Abstract
Abstract
We estimated the economic effects on southern softwood timber producers and buyers of reduced western federal timber harvests and of reduced southern private harvests caused by federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Estimates were computed using applied welfare analysis and current stumpage market conditions. A range of likely changes in southern softwood stumpage markets were analyzed. The combined effects of the environmental regulations and western set-asides are expected to result in higher stumpage prices with little significant change in available quantity supplied. The results indicated that in the short run, timber producers in aggregate (although not necessarily individually) are expected to be the initial overall beneficiaries. Timber producers would realize a net gain (in producer surplus) of about 4.8% in the pulpwood stumpage market and 2.0% in the solidwood stumpage market, while stumpage buyers would realize a net loss (in consumer surplus) of about 4.9% in each market. The estimates provide means of valuing some of the tradeoffs that must be made between protecting the environment and growing timber. South. J. Appl. For. 18(4):156-162.