Potential industry for redcedar to be discussed

Thursday, October 3, 2013

The Aromatic Cedar Association (ACA) has a vision. During a meeting in 2008, the group stated by 2013 “Manufacturing cedar products has become one of the top 10 industries in Oklahoma.”

“As we look around today we can see a number of existing industries or operations potentially coming to the state that would utilize the redcedar,” said Craig McKinley, ACA board president and retired Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension forestry specialist. “We currently have very successful mulch operations and there are several entities looking at pellet production, methanol/ethanol production, charcoal facilities, etc. However, redcedar is far from being a top 10 industry.”

In attempt to boost the industry and educate landowners on the opportunities and options available, the ACA is hosting its annual Cedar Summit at the Enid Convention Hall, 301 S. Independence Rd, Oct. 12.

“Given our stated goals and the resource at hand, we all know the potential for economic growth and benefit is right here, right now,” McKinley said. “We also know that if the redcedar resource is going to be utilized to its fullest extent, a great deal of effort and dedication to that goal is required.”

The cost to attend the summit is $25 for ACA members and $30 for nonmembers, with lunch included. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., with the opening session beginning at 9 a.m. Following lunch a closing session will commence at 1 p.m. and last about an hour.

Topics for the summit will include innovations in harvesting, woody biomass storage and conversion alternatives. Those interested in attending can register by calling Debbie Hand at 580-233-4232 or emailing her at hand@growenid.com.

“We have met some of the goals but we haven't met all of them,” said McKinley. “Briefly stated, we're going to have to work harder and smarter if we're going to meet the objectives set out several years ago.”