Timber plus: Investing for Forest Health

In this episode, Shauna is interviewed by Matthew Kristoff of the Your Forest Podcast. In this conversation, they talk about what it means to invest in forests today – starting with the basics. Can individuals invest in forests? What is the traditional timberland investment model, and why doesn't it fit in most of Canada? Shauna shares insights on how timber remains a key driver of forest investment returns, but that new investors are approaching the asset class as part of a broader strategy that also values biodiversity, carbon, and cultural outcomes. They explore how investors can begin to account for forest benefits that have historically been valued existentially rather than financially, from climate resilience to community well-being. The discussion touches on practical pathways for finance—such as Indigenous partnerships, accessing secondary markets like biomass for bioenergy, and fire risk mitigation—that could open new pathways for forest investment in Canada.QuoteTimber is still the backbone of returns, but today it has to be part of a broader strategy that values biodiversity, carbon, and cultural outcomes.Useful ResourcesThe ForestLink newsletter signupYour Forest PodcastChapters[00:11] Introduction by Shauna – framing forest investment basics[02:32] Matthew opens – news about the podcast winding down[04:55] Introducing guest Shauna Matkovich and The Forest Link[15:56] Putting a value on biodiversity and carbon[22:06] How timberland investment began and pension fund role[29:42] Beyond carbon credits – biodiversity and risk reduction strategies[33:44] Partnerships and aligning different capital objectives[37:12] Timber, biodiversity, and investor–manager roles[42:03] KPIs and impact pathways for investors[44:28] Linking financial and ecological objectives[52:58] Public vs private land investment opportunities[01:17:51] Spectrum of investors – safe returns vs impact[01:24:00] How forest investment might change management in 30–50 years[01:31:44] Final reflections – facilitators of change and investor roles[01:33:01] Closing thanks and outroProduction 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/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign 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.