Growing Trees, Growing Futures: Ecological Forestry with Kirk Hanson"

In this episode, we talk with Kirk Hanson, Director of Forestry at the Northwest Natural Resource Group, about his journey from Minnesota to Washington State and his work in sustainable forestry.

Kirk has spent years promoting ecologically sound forestry practices that benefit both forest health and landowners’ financial interests. His passion for nature has driven him to create a balance between conservation and economic gain for small forest landowners.

Kirk Hanson’s Forestry Path

Kirk’s love for the outdoors began in Minnesota, where he developed a fascination for nature and gardening. Upon moving to Washington State, he became captivated by the region’s lush forests and their potential. This inspiration led him to shift from public sector work to a nonprofit role at NNRG, where he now helps landowners manage their forests sustainably.

His role focuses on guiding forest owners to balance economic returns with conservation, using methods that promote long-term forest health.

Sustainable Forestry vs. Industrial Forestry

In this episode, Kirk discusses the differences between sustainable forestry and traditional industrial methods. Industrial forestry often relies on clear-cutting, which can damage the environment, deplete biodiversity, and degrade soil quality. Instead, Kirk advocates for perpetual thinning, a practice that selectively removes weaker trees to promote the growth of stronger ones. This method maintains biodiversity, supports forest resilience, and improves the long-term productivity of the land.

Kirk emphasizes that sustainable forestry can be both environmentally friendly and financially viable. Practices like tree pruning, habitat creation, and pre-commercial thinning ensure forests remain healthy while still generating revenue for landowners.

Timberland as a Sustainable Investment

Kirk also explores how timberland can be a sound investment, especially when approached from a sustainable perspective. He recommends purchasing properties with restrictive easements, which lower acquisition costs and guarantee responsible management. This allows for long-term access while maintaining the ecological value of the land. For forest owners, managing their timberland with these principles can offer both privacy and economic returns over time.

FSC Certification

Kirk discusses the importance of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification, which ensures responsible forest management practices. He outlines how small forest landowners can navigate the certification process, which can open doors to new markets and help them sell timber at a higher value. Though challenging, FSC certification is a rewarding way for landowners to support sustainability while profiting from responsible forestry practices.

Looking Ahead: New Projects

Kirk also shares his plans for future projects, including a potential book on permaculture principles in forestry and women’s involvement in forest management. His future work will continue to explore ways landowners can take a more active role in sustainable forestry while blending it with broader ecological practices.

Key Takeaways:

• Sustainable forestry balances conservation with economic returns.
• Perpetual thinning and tree pruning enhance forest health.
• Timberland investment can be both profitable and ecologically responsible.
• FSC certification supports sustainability and opens new market opportunities.
• Kirk Hansen’s future work will continue to focus on practical, sustainable forestry solutions.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Kirk Hansen and the Northwest Natural Resource Group:
• Read Kirk’s co-authored book on ecological forest management: