The Wood Supply Research Institute is a joint project of professional loggers, forest landowners, wood consuming mills, educators, and manufacturers that facilitates and funds research to promote and improve efficiency in the wood supply system.

WSRI:
  • identifies and documents the structure and performance of the current wood supply system and identifies opportunities for improvement;
  • investigates ways to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively;
  • communicates research findings directly to WSRI members;
  • publishes key findings to benefit the entire forest products industry.

Founded in 1999, the Wood Supply Research Institute brings together all parts of the wood supply chain to address wood supply issues through research, since credible research is needed to identify the primary factors that could improve the efficiency, stability, and business successes of the total wood supply system.

What are WSRI’s critical research areas?

Stumpage Market Dynamics

  • Identify historic trends
  • Investigate key driving factors

Supply Chain Economics

  • Investigate cost components of the harvesting, transportation, receiving, and inventory processes from stump through primary manufacturing and provide regional cost trends

Factors Affecting the Wood Supply System

  • Physical factors: woodyard receiving limitations
  • Organizational factors related to communications
  • Impacts of new wood supply systems on consumers and suppliers
  • Competition with offshore producers of paper and other forest products

Suppliers/Manufacturers Communications and Relationships

  • Effect of quality and timing of planning on operational productivity
  • Effect of contract administrative policies and procedures on operational productivity
  • Effect of logging and manufacturing personnel attitudes and behaviors on operational procedures

How is WSRI governed?

WSRI is governed by a board of 21 individuals, ten representing wood suppliers, nine representing wood consumers, and two representing institutional land managers. WSRI’s current chairman is Crad Jaynes of the South Carolina Timber Producers Association, and Jim Fendig, of Fendig & Associates, serves as executive director. An executive committee of ten takes action on fast-track decisions.

A Technical Team comprised evenly of Suppliers and Consumers surveys the membership and identifies issues and opportunities that need to be resolved. The board then sends requests for proposals out to more than 60 qualified entities, and chooses one to undertake each project. Upon project completion, WSRI’s membership shares the detailed results, and publishes the general findings through the Forest Resources Association, and through other venues, to benefit the entire industry.

The Forest Resources Association provides administrative support to WSRI. FRA Director of Forestry Programs Steve Jarvis is the FRA staff liaison.

For information about WSRI’s membership and dues structure, please click here.