Tapping into the growth of eastern redcedar could generate up to $22 million in wood chip sales every year.

That’s according to the Nebraska Forest Service, which says a sustainable removal plan is needed for the invasive tree.

John DuPlissis with the Rural Forestry Program says markets for the wood are needed.

DuPlissis says finding a market would be a good management tool.

He says the high transportation cost to sawmills is one drawback.

Eastern redcedar is taking over Nebraska’s grasslands and Sandhills, because it spreads so quickly.