Making Creative Use of Juniper
Juniper is growing at an alarming rate in Eastern Oregon. Mark Cobb of West Coast Juniper found a way to use this tricky wood for furniture and flooring.
We were delighted when FCA - Solutions, the nonprofit behind the Rural Roots program, approached Sustainable Northwest to nominate a rural partner who has developed an elegant and innovative solution to an issue affecting the region.
Juniper trees can transpire up to 40 gallons of water a day. As these trees spread throughout eastern Oregon, they dry up streams and pose a significant threat to rangeland ecosystems.
In most efforts to reduce juniper populations, the trees are cut
down and burned in piles. Juniper wood is beautiful wood but
challenging to work with. Mark Cobb of West Coast Juniper
created a process where juniper could be properly kiln dried and then
used to create furniture, flooring and other building products like
decking and fencing. 
As a member of the Healthy Forest Healthy Communities Partnership, West Coast Juniper has been able to build relationships and develop market networks to increase the sale of its products.
We were delighted to nominate Mark and West Coast Juniper to participate in the Rural Roots program.
Listen to Mark's story about West Coast Juniper, and view all of the featured leaders of the Rural Roots project.
