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Northern New England has an opportunity to develop a new bioeconomy that will transform forest management, and commercialize products made with sustainably harvested wood that will contribute to the rapid reduction of single-use plastics in demand by consumers worldwide.

The 2024 Vermont Forest Industry Summit offered a glimpse into the world of forest products innovation that is beginning to take shape in our region.

This year, more than 125 forest products leaders from Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Quebec gathered at Bolton Valley Resort on June 6 to learn and network. Among the highlights was the keynote address by Melissa LaCasse, CEO of Tanbark, a start up that makes molded fiber products out of woody biomass, who shared her vision for what startups like hers can do to contribute to climate solutions.

“Many of the solutions to (the climate crisis) lie in the vast potential of the forest industry. From legacy methods to modern innovations, the forest industry holds the keys to a sustainable future, ready to be unlocked and revitalized for the modern world,” LaCasse told the crowd. “As we stand on the brink of a new era in sustainable industries the possibilities for forestry-based solutions to transform our world are vast and already taking shape.”

LaCasse’s presentation is one of several that were recorded and available for viewing now at the Vermont Forest industry Summit web page here.

The Summit featured several sessions focused on innovation. Notably, we hosted two researchers from Quebec to join Dr. Tony D’Amato from the University of Vermont and Vermont entrepreneur Donn Downey to talk about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are helping to improve forestry and forest operations.
Another session hosted by UNH Extension Forest Industry Specialist Andy Fast explored the use of local species in glulam construction. Glulam beams are used in mass timber, construction. Mass timber is an umbrella term used to describe several engineered wood products transforming the way we build.

The event also featured sessions that tackled how best to advance strategies in the new Vermont Forest Future Strategic Roadmap, a 10-year plan to modernize, strengthen and promote Vermont’s forest products industry. To stay informed or get involved, click here.

Stay tuned for information about a 2025 Vermont Forest Industry Summit!