33:22Gender diversity and equality in the forestry industry, and difference in approaches40:05Next for EMF41:43Markets for ecosystem services is still very small44:47Actionable adviceSound 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.