Interest in, and income from special forest products are on the rise. This Web site, one of the first of its kind developed in the Midwest, is dedicated to gathering information on the products, markets, biology, research, and enjoyment of special forest products.

The term "special forest products" also referred to as "non-timber products" and "non-traditional forest products," mean the same thing: the products generated from plants and trees that can be harvested from within and at the edges of woodlands. SFPs include "foods," like mushrooms, sap, berries, and nuts; "decoratives," like boughs, branches, flowers, buds, and stems; "handicrafts," like burls, conks, and bark; and "medicinals," herbs and other plant parts. You will find all of them here.

This site has been created for buyers and sellers of SFP whether the resource is in its natural state or as a finished product. A Bulletin Board is open for your posting of ideas, discussions, and insights into the world of SFP. You will also find a link where we will keep you updated on ideas "Fresh From the Woods" to assist you in your SFP endeavors.

Funding for the development, enhancement, and continued support of the Midwest Special Forest Products Web Site has been provided by the Weyerhaeuser Family Forest Foundation and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Stewardship Program, and the Giziibii Resource Conservation and Development Association.

This site was created and developed by the Giziibii Resource Conservation and Development and BetterFORESTS Magazine.

We believe there are new futures, beyond sawtimber and pulpwood, for creating livelihoods and opportunities in and from the forests of the Midwest.