Timber Investments Could Be Perfect Credit Crunch Antidote

A consortium of financial professionals has issued some advice for hesitant investors during economically troubled times. With the Dow Industrial having just announced its worst performance since the Depression of 1930, investors are understandably uncertain about where to place their money. However, alternative investments - such as forestry - can be just what such investors need.The consortium consists of Mike Flower, an independent financial professional with American organisation Financial Principles, along with nine fellow registered representatives affiliated with Securities America, Inc., one of the USA's largest independent broker/dealers. The very first piece of advice issued by the consortium was to look to the long-term, which of course forestry is all about. "When we identify which assets are earmarked for each goal and examine the history and recovery period of bear markets, investors with a long-term horizon should find some reassurance," said Patricia Hinds, Personal Wealth Manager for Granite Financial in St. Cloud, MN.Smart investing in troubled times is all about returning to basics. A volatile market should not cloud investment goals. Rusty Cagle, President of ASE Wealth Advisors in Greenville, SC, advises looking for alternative investments that are less vulnerable to the fluctuations of the stock market, and forestry investments fit the bill perfectly. According to Cagle many well-run pension funds have an allocation of 15% to 22% in alternative investments such as real estate, venture capital, and timber.

Irish Republic Launches Online Forestry Service

The Irish Republic's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food has launched a new online service, Integrated Forest Information System (IFORIS) Internet.Forestry investors, loggers and other individuals or companies with an interest in forestry will be able to track online the processing of Forestry applications that have been submitted to the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The IFORIS online service also includes digital mapping of grant-aided forestry already planted.The service is an extension of the IFORIS computer system, which was developed for the Forest Service for the processing of forestry grant, pre-approval, and premium applications. Minister of State Tony Killeen commented on the launch of the new service: "The service is the first phase of a planned development for IFORIS Internet. The second phase will enable foresters and forestry companies to submit pre-approval applications online on behalf of their clients. This will streamline administration issues for foresters and the Forest Service."