Tropical-Tree Investments Earn as they Grow
WOOD Magazine - August 2000
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Tropical-Tree Investments
EARN as they GROW
WOOD Magazine - August 2000
As he conducted business in Costa Rica for 20 years, Steve Brunner saw hillsides gradually being stripped of lush rainforest. Then, in 1991 he laid out a plan to start replenishing that loss and make a profit, too.
He and his wife, Sherry founded Tropical American Tree Farms, a Costa Rica-based managed forestry company that contracts to grow selected species of tropical hardwood trees from seedlings. The payoff for clients begins at about eight years after planting and ends when all the contracted trees are harvested. As the trees grow, they accrue dividends of size and quality. According to the Brunners, $3,400 invested in 100 planted teak trees yields about $100,000 over 25 years. "The client can opt for the yielded lumber and have it shipped after each cutting," says Steve.
"Whatever the client wants."
Besides providing investment for profit, the annual planting of tropical trees reforests about 4,000 acres. And the Brunners have protected nearly 3,000 acres of rainforest on their lands and have set aside to naturally regenerate some 1,200 acres. They hope that their operation serves as a positive example of a for-profit solution to the disappearing rainforest. For their efforts, Tropical American Tree Farms was given the Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers' 1999 environmental achievement award. Call 800/788-4918. Website: http://tropicaltreefarms.com. e-mail to
trees@tatf.com .
Steve Brunner stands among two-year-old teak trees on a Tropical American Tree Farms' plantation in Costa Rica
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