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The Forest Industry has a Workforce Opportunity
After looking at some research on workforce challenges, INRS’ Eric Kingsley argues that the forest industry - from the woods to the mill - has a great opportunity to position itself as the industry of choice for the future. Read his thoughts here. |
Maine to Provide Million$ in Funding to Loggers and Mills in the Forest Products Industry
Using federal funding approved through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), Maine is currently accepting applications to help firms that suffered pandemic-related losses (these might include year-over-year revenue declines, supply chain disruptions that caused a reduction in production or revenue, worker unavailability, or distribution disruptions).
More details, including all necessary applications, can be found here. Applications for this funding are due by January 31, 2022. A later phase of this program is expected to provide funding for the development of new markets for forest products - paying for capital costs of expanding existing markets or to create new markets. |
INRS and UNH moving ahead Eastern Hemlock CLT
In a cutting edge project funded by a USDA Forest Service grant through the North East State Foresters Association, INRS' Charlie Levesque, along with UNH Forest Industry Specialist Andy Fast, was recently at the SmartLam cross-laminated timber (CLT) plant in Dothan, Alabama to witness the first step in a process to get eastern hemlock certified for use as CLT and in two commercial buildings in the northeast. Hemlock lumber for the project was provided through Cersosimo Lumber of Vermont and Parker Lumber in Maine. Drying and finishing of the lumber occurred at Cersosimo.
9-ply eastern hemlock panel just off the press at SmartLam
The project has started with the testing/certification of eastern hemlock that should be completed by February. So far the species is doing well in the manufacturing and testing and SmartLam CLT plant personnel said the species is "beautiful, strong and light" compared to other species they work with - primarily southern pine.
INRS will share more on the project in future newsletters. |
Securing Northeast Forest Carbon website launch
www.northeastforestcarbon.org is the brand new website of the Securing Northeast Forest Carbon Program that INRS' Charlie Levesque is heading up in his role working for the North East State Foresters Association. The effort, funded through a USDA Forest Service grant, seeks to train thousands in everything forest carbon in an effort to secure forest carbon on working forestlands in the northeast.
For more info contact Charlie Levesque at levesque@inrsllc.com or 603-588-3272.
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