The research indicates that forests in northern Norway have been allowed to stand longer and become older, resulting in higher density and better strength. There are over 24 million cubic meters of spruce forest in northern Norway, and over half is now ready for harvest. Currently, most of the timber from northern Norway is sent south or abroad.
Researchers believe there is great potential to build more local sawmills and use the materials locally. The specific changes in forest management needed to ensure optimal wood quality remain unclear, as do the economic implications of building local sawmills versus continuing to export timber.