Atoler - Call me a fool then. No problem. The words you write are easy to lay down, but are not facts.
What is the natural patchwork we had before? Before what timeline? You do realize before the era of industrial timberland ownership, it was hard to find a decent population anywhere in the state (30s to 60s). Like I have stated before, industrial timberland ownership is less than 30% of those 22.9 million acres. And they were harvesting and managing timber during the highest populations just as they are today. That variable hasn't changed over the decline we may be experiencing today.
So call me a fool, but you will need a variable that has changed to lay blame.
Maybe a better way to state my opinion is to ask a question. Without stepping foot on a property. Would you pay more money for a turkey only lease, that was 90% pines? or one that was 90% hardwoods and mixed timber?
