The other day I went for a drive to see what the area looked like after the recent ice storm. I was stunned. I would say that what I saw on my drive from Plainfield to Heath was terrible. . Areas of Plainfield and Hawley were devastated. I witnessed large areas where the residual stand had greater than 50% crown damage. In one case in Hawley I saw a ridgeline that had seen some logging recently and the remaining stand had so much damage that I could see Mt Greylock through the damaged canopy ... I never realized you could see Mt. Greylock from there! In another area of Hawley I saw a hillside of 50-150 acres that appeared to have every tree uprooted and felled down slope. Our friends property in Plainfield that has some great hardwood timber seemed relatively untouched, while my sisters Heath property was hit hard.
I can not help but think that the size and scope of this storm is going to affect the health and quality of a significant number of woodlots. What is the capacity for the industry to get some of this much needed work done? What affect on markets will it have and is the state considering subsidizing some of these areas of concern? I know that some people will be able to get a deduction for timber casualty loss but do you think there will be any other programs to offset losses? I am also concerned that in some of these poor areas where generation transfer of ownership is already happening we may see a number of tracts go up for sale.
Any thoughts or reactions to my questions??

some good questions about what's next after all that ice!

in terms of state funds available, Jennifer Fish of DCR's Bureau of Forestry, reported recently:
"There are also efforts underway to find funding to do aerial surveys in order determine the extent and severity of the damage caused by the ice. And we are working on finding money to help landowners hire a professional to help them assess the damage to their woodlot and to provide options so they can make informed decisions about the health of their woods."

So people are aware of the issue and are looking for support.