Louisiana forestry’s $1.5 billion in losses from hurricanes last year was double the amount of revenue the industry generates annually, according to an LSU AgCenter forestry expert.
Michael Blazier, LSU AgCenter forestry specialist, said the damage would be more if lost revenue, infrastructure damage and lost production during the storms are considered.
Blazier, speaking during a virtual forum this week, said Hurricane Laura's Aug. 27 hit inflicted damage to 800,000 acres of timber in 22 parishes, with the worst in Vernon Parish. The resulting loss in saw timber, about 3 million board feet, could have supplied 25 sawmills for a year, he said. The AgCenter previously estimated damage from Laura at $1.1 billion.