Who Will Own the Forest?

Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, World Forestry Center has reimagined our signature Timberland Investing conference.

Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, World Forestry Center has reimagined our signature Timberland Investing conference. We are excited to unveil Who Will Own the Forest: The Series 2020. This new virtual event is designed to retain all the unique values of the in-person conference: sharing innovation, building community, and being inspired.

Scheduled to run weekly from September to October, WWOTF: The Series 2020 is made up of five 75-minute sessions, each featuring a dynamic speaker in a custom format. Skip the risks, challenges, and expenses of travel, and join us from the comfort of home.

Who Will Own the Forest:
The Series 2020

September 23 & 30, October 14, 21, & 28

This year’s virtual event will highlight five timely forestry issues in a series of short “episodes.” Each will be followed by live Q&A and hosted interactive breakout sessions on a variety of topics.  The five-episode arc will play out every Wednesday from September 23 through October 28 (except October 7). 

  • 10:00 am   Pre-recorded episode
  • 10:30 am  Live Q&A with speakers
  • 10:45 am  Breakout sessions – Hosted interactive socials focusing on a variety of topics. 10-minute introduction followed by 20-minute discussion.

Registration will open shortly.

Register Now
Agenda

Interested in sponsoring?

Who Will Own the Forest: The Series 2020 offers multiple promotional opportunities and benefits for Sponsors, including unlimited registration passes, recognition in promotional emails, acknowledgements in each episode during the entire 6-week run, opportunities to host a breakout session, and advertising in digital proceedings.

Sponsorship Information

Agenda

1. The Reunion: A Talk With Industry Veterans on Timberland Investing

September 23, 2020

Industry veterans reunite for a broad discussion of how the forest asset class has evolved over the years.  How has timberland’s performance fared, what major trends should investors understand and where do they see the sector going?

  • Court Washburn, Hancock Natural Resource Group
  • Clark Binkley, ret.
  • Moderator: Timothy Fritzinger, Brooknoll Advisors

2. The US South Timberland Conundrum: Two Takes on the Value Proposition 

September 30, 2020

After a decade of flat performance, how does one make the case to invest in timberlands in the U.S. South?  What strategic factors drive an investment in the U.S. South versus other regions?  Where are the opportunities?

  • Douglas Reed, Green Diamond Resource Company
  • William Sonnenfeld, WillSonn Advisory

3. Artificial Intelligence and Forest Management

October 14, 2020

How innovative AI and aerial imagery can be combined to survey forests, transforming how landowners and conservationists can measure and monitor forests.

  • Zack Parisa, SilviaTerra
  • TBA, Microsoft AI for Earth

4. Mass Timber and the Future

October 21, 2020

How new investments in the development of a mass timber manufacturing sector in North America could fundamentally shift current assumptions for building materials and construction.

  • Karim Khalifa, Sidewalk Labs

5. The Future for Timberland Investing: A Conversation

October 28, 2020

Details TBA.

Breakout Sessions

After watching the pre-recorded episodes and participating in the Q&A, participants can join any of these smaller, interactive Breakout Sessions to network and discuss a wide range of topics.

Impact of COVID-19 on Wood Product Markets
Brendan Lowney, FEA

Mitigating Financial Losses from Climate Change – Risks for Timberland Owners
Phil Cottle, ForestRe

The Forest Resilience Bond – A Unique Investment Partnership
Zach Knight, Blue Forest Resources

Leveraging the US Trillion Trees Movement to Energize Forest Carbon Gains
Jad Daley, American Forests

Social Impact Investing in Forest Lands
John Pierce and Gwen Williamson, Perkins Coie

Other confirmed breakout hosts (check back for updates):

Adams and Reese
ArborGen
FORISK
Hancock Natural Resource Group
Mason Bruce & Girard
RSM

​​Continuing Education Credits: Pending

  • Society of American Foresters
  • Oregon Certified Public Accountants
  • Oregon State Bar
  • Oregon Appraiser Certification and Licensure Board

Thank you to our Organizing Committee:

  • ​​Clark Binkley, formerly GreenWood Resources, Committee Co-Chair
  • Jim Hourdequin, The Lyme Timber Company, Committee Co-Chair
  • Gwen Busby, GreenWood Resources
  • Carter Coe, Chinook Forest Partners
  • Tiffanie Starr, Timberland Investment Resources
  • Court Stanley, Port Blakely
  • Joe Taggart, LandVest
  • Marshall Thomas, F&W Forestry

​Questions? Email World Forestry Director of Professional Programs, Sara Wu at swu@worldforestry.org.