2024 Vermont Forest Industry Summit
Was Held June 6, 2024
Bolton Valley Resort –
The Ponds and Timberline Lodge
Vermont Forest Industry Summit
2024 Vermont Forest Industry Summit
Thank you for attending!
This year we explored Innovation in the Forest Economy with speakers from across the Northern Forest region. This year’s agenda featured learning sessions that explored developments in forest products, land use planning, forest management, and recreation. The afternoon featured discussions led by the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation focused on the Vermont Forest Future Strategic Roadmap.
*Credits:
The Summit was approved for 4.5 Category 1 CFE credits by the Society of American Foresters.
The Summit was approved for 8 Continuing Education Credits by Vermont Logger Education and Professionalism (VT-LEAP).
Implementation of the Vermont Forest Future Strategic Roadmap, a 10-year strategic plan commissioned by the Vermont Department of Forest Parks and Recreation, began in January 2024. Summit attendees will have the opportunity engage with the plan thus far, hear updates, and discuss next steps.
Thank You Sponsors!
This program would not be possible without generous support from the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise, the Northern Border Regional Commission, and the National Science Foundation Engines Development Award Program.
Launched by NSF’s Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, the NSF Engines Development Award Program (award no. 2303493) envisions fostering multiple flourishing regional innovation ecosystems across the country, providing a unique opportunity to spur economic growth in regions that have not fully participated in the technology boom of the past few decades.
2024 Vermont Forest Industry Summit – Exhibitor Listing
Watch the 2024 Summit Videos
The Future of our Forests
Welcome – Christine McGowan, Director, Forest Products Development Program, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Opening Remarks – Melissa LaCasse, CEO and Co-Founder, Tanbark
Investing in the Future: Tanbark, a Case Study – In a world drowning in plastic, Maine start up Tanbark Molded Fiber Products offers a solution. Company CEO and co-founder Melissa LaCasse will share the story of this innovative new start-up that manufacturers non-plastic packaging solutions using wood fiber. Her remarks will be followed by a discussion with some of Tanbark’s public and private investors; the session will be moderated by Janice St. Onge, president of the Flexible Capital Fund, an investor in the project.
Plenary Moderator: Janice St. Onge, President, Flexible Capital Fund
Panelists:
Melissa LaCasse, CEO and Co-Founder, Tanbark
Melissa Lacasse is the CEO and co-founder of Tanbark Molded Fiber, a manufacturing start-up focused on replacing single use plastic with bio-based solutions. She is passionate about developing new markets and opportunities for New England’s heritage industries. Melissa is Chair of the Board for Maine Technology Institute, where she serves as the Sector Representative for Advanced Technologies for Forestry and Agriculture, and also serves on the Board of Trustees for Maine Public.
Nina Scheppers, Maine Venture Fund
Nina Scheepers joined Maine Venture Fund in 2021. Prior to MVF, she held a variety of roles at Unum, most recently as a Product Manager leading work to transform the company’s technology and operations. She is a Bowdoin and Tuck graduate and brings enthusiasm for both impact investing and Maine’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Chris Wolfel, Associate Vice President and Head of Entrepreneurship and Venture Creation, Roux Institute at Northeastern University
Chris Wolfel is Associate Vice President and Head of Entrepreneurship and Venture Creation at Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, where he is charged with catalyzing and supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout Maine. Wolfel has been involved with early-stage startups, incubators, and accelerators for over a decade and is an active startup advisor and mentor. Prior to his role at the Roux Institute, Wolfel co-founded two software companies, Mavrck, a venture backed influencer marketing software platform and Helpful, a community enablement software. He has a bachelor’s in Business Administration from Northeastern University and lives in Falmouth with his wife and two sons.
Dr. Colleen Walker, Director, Process Development Center, University of Maine at Orono
As the Director of the Process Development Center (PDC) at the University of Maine, Colleen Walker collaborates directly with businesses, offering comprehensive technical services and resources spanning traditional pulp and paper techniques to emerging process technologies in materials science. UMaine’s Process Development Center is one of the top suppliers of nanocellulose in the world, supplying product to researchers and technology developers.
Ben Sturtevant, Large Business Development Manager, Maine Department of Economic & Community Development
Ben Sturtevant is a Business Development Manager with the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD). Ben assists companies with expansion plans and leads Maine’s investment attraction efforts, with a strong focus on the forest products industry. He’s been involved in economic development for 15 years, including a decade successfully redeveloping the former Naval Air Station Brunswick in Midcoast Maine. A University of Massachusetts/Boston graduate, Ben is native Mainer. He lives in Hallowell, Maine, a mile from Maine’s Statehouse, with his wife, daughter, dog, cat and 7 hens.
Precision Forestry – The Next Frontier
New Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are evolving quickly, presenting new opportunities for foresters, loggers and other practitioners to improve the way they work in the woods at any scale. In this session, presenters will provide an overview of Precision Forestry and explore how new technology and AI are being used in remote sensing, forest mapping and other data collection to transform how the forest products industry does business. Learn about new tools of the trade and cutting-edge strategies being developed globally as well as right here in our region.
Moderator:
Julie Renaud Evans, Northern Forest Center
Speakers:
Tony D'Amato, PhD, Director of Forestry Program and Director of Research Forests, University of Vermont Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, Burlington, VT
Tony D’Amato is a Professor of Silviculture and Applied Forest Ecology and Director of the Forestry Program at the University of Vermont. He received his B.S. in Forest Ecosystem Science from the University of Maine, M.S. in Forest Science from Oregon State University, and PhD in Forest Resources from University of Massachusetts. His research focuses on long-term forest dynamics, disturbance effects on ecosystem structure and function, and silvicultural strategies for conferring adaptation potential within the context of global change, including introduced insects and pathogens.
Bastien Vandendaele, PhD, Bio-engineer in Remote Sensing, Northern Hardwoods Research Institute Inc., New Brunswick, Quebec
Bastien is a researcher at the Northern Hardwoods Research Institute (NHRI), where he focuses on the use of remotely sensed data for forest resource assessment. He holds a master’s degree in bioengineering from the Université de Liège (Belgium), with a specialization in forest and natural area management. He recently completed his Ph.D at the Université de Sherbrooke (QC) in collaboration with NHRI, ULiège and FPInnovations on the development of methods for the use of mobile and UAV laser scanning in forest inventories. Passionate about forestry and new digital technologies, Bastien aims to improve forest resource management through his professional interests.
Eric LaBelle, PhD, Wood and Forest Sciences, Universite Laval, Munchen, Quebec
Donn Downey, Consulting Forester, Forest Metrix, West Thetford, VT
Mass Timber: The Future of Glulam
In the world of Mass Timber, Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) has received a lot attention – both in terms of recruiting manufacturing to New England and using species endemic to the region. But its ubiquitous sibling Glulam is in the same situation with lesser notoriety. Glulam is a mass timber product used in construction since the 1890s; however, limited Glulam manufacturing exists in the region and currently no Glulam is produced from regional supply (e.g. SPFs or eastern hemlock). That may soon change. Come learn about efforts to develop a market for Glulam made from local species.
Moderator:
Andrew Fast, Forest Industry State Specialist/Extension Professor, University of New Hampshire Extension
This will be a roundtable discussion, but participants who will attend to share their experiences will include:
Ricky McLain, Principal, Mass Timber Advisors
Ricky has a decade of hands-on experience in mass timber building design, engineering, cost optimization, code consulting, supply chain navigation, team development and market planning strategies. Sought out as a go-to expert for all things mass timber, he thrives on using experienced-informed systems design in combination with an open mind to critically assess and develop each projectʼs optimal mass timber solution – including hybrid options. Ricky is a licensed professional structural engineer, with over 16 years experience in structural engineering and code compliant building design, the past 10 of which have been specialized in mass timber. He received a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Maine and a Masters of Science in Structural Engineering from Norwich University in Vermont.
Lance Gloss, Natural Resource Economy Program Manager, The Conservation Fund
Lance serves as Program Manager for The Conservation Fund’s platform for Activating the Natural Resource Economy. He supports regional collaboratives across the Nation in planning and executing rural economic development projects, with a portfolio spanning outdoor recreation, forest products, entrepreneurship, agriculture, housing, and downtown development.
Prior to joining The Conservation Fund, Lance held positions with the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, City of Grand Junction, and Natural Resources Defense Council. He earned a B.A. at Brown University and a Master of City and Regional Planning at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Chris Stearns, National Sales Director, Hansen Bridge
A Center for Excellence in Wood Energy
Vermont has historically been a leader in the development of wood energy and to date still boasts the most schools per capita with thermal wood energy systems in the nation. To build on this leadership, the Vermont Forest Future Strategic Roadmap includes an exploration of a Center for Excellence in Wood Energy based in Vermont. This Center would leverage existing in-state expertise, including the former Biomass Energy Resource Center (BERC), and provide a space for innovation, education and workforce development to support the growth of this important sector. Come hear about the vision of what a Center for Excellence in Wood Energy could be and offer input on what challenges and opportunities such a Center based in Vermont could tackle for the forest products industry locally, regionally and beyond.
Moderator:
Molly Willard, Wood Energy and Forest Products Specialist, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Speakers:
Adam Sherman, Senior Consultant and Wood Energy Expert, Former Director, Biomass Energy Resource Center, VEIC
Chris Heine, Clean Energy Program Specialist, Vermont Department of Public Service, Montpelier, VT
Chris Heine is the Clean Energy Specialist at the Department of Public Service where he manages multiple programs that promote the adoption of renewable energy and sustainable solutions including advanced wood heating in schools and municipal buildings. Chris has a background in building science and design, renewable energy design and installation, and holds a master’s degree from Vermont Law and Graduate School in Energy Regulation and Law. Chris has called Vermont “home” since 2004.
Andy Boutin, General Manager, Pellergy, LLC
Rachael Mascolino, Senior Engineer, HVAC, VEIC
Rachael Mascolino is a Lead Engineering Consultant at VEIC. Her work includes a focus on optimizing existing HVAC systems for efficiency and occupant comfort. A background including design, facilities operations, engineering project management, and capital strategic planning over the past 18 years provides a unique perspective for helping customers and programs comprehensively with HVAC, decarbonization, and energy solutions.
Local Land Use Planning and the Forest Economy
The Vermont Forest Future Strategic Roadmap includes actions to promote working forests in land use planning and empower Vermont communities to view local forests as an integral part of their future, including promoting the economic contribution of the forest economy. This session will include an overview of recent state policy and legislation aimed at addressing these issues, and a round table discussion for participants and invited speakers to share examples of where land use planning is working well to help working lands and the forest economy, where there are areas for improvement, and where there are future opportunities for engagement.
Moderator:
Charlie Hancock, Consulting Forester, Northwoods Forestry
Speakers:
Jamey Fidel, General Counsel and Forest and Wildlife Program Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council
Jamey Fidel is Forest and Wildlife Program Director and General Counsel at Vermont Natural Resources Council. In his capacity at VNRC, he works on legal and legislative policy and forest and wildlife programs, including the Forest Roundtable, which is a quarterly meeting of diverse stakeholders focused on forest policy and forest management and conservation issues in Vermont. Jamey also works with communities across Vermont promoting planning, zoning, and non-regulatory strategies for forestland and wildlife habitat conservation. He recently served on the Vermont Forest Future Strategic Roadmap Advisory Committee.
Catherine Dimitruk, Executive Director, Northwest Regional Planning Commission
Colleen Goodridge, Owner, Goodridge Lumber
Born in Newport, Vermont, raised on a farm in Irasburg, and having lived much of her life in Albany, Vermont, Colleen Goodridge considers herself a “product of the Kingdom”-that’s the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. As such, she has an enduring appreciation for both the region’s beauty and the hard work of making a living there. Colleen owns and operates Goodridge Lumber Inc. with her sons, Doug, Mark and Brian. Now in its 50th year, Goodridge Lumber specializes in producing white cedar lumber products, with the white cedar logs being harvested within a 75 mile radius of the sawmill. As President, Colleen is actively involved in all aspects of the business including log buying, manufacturing and sales. Colleen enjoys working with her family in a business that uses a renewable natural resource. Colleen Currently serves as Vice-President of the Vermont Forest Products Association and also is an advisory committee member for the Forestry/Agriculture/Natural Resource Program at the North Country Career Center in Newport, Vermont.
Josh Hanford, Director, Intergovernmental Relations, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Recreation in the Forest Economy
Pillar 5 of the Vermont Forest Future Strategic Roadmap provides a vision for how Vermont communities can maintain a strong forest culture while leveraging the many ways forests contribute to our economy and well-being. Outdoor Recreation is a key example of how these forest communities can provide renewed economic vitality, operating in a complementary manner with the forest products sector. To aid in implementing this pillar, we will look to the Move Forward Together Vermont process, steered by FPR and VOREC, to gather input and shape a cohesive vision for Vermont’s outdoor recreation future.
Moderator and Presenter:
Abby Long, Executive Director, Kingdom Trail Association
Abby serves as the Executive Director for the Kingdom Trail Association (KT). KT is a nonprofit trail organization located in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom with trails extending throughout Caledonia and Essex Counties. KT’s 100+ mile, multi-use, all-season, and all-ability network, hosting the #2 mountain bike trail in the world, is deeply intertwined with the local community, celebrating 30 years this year! KT recognizes our trails were founded and built upon lands first inhabited by the indigenous people of this region, the Abenaki, and is now grateful to the 105 private landowners who so generously allow our trails to cross their properties.
Speakers:
Claire Polfus, Recreation Program Manager, VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Ryan Kilborn, Consulting Forester, Meadowsend Consulting Co.
Ryan Kilborn is a Consulting Forester with Meadowsend Timberlands. He grew up in Derby, VT and currently resides in Washington, VT. He is a graduate of the University of Vermont with a degree in forestry and wildlife biology in 2005. Since that time he has been assisting landowners throughout central and northeastern Vermont with timber sales, management plans, and navigating Vermont’s current use program.
Luke McNally, Forest Conservation Coordinator, Ruffed Grouse Society
Luke McNally is the Champlain Region Forester at the Ruffed Grouse Society in partnership with the VT NRCS. Luke works primarily on private lands conservation delivery, planning and implementing cost share assistance for habitat improvement projects.
Climate Adaptation in the Forest Economy
Vermont’s forest economy is feeling the impacts of climate change, from extreme flooding impacting operations and travel to extended warm periods preventing consistent winter work in the woods to the spread of invasive species like the Emerald Ash Borer that will collectively alter future forest composition. As a result, it’s getting more challenging to predict and plan for forest operations and the supply chains that rely on them. In this session, you will learn about new research on climate adaptation in the forest products supply chain, silviculture considerations for managing forests in a changing climate, and operational challenges and resulting practices that some in the industry have started to adopt to adapt.
Moderator:
Oliver Pierson, Director of Forestry, VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Oliver Pierson joined FPR in 2023 and has worked for ANR since 2019. Prior to joining ANR, Oliver worked for US federal government agencies for twenty years on a variety of sustainable forest management, watershed protection, and renewable energy programs in Africa and the United States. He received a M.S. in Natural Resources Ecology and Management from Cornell University and a B.S. in Geology and Environmental Studies from Yale University. In his spare time, Oliver enjoys hanging out with his family in Vermont’s woods (preferably on skis or a bike), playing music, paddling small watercraft, and brewing beer.
Speakers:
Katharine Servidio, Forest Economy Program Manager, VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Alissa (Al) Freeman, Climate Forester, VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Al Freeman is the State Climate Forester for Vermont Forests, Parks, and Recreation as well as a PhD candidate at the University of Vermont. In her role, she serves as a technical expert on climate adaptation and forest carbon dynamics and works to advance the Division’s response to climate impacts on forests and forest management.
Chris Fife, Public Affairs Manager, Weyerhaeuser
Watch the 2023 Summit Videos
Keynote Plenary: Investing in Regional Forest Economy Innovation
This discussion will feature a coalition of forest economy education and economic development leaders who are embarking on an 18-month strategic planning initiative to accelerate innovations in forest ecosystem management and forest products and open new markets that depend on thriving forests in northern New England. Joe Short, Vice President of the Northern Forest Center will moderate a panel discussion comprised of Coalition of Northern Forest Innovation and Research (CONFIR) partners from Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine to discuss the initiative, and explore ways in which forest industry, government and economic development leaders in all three states can help lay the foundation for an emerging hub of innovation and a potential future NSF Engine Development Award for the region. Speakers will include Shane O’Neill with the University of Maine at Orono, Andy Fast with the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, Tony D’Amato with the University of Vermont and Jared Reynolds with the Forestry Accelerator at Do North Co-Working in Lyndonville.
Moderator: Joe Short, Vice President, Northern Forest Center0
Panelists:
- Shane O’Neill, Forest Industry Business Development Manager, University of Maine – Orono
- Andy Fast, Forest Industry State Specialist, UNH Cooperative Extension
- Tony D’Amato, Director of Forestry Program and UVM Research Forests, University of Vermont
- Jared Reynolds, Manager, Do North Co Working and Forest Business Accelerator
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Erica Watson, Senior Program Director Education and Workforce, Maine Development Foundation
Joe Short Bio: Joe leads regional strategy and public policy initiatives at the Center, works in all our forest economy program areas, and oversees core operations. He first came to the Center in 2003 as a Doris Duke Conservation Fellow and joined the staff full-time in 2004. He has combined his systems thinking, facilitation and project management expertise to lead numerous regional initiatives for the Center, including the Sustainable Economy Initiative (2006-2008), Northern Forest Investment Zone (2009-2014), the development of the Northern Border Regional Commission’s strategic plan (2015-2016), and the Future Forest Economy Initiative (2019-present). Collectively these efforts have secured and guided the investment of tens of millions of dollars in rural economic development in the Northern Forest.
Unlocking the Potential of New England Wood Species in Mass Timber Construction
This session will provide an educational opportunity to explore the increasing role of mass timber construction in the northeast and focus on the use of New England regional wood species such as Eastern Hemlock and Spruce Pine Fir (SPF) in mass timber production. As the demand for mass timber construction surges in New England, there is a notable absence of local manufacturers. However, a remarkable opportunity lies in utilizing native and under-utilized species, to not only bolster the construction industry but also foster the development of a robust regional supply chain. By incorporating these wood species, we can simultaneously boost construction capabilities, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to the sustainability of our local ecosystems. Hear about local mass timber projects in Vermont and Massachusetts, currently under construction and utilizing local species, and gain an understanding of the potential for future growth.
Moderator: Ricky McLain, Executive Director, Structural Engineers Association of Vermont
Speaker: Andy Fast, Forest Industry State Specialist, UNH Cooperative Extension
Ricky McLain Bio:
Ricky McLain leads WoodWorks’ Growth and Innovation Program, working on project technical design support, resource creation and growth opportunity facilitation related to areas such as tall mass timber construction, builder’s risk insurance for mass timber projects, and industrialized/offsite buildings. He supports the AECD community both directly and collaboratively with WoodWorks Regional Directors, providing in depth technical design assistance. Ricky also has extensive experience in lead engineer roles related to structural design, project management and construction administration. Ricky is Executive Director of the Structural Engineers Association of Vermont, and a member of numerous committees and councils related to building design.
Regional Market Opportunity for Wood-Based Textiles
Exciting advances are being made in the production of wood-based textiles, opening possibilities for a new industry to emerge in the Northern Forest region.
In the last two years, fast-moving innovations, new companies, and policy developments in the wood-based fiber sector have fundamentally changed the landscape and allowed new pathways to take shape that offer promising alternative, non-chemical methods of producing a variety of textiles from wood.
The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, with support from the Northern Forest Center, U.S. Endowment for Forests and Communities and EDA, and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, commissioned a Wood-Based Textiles Market Opportunity Assessment to explore this emerging opportunity with a lens of how it might benefit the region’s forest economy.
Lead Investigator Sarah Kelley will present the findings of the project team’s research and offer potential pathways for industry leaders in Vermont and the region to consider.
Moderator: Sarah Kelley, Principal, Common Threads Consulting
Speakers:
- Guy Herman, Independent Consultant
- Christine James, Independent Consultant
Sarah Kelley Bio:
Sarah Kelley is the Principal of Common Threads Consulting, working with clients to provide research, strategy development, and facilitation. She brings background and expertise in the textile industry, plant and soil science, and funding and financing approaches to this project. Other current work includes consulting to Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders (SAFSF) for its initiative on sustainable fiber and textiles, serving as Co-Managing Director of the Fibers Fund, focusing on capital access for U.S. fiber system entrepreneurs, and serving as lead researcher and author for Textile Exchange for its work on regenerative agriculture in the textile and apparel industry.
Accelerating Business Start-Ups in the Forest Economy
Vermont is known for its small business innovation culture. It’s also known for its Green Mountains and its deep history producing high quality forest products given its central location in the largest continuous forest east of the Mississippi, the Northern Forest.
A new forest business accelerator at Do North Co-Working in Lyndonville is attracting start-ups from across North America that want to develop new products and services for the forest economy.
In this session, Accelerator director Jared Reynolds will host a conversation with past and present Accelerator cohort members as well as other new or emerging forest business leaders on what it takes to grow a forest economy business in today’s climate, what resources are available to help entrepreneurs interested in growing a forest-related business and what more is needed to support businesses in our regional forest economy.
Moderator: Jared Reynolds, Manager, Do North Coworking and Forest Business Accelerator
Speakers:
- Jim and Mary-Ellen Lovinsky, Sylvacurl
- Josh Oakley, Mass Kingdom
- Nathaniel Klein, Treeline Terrains
Jared Reynolds Bio:
Jared leads Do North Coworking an entrepreneurship hub that offers emerging and growing businesses a place to launch and grow. Do North offers a range of programs and resources to incubate and accelerator businesses, including the Forestry Accelerator, the country’s only forestry-focused business accelerator. The Forestry Accelerator is a 4-month program open to North American companies that are commercializing new products and services that develop new markets for low grade wood, improve forest industry operations, and advance wood fuels and energy.
NOT RECORDED: Vermont Forest Future Strategic Roadmap Project Breakout Sessions
In addition to exploring industry innovation, the goal of the Vermont Forest Future Strategic Roadmap project is to evaluate the current state of Vermont’s forest economy and to identify the opportunities to strengthen, modernize, promote, and protect the forest economy into the future. This process will engage the parties representing all users of Vermont’s forests in a robust public engagement process and will develop a 10-year plan of recommended actionable strategies to protect the long-term viability of forest-based businesses, via the Vermont Forest Future Strategic Roadmap.
Forest Management and Land Use
A key strategic objective of the Vermont Forest Future Strategic Roadmap Project is sustaining a diverse forest economy and contributing to climate change mitigation by supporting the health, resilience, and productivity of Vermont’s forestlands through stewardship and management. This workshop discussion will focus on how best to:
- Manage for increased forest health
- Promote land use policies to maintain working forest lands
- Empower and incentivize landowners to maintain working forests
Business Environment and Conditions
A key strategic objective of the Vermont Forest Future Strategic Roadmap Project is creating a business environment and workforce that supports the competitiveness of the Vermont forest products sector. This workshop will be an interactive and exploratory discussion on how best to:
- Enhance capacity for industry adaptation and value-adding
- Build strong connections to the next generation of workforce
- Create a “problem-busting” approach focused on the forest economy
Research, Innovation, and Technology
A key strategic objective of the Vermont Forest Future Strategic Roadmap Project is promoting innovation and adaptability in the Vermont forest products sector by supporting technological development, cross-sector collaboration, and processing capability for both new and existing forest products. This workshop will be an interactive and exploratory discussion on how best to:
- Boost investment to develop new and innovative uses of Vermont forest products
- Accelerate the adoption of technical innovation
- Examine the optimal multi-use future forest economy
Industry Reputation and Market Profile
A key strategic objective of the Vermont Forest Future Strategic Roadmap Project is strengthening positive market and consumer perceptions by communicating the importance of working forests and promoting the benefits and contributions of Vermont’s forest products and forest economy. This workshop will be an interactive and exploratory discussion on how best to:
- Elevate the social license of the forest products sector in Vermont
- Explore the potential for branding of Vermont wood products at a local and regional level
Forest Economy and Rural Communities
Protecting and enriching the positive impact of the forest economy on the rural communities embedded in the Vermont forest landscape. This workshop will be an interactive and exploratory discussion on how best to:
- Build stronger linkages between the recreational uses and forest products economy
- Reimagining the ‘mill town’ of the future
2022 Forest Summit Recap Videos
This year, nearly 150 people attended the 3rd Annual Vermont Forest Industry Summit June 9-10, 2022 at Burke Mountain Resort. With so many great sessions to choose from, many attendees planned to watch the sessions they missed.
2022 Opening Keynote: The Future of our Forests -Terry Baker, CEO, Society of American Foresters
The Future of our Forests
Welcome – Christine McGowan, Coordinator, Vermont Forest Industry Network
Introductory Remarks – Commissioner Mike Snyder, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Keynote – Terry Baker, CEO, Society of American Foresters. Terry Baker’s career in forestry began as a forester with the USDA Forest Service, working in Florida, Oregon, Nebraska, Arizona, and Colorado. Today, Baker leads the Society of American Foresters, which represents forestry professionals and provides leadership to ensure that all members of the profession achieve excellence in sustainable forestry and natural resource management. Baker will discuss the state of forestry in the US and the important role that forestry and the forest products industry plays in confronting environmental challenges such as climate change and keeping our forests as forests. Baker will take questions from the audience.
2022 Session: Climate adaptation and Resiliency in Vermont's Forests and Along the Forest Supply Chain
Climate change is impacting Vermont’s forests in many complex ways, and these threats are creating an uncertain future for our forests and our forest economy. In this session, speakers will provide the latest information about climate change’s impacts on Vermont’s forests and forest products supply chain, and what actions can be taken by landowners and practitioners to make our forests and forest economy more resilient to climate change, as well as to ensure that they remain healthy and productive for the future. They will also solicit feedback from attendees about a new project underway to explore resiliency in Vermont’s forests and along the forest products supply chain.
Moderator:
Charlie Hancock, North Woods Forestry
Speakers:
Dr. Alexandra Kosiba, Climate Forester, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Dr. Steve Bick, Forester, Northeast Forests, LLC
2022 Session: Business Roundtable – Problem-Solving Workforce and Supply Chain Challenges
Click the image above to access the just-released Vermont Forest Economy Career Guide
Representatives of Vermont’s forest and wood products industry will explore common workforce and supply chain challenges as a result of Covid 19. Participants will discuss how they have solved workforce or supply chain problems, or brainstorm additional challenges. Attendees of the session will be encouraged to actively participate in the discussion.
Moderator:
Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
This will be a roundtable discussion, but participants who will attend to share their experiences will include:
Trevor Allard, Allard Lumber
Mike Rainville, Maple Landmark
Logan Sears, Long View Forest
2022 Session: Outdoor Recreation and Forest Products Sector: Finding Synergies in the Landscape and Workplace
Outdoor recreation businesses have unique connections to Vermont’s forests, whether building trails in them, skis from them, or cultivating recreation enjoyment by Vermonters and visitors. Other similarities to forest products businesses abound in sourcing materials, training for technical work, as well as being drivers of the local economies and employment bases of Vermont’s rural communities.
Hear from Vermont’s outdoor recreation entrepreneurs and engage in a moderated discussion on approaches to: Forest use that balance resource sustainability, traditions, and craftsmanship while securing materials and providing quality, healthy experiences in the outdoors; Recruiting and training a skilled workforce and anchoring the economic vitality of communities; and, Ways the sectors can collaborate to advance the pillars of the Governor’s Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) of strengthening outdoor businesses, participation, public health, and the quality, extent, and stewardship of recreation resources.
Moderator:
Abby Long, Kingdom Trails Association, member of the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance and the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative
Speakers:
Vin Faraci, Owner, WhiteRoom Skis
Zac Freeman, Owner, Apex Trailworks
Sam Hooper, Owner, Vermont Glove
Hal Ellms, Owner, Pinnacle Outdoor Group
2022 Session: Communication in the Age of Misinformation
NOTE: There is no recording available for this session.
In this session, attendees will hear from national and state communications professionals on the power of language to combat negative perceptions about forest management practices such as logging, and will leave with practical tips and advice on becoming more effective forest economy ambassadors.
Moderator:
Kelly Nottermann, Communications Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Speakers:
TJ Struhs, #forestproud, a national initiative to elevate the profile of the forest products industry
Emily Bradbury, Emily Bradbury Communications – Emily manages the content for the Vermont Forest Industry Network’s story series.
Day 2: Plenary: Investing in our Forest Future – GO Lab and Timber HP, a Case Study
Welcome – Joe Short, Northern Forest Center, Network Steering Committee Member
Investing in the Future – GO Lab and Timber HP, a Case Study – GO Lab Co-Founder Josh Henry will talk about TimberHP, North America’s first wood fiber insulation plant gearing up to begin production in Madison, ME; the facility will manufacture insulation made from wood fiber as an environmentally-friendly and cost-competitive alternative to traditional fiberglass and foam insulation, and will utilize wood chips and waste from mills in Maine and the Northern Forest. His remarks will be followed by a discussion with some of GO Lab’s public and private investors; the session will be moderated by Janice St. Onge, president of the Flexible Capital Fund, an investor in the project.
Opening Remarks by: Josh Henry, Co-Founder and President, GO Lab, Inc.
Plenary Moderator: Janice St. Onge, President, Flexible Capital Fund
Panelists:
Josh Henry, Co-Founder and President, GO Lab
Tony Grassi, Investor and Board Chair, GO Lab
Heather Johnson, Maine’s Commissioner for Economic and Community Development
Deborah Favreau, Chief Development Officer, Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation
2022 Session: Emerging Growth Opportunities in Vermont's Forest Economy
NOTE: There is no recording available for this session.
COVID-19 has presented many challenges to forest economy businesses, but it has also helped spawn unprecedented demand for wood products. The need to support the expansion of businesses serving consumers of wood products from fuel to furniture is as great as ever. In this session, attendees will hear from businesses planning expansion projects that will have a positive impact on Vermont’s forest economy.
Moderator:
Matt Langlais, County Forester for Caledonia and Essex Counties, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Speakers:
Morton Bailey, Lyme Green Heat, Inc. – expansion of a bulk Wood Pellet Mill in Wells River
Ethan Gevry, Gevry Firewood, LLC – firewood processing improvements to expand firewood market
Timothy Engell, White Rock Farm, LLC – sawmill expansion
2022 Session: Markets – Local forest products in Mass Timber Construction: Unlocking the Next Steps
Vermont building designs have a rich tradition of timber frame construction. However, due to the lack of current mass timber supply in the state, some have been hesitant to specify mass timber products for local projects, knowing that supply will come from outside the region. Across the country, mass timber products such as cross-laminated timber and glulam have opened the door to many new opportunities for sustainable construction. Concurrently, research and testing on the use of Eastern Hemlock in mass timber products has progressed such that real projects in Vermont and Massachusetts will soon be constructed using these locally-sourced raw materials. Join this interactive discussion on mass timber to hear what’s happening from a national, regional, and local perspective – and what we can all do to further the use of mass timber in Vermont. The Eastern Hemlock in CLT story will be told, and several local mass timber projects will be highlighted.
Moderator and Presenter:
Ricky McLain, WoodWorks – overview of mass timber development and trends across the region and beyond
Speakers:
Charlie Levesque, President, Innovative Natural Resource Solutions, LLC – overview of a pilot project to demonstrate eastern hemlock’s viability as a species for use in Cross-Laminated Timber.
Megan Nedzinski, Project Architect at Vermont Integrated Architecture, P.C., Fairbanks Museum Mass Timber Demonstration Project – an update on the project; use of eastern hemlock in the project; other local wood considerations
Paul Boa, Head of Timberframe Operations, and Florian Back, Structural Engineer, Bensonwood, JT Imming, ReArch Company – an update on the Adimab Expansion: Lebanon, NH’s 1st Mass Timber Building
Attendees can earn 1.5 AIA/CES HSW LUs, 1.5 PDH credits or 0.15 ICC credits
2022 Session: Finding Workers: Apprenticeships and other Workforce Pipeline Opportunities for the Forest Economy
Click the image above to access the just-released Vermont Forest Economy Career Guide
Workforce, or lack thereof, remains a critical challenge for forest economy businesses. This session will explore existing apprenticeship programs that can be tailored to the forest economy, and will also seek industry input into a new initiative from the Vermont Wood Works Council to develop additional workforce solutions.
Moderator:
Ellen Kahler, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Speakers:
Molly Willard, Vermont Technical College, Office of Continuing Education and Workforce Development
Jason Finley, Career Services Coordinator, Randolph Technical Career Center
Amanda Chase, Director of Strategic Engagement, Advance VT
Jay Ramsey, Director, Registered Apprenticeship Program, VT Department of Labor
Charlie Shackleton and Kate Ziehm, Vermont Vermont Wood Works Council, will discuss a new initiative: Careers in Wood: Building a Workforce for the Future
2022 Session: Investing in the Forest Economy – How Forest Economy Business Can Tap Into Funding Opportunities
In this session, presenters will outline various funding opportunities available for forest and wood product businesses in Vermont, and share practical advice on how best to access grant funding. Past recipients of Working Lands Enterprise Initiative business grants will describe their funded projects, and discuss pros and cons of applying for and/or receiving funds for projects.
Moderator:
Calley Hastings, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board Farm and Forest Viability Program
Speakers:
Mariah Noth, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
Lynn Ellen Schimoler, Working Lands Interprise Initiative
Steve Bick, Northeast Forests, LLC
WLEF grant recipients Lucas Jenson (Treehouse Hardwoods & Millshop) and Heath Bunnell, (Kirby Mulch), will share their experiences pursuing and utilizing a working lands business grant.
2019 Forest Summit Recap Videos
The Life of a Tree in Vermont
The Life of a Tree in Vermont
In their 100th year, Cabot Creamery Co-operative teamed up with the Vermont Wood Works Council and the Vermont Forest Industry Network to thank the people and businesses in Vermont who steward and care for our forests, and the craftspeople who turn our trees into products we use and cherish for a lifetime.
2019 Welcome and Opening Plenary: the Future of our Forests
Vermont’s forests are an invaluable asset – they provide us with clean water and clean air, abundant wildlife and an opportunity to connect with nature through hiking, camping, skiing, mountain biking and other forest-based recreation. Our forests also support Vermont’s economy through jobs in logging, forestry and milling to fine woodworking, design and building, not to mention recreation-based tourism and maple production. What does the future hold for Vermont’s forests, and our forest-based economy? Deputy Commissioner Sam Lincoln will moderate a wide-ranging discussion with some of the leading experts in our state and region to explore the challenges and opportunities that come with managing the forests of the future.
Moderator:
Sam Lincoln, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Speakers:
- Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
- Charlie Hancock, North Woods Forestry
- Ken Gagnon, Gagnon Lumber
- Mike Rainville, Maple Landmark
- Abby Long, Kingdom Trails
- Emma Marvin, Butternut Mountain Farm
2019 Afternoon Session 1: Reducing Worker's Compensation Rates through Logger Safety
Learn about a new program in Vermont to improve safety in the woods and reduce worker’s compensation rates for Vermont loggers. Sam Lincoln, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, will lead a discussion about the challenges Vermont loggers face with high workers compensation rates and solutions that are in the works to reduce rates and promote safety.
Moderator: Sam Lincoln, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Speakers:
- John Adler, LPA Logging
- Alex Barrett, Long View Forest
- Nancy Cass, Cass Insurance
- Rocky Bunnell, Log Contractor
2019 Afternoon Session 2: Reinvesting in the Vermont Sawmill
The number of sawmills in Vermont has been declining for several years. However, many of those that remain are investing in the future. The panel will explore whether the loss of sawmills in Vermont has resulted in a loss in capacity to fulfill market needs in the state and region. They will also will discuss what investments Vermont sawmills are making to stay competitive, and explore what is needed to ensure remaining mills are successful and also what, if any, gaps exist that new or expanded mills could fill.
Moderator: Eric Kingsley, Innovative Natural Resource Solutions
Speakers:
- Paul Frederick, Wood Utilization Manager, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
- Bill Sayre, Co-Owner, A. Johnson Lumber
- Trevor Allard, Allard Lumber
- Colleen Goodridge, Owner, Goodridge Lumber
- Joel Currier, Currier Forest Products
2019 Afternoon Session 3: From Tree to Table: Tapping into Vermont Tourists' Desire for Forest-Based Experiences
Forest-based recreation is on the rise, and more and more, tourists are seeking unique experiences during their travels in the Green Mountain State. Vermont’s forest and wood products industry has the potential to tap into this growing market by re-connecting visitors to where their wood products come from just as farms and food producers have re-connected people to where food comes from. The panel will explore example in the forest and wood products sectors of where businesses can provide unique visitor experiences while also helping visitors make positive connections between the forests they treasure and the wood products they use in their everyday lives.
Moderator: Tim Tierney, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Speakers:
- Charles Shackleton, ShackletonThomas
- Joe Short, Northern Forest Center
- April Lemay, April’s Maple
2019 Afternoon Session 4: SEO: What Is It, and Why Do I Need It? How to Get Your Business Discovered Online
Learn DIY tips and tricks to easily improve your website’s search engine rankings with Kelly Nottermann of Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund. Search Engine Optimization (a.k.a. SEO) doesn’t have to be complicated. Kelly will share some current SEO trends and practical tactics you can use to help more people find your business through Google search. Optional homework: Enter the name of your business into an online search and see how many times you appear on the first page of results.
2019 Keynote Address: The Future of Wool
Our keynote speaker is Donna Cassese, who recently retired after four decades at pulp and paper giant Sappi and now consults for the company and sits on the executive committee of the Maine Forest Economy Growth Initiative. Donna will discuss the promising work being done across the globe to develop new and innovative products made from wood, from jet fuel to soccer balls to clothing to food additives. You name it, it might be made of wood someday!
Donna Cassese graduated from UMO with a B.S. in Forest Management and worked for Sappi for over 40 years. She has had diverse roles within forestry, operations, and manufacturing. After nearly 15 years as a forester in both Maine and Alabama she transitioned into managerial roles in the Woodyard, Waste Treatment, Pulp Sales and Human Resources at the Somerset Mill in Skowhegan, Maine. Following these roles, Donna held the position of Plant Manager at Sappi’s Allentown Pennsylvania converting facility and then transitioned into the Supply Chain group at the Somerset Mill. In 2006 Donna became the Director of Inside Sales for Sappi’s North American operations. In 2008, Donna assumed responsibility for the Westbrook Mill as Managing Director. In 2014 Donna returned to forestry as the Director of Wood Supply Strategy with responsibility for developing and implementing wood supply strategy for Sappi’s mills in Maine and Minnesota. In January of 2018 Donna retired and now works as a consultant for Sappi leading government relations work in Maine.
Following Donna’s presentation and Q&A, we will facilitate a discussion of potential products in various stages of research, development and commercialization, and gain insights from the audience about where is Vermont’s sweet spot is when it comes to the next generation of wood products.
2019 Morning Session 1: Dry Wood Chips–Current and Future Market Opportunities
Forest-based recreation is on the rise, and more and more, tourists are seeking unique experiences during their travels in the Green Mountain State. Vermont’s forest and wood products industry has the potential to tap into this growing market by re-connecting visitors to where their wood products come from just as farms and food producers have re-connected people to where food comes from. The panel will explore example in the forest and wood products sectors of where businesses can provide unique visitor experiences while also helping visitors make positive connections between the forests they treasure and the wood products they use in their everyday lives.
Moderator: Tim Tierney, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Speakers:
- Charles Shackleton, ShackletonThomas
- Joe Short, Northern Forest Center
- April Lemay, April’s Maple
2019 Morning Session 2: Trends in Design–How Vermont Wood Products Stack Up
What are the latest design trends influencing Vermont woodworkers, and in turn how are they influencing styling with wood?
Moderator: Jon Blatchford, Vermont Wood Works Council; General Manager, J.K. Adams
Speakers:
Peggy Farabaugh, Vermont Woods Studios
David Hurwitz, David Hurwitz Originals
James Murray, Simon Pearce
2019 Morning Session 3: Success(ion) Planning–Options for Businesses to Consider
Starting, growing and managing a business is hard work. But without a well thought out exit strategy, a business runs the risk of being forced to close its doors leaving employees – and owners – high and dry. Learn about the various options for your business when you want to move on.
Moderator: Ellen Kahler, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Speakers:
Janice St. Onge, President, Flexible Capital Fund
Ken Gagnon, Gagnon Lumber
Timo Bradley, Timberhomes
2019 Morning Session 4: Telling Your Story
With a year of Vermont forest and wood products stories under our belt, we think we’re onto something! The Vermont Forest Industry Network will share results of our story-telling efforts to help raise the profile of Vermont’s forest and wood products industry. We’ll be joined by a Cabot Creamery and others to talk about effective story telling that any forest or wood products business can do, and why it is a critical component of any good marketing plan.
Moderator: Kelly Nottermann, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Speakers:
Christine McGowan, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Emily Bradbury, Emily Bradbury Communications
Amy Richardson, Richardson Family Farm
2018 Forest Summit Recap Videos
More than 150 people attended the 1st Annual Vermont Forest Industry Summit June 28-29, 2018 at Burke Mountain Resort.
- We launched the Vermont Forest Industry Network, made up of forest and wood products industry members and service providers who want to advance Vermont’s forest and wood products sector, grow markets for Vermont wood products and improve our forest supply chains.
- Click here to read a re-cap of the Summit and next steps for the Network.
2018 Morning Plenary: Forests of the Future: Taking the Long View
What do we want Vermont’s forests to be in 50 years? A panel of distinguished industry experts explores this question in the context of local, regional and global issues that impact today’s forests and the industry that both stewards and depends on them. How are other regions viewing forests of the future, and what actions are needed today to insure Vermont has the forests it envisions for future generations?
Moderator:
Sean Ross, Managing Director/Director of Forestry Operations, Lyme Timber Company, LP; Hanover, NH
Speakers:
- Kathryn Fernholz, Executive Director, Dovetail Partners, Minneapolis, MN
- Craig Rawlings, President/CEO, Forest Business Network, Missoula, MT
- Michael Snyder, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
- Alex Barrett, Consulting Forester, Long View Forest Management, Westminster, VT
2018 Track One AM: Beyond the Woodstove Thinking big about renewable energy and wood
This panel discusses how energy users across the scale are utilizing wood and moving away from fossil fuels. How will the emergence of home and business scale Combined Heat and Power (CHP) impact the market for pellets and chips in Vermont and the region? What do forest and wood products businesses in Vermont need to know about converting away from fossil-fuel based energy systems? Learn how the public utilities are using Tier III dollars to help forest industry businesses move away from fossil fuels.
Moderator: Adam Sherman, Biomass Energy Resource Center, Burlington, VT
Speakers:
- Dutch Dresser, Maine Energy Systems, Bethel, ME
- Jack Byrne, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT
- Jeffrey Monder, Green Mountain Power, Rutland, VT
2018 Track One PM: How Company Culture and Efficient Operations Can Improve Your Bottom Line
Workforce development continues to challenge Vermont businesses grappling with a shortage of workers and many forest products business owners are reaching retirement age. Overseas and over-the-border competition continues to put downward pressure on product prices. Staying focused ON your business and not just working IN your business can be hard to prioritize. Vermont forest and wood products businesses discuss how they have overcome challenges recruiting and retaining quality employees, as well as how they’ve invested in operational efficiencies that are yielding results. Stories of what can happen when the business is not attending to these needs are shared.
Moderator: Lawrence Miller, Business consultant and founder of Otter Creek Brewing Company
Speakers:
- Jennifer Fraser, General Manager, Appalachian Engineered Flooring, North Troy
- Chris Brooks, Owner, Vermont Wood Pellet Company, N. Clarendon
- Andrew Pearce, Owner, Andrew Pearce Bowls, Hartland
2018 Track Two AM: Mass Timber in Vermont and Beyond: Products, Projects and the case for Local Timber
Due to their high strength, dimensional stability and positive environmental performance, mass timber building products are quickly becoming materials of choice for sustainably-minded designers. Regions of the country such as the Pacific Northwest, the southeast and New England have shown particular interest in adopting this new style of construction, undoubtedly in large part due to their abundant forest resources. This presentation provides an overview of the variety of mass timber products available, including glue-laminated timber (glulam), cross laminated timber (CLT), nail laminated timber (NLT), heavy timber decking, and other engineered and composite systems. Applications for the use of these products under modern building codes are discussed, and examples of their use in U.S. projects reviewed. Next, the results of a recently completed mass timber feasibility study on a 5 story mixed-use project in Brattleboro are presented, with an emphasis on cost, assemblies and lessons learned. Finally, non-structural wood species native to Vermont is discussed, highlighting possible applications for these products in mass timber buildings.
Moderator/Speaker: Ricky McLain, WoodWorks, Cabot, VT
Speakers:
- Jillian Tomaselli, Stevens & Associates, Brattleboro, VT
- Paul Frederick, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
2018 Track Two PM: The Forest Story: Connecting the Dots between Forests, People and the Industry in the Middle
Research shows that consumers have an innate love of forests and a desire for quality wood products – two things Vermont has in spades. How can forest and wood products businesses more effectively tell their stories and emphasize their role stewarding the forests people love and making the wood products people want? Hear results from a recent survey of Vermonters and visitors about their perceptions of our forests and wood products and learn about a new regional marketing campaign to grow the market for automated wood heat.
Moderator: Kathleen Wanner, Owner, GWC Communications and Executive Director, Vermont Woodlands Association
Speakers:
- Maura Adams, Northern Forest Center
- Christine McGowan, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
2018 Track Three AM: Local Wood: Supporting Vermont's Economy through Local Wood Sourcing
A look at case studies of previous and current efforts to source local wood. What lessons can be learned by previous efforts to develop a Vermont wood supply chain from landowner to consumer? Examples of current local sourcing efforts are discussed.
Moderator: Ellen Kahler, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Speakers:
- Joe Nelson, Consulting Forester, Addision, VT
- Andy Harper, Winterwood Timber Frames, East Montpelier, VT
- Michael Rainville, Maple Landmark, Middlebury, VT
- Tony Fletcher, Green Mountain Grain & Barrel, Richmond,
2018 Track Three PM: Global Trends and Native Vermont Species: Where Can We Compete?
Trends come and go, but the trees that grow in Vermont and the region are steady. What are the latest trends in wood use? What species are coming into vogue for architectural design? How is Amazon impacting the market for cardboard? Are we taking full advantage of the species that grow in Vermont, and are there opportunities for underutilized species to meet consumer demands?
Moderator: Ellen Kahler, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Speakers:
- Donna Cassese, SAPPI
- Craig Rawlings, Forest Business Network
- Sam Lincoln, Deputy Director, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
2018 Closing Panel: an industry in Transition: A Last Word from Forest Industry Entrepreneurs and Emerging Leaders
Shifting markets, an aging workforce and global trade all could be seen as formidable challenges to Vermont’s forest and wood products businesses. But Vermont’s forest and wood products industry also has plenty of rising stars who see a future in our forests. This closing panel explores the future of Vermont’s forest and wood products industry.
Moderator: Ian Hartman, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board
Speakers:
- Charlie Hancock, Consulting Forester, North Woods Forestry, Montgomery Center
- Kyle Pratt, Logger, Jericho
- Peter Gardner, Clifford Lumber, Hinesburg
- Adam and Andrew Rainville, Maple Landmark, Middlebury
- Carina Driscoll, Vermont Woodworking School, Cambridge
- Ben Nottermann, Green Mountain Technical & Career Center, Hardwick
Vermont’s Forestry Industry
Vermont’s forest products industry generates an annual economic output of $1.5 billion and supports 10,000 jobs. In addition, Vermont’s forest recreation economy generates another $1.9 billion in economic output, and supports 10,000 additional jobs. The industry was hit hard in the 2008 Recession, and finding markets for low grade wood (the majority of wood harvested from Vermont’s forests) is becoming increasingly difficult due to a sharp decline in the region’s pulp industry, combined with the low price of oil and a move away from expanding electric-only biomass in the region. Markets for high grade wood are healthy, but cannot singularly sustain Vermont’s forest products industry. Without healthy markets for low grade wood, Vermont is likely to see continued decline in the industry’s in-state infrastructure such as logging operations, sawmills and kilns, as well as the local jobs they sustained.
Our Role
Over the past 20 years, the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund has provided industry analysis, expertise and project support, which positions the Vermont Forest Products Program to have a positive impact on the state’s forestry sector in rural communities throughout the state. Vermont’s forest products industry is imperative for job creation and sustainability, providing economic, environmental, and social benefits for rural communities that have limited economic opportunities. The Vermont Forest Products Program aims to help create and sustain thousands of jobs for Vermonters.
The Vermont Forest Products Program is supported by the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative, the High Meadows Fund, the Windham Foundation as well as the U.S. Economic Development Administration and the Northern Border Regional Commission.
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