Missouri Shortleaf Pine Utilization Assessment
The Missouri Shortleaf Pine Utilization Assessment serves as a comprehensive and strategic resource for the Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri (FWAM), federal and state agencies, loggers, sawmills, and secondary wood product manufacturers by identifying key opportunities to expand markets for Missouri-grown shortleaf pine.
This study was initiated by FWAM with the Missouri Department of Conservation, the L-A-D Foundation, and the Mark Twain National Forest to address market constraints and the underutilization of Missouri’s shortleaf pine resource. By evaluating current and emerging market trends, industry capacity, and production feasibility, the report provides a clear roadmap for investment, innovation, and sustainable market expansion.
Strengthening markets will, in turn, support state-led priorities — such as those outlined in Missouri’s Comprehensive Conservation Strategy — while advancing broader landscape restoration goals, including the ones established in the Shortleaf Pine Initiative, Shortleaf Pine Restoration Plan. By integrating these objectives, the assessment presents a framework that balances economic growth, forest restoration, and the long-term sustainability of Missouri’s shortleaf pine resource.
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The report was divided into three parts:
Resource Assessment — A synopsis of the historical and ecological significance of shortleaf pine in the state and the restoration challenges associated with its sustainability. Utilizing USDA Forest Inventory and Analysis and project partners in Missouri’s shortleaf pine inventory, the resource is characterized by current distribution, ownership, age structure, diameter class, operability, and projected growth over the next 30 years.
Market Assessment — An in-depth analysis of Missouri’s forest industry capacity, wood utilization trends, growth-to-drain ratios and resource potential under various harvest scenarios. The report also examines the mechanical and physical properties of Missouri-grown, non-plantation shortleaf pine lumber, and explores potential forest products markets from shavings to mass timber. In addition, the assessment presents opportunities for industry collaboration, including the potential for developing a state-wide branding initiative: Missouri Shortleaf Pine — Strength Rooted in Tradition.
Business Plan — A sample business plan presenting the expansion of a shavings packaging facility into a manufacturing facility to procure local shortleaf pine and produce shavings in-house to their markets across the country. The business plan includes information on supply needs, processing equipment, labor requirements and production volumes. This business plan was used as the basis for a federal grant for a local Missouri pellet mill to increase utilization of shortleaf pine and brought in $1 million to the state.
This publication was produced for FWAM with support from the Missouri Department of Conservation in partnership with the L-A-D Foundation, the Mark Twain National Forest, and the Missouri Forest Products Association. The work this report is based on was funded in part by a grant from the USDA Forest Service.
