|
This twice-yearly newsletter from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Forest Utilization and Marketing Program shares information on DNR programs, economic reports, industry news, professional development opportunities and more. If you know of an event or opportunity that may be of interest to our partners or have questions, email timber sales and utilization manager Brenda Haskill, or visit us on the web.
Change is in the air with the turn of the new year. Here are staffing updates and upcoming opportunities in the Forest Resources Division.
Not sure who to contact? Use FRD's main line, 517-284-5900, or email DNR-Forestry@Michigan.gov.
- Doug Heym, timber sales and utilization manager, has retired after 23 years of state service. Forest marketing and outreach specialist Brenda Haskill has been promoted into the manager role.
- Forest certification specialist Keith Kintigh has accepted the position as assistant chief of the DNR's Wildlife Division.
- Commercial Forest Program leader Karen Maidlow has accepted a role with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's Qualified Forest Program.
Interested in working with the DNR? Explore job opportunities at Michigan.gov/DNRJobs.
 Interested in the potential and economics of biomass for producing energy? A recently published research paper, "Forest Biomass Feedstock Availability and Economic Contribution of Biopower Facilities in the Lake States Region," was coauthored by a team of Great Lakes forest economists including the DNR's Jadish Poudel. The paper, published in The Journal of Forestry, explores the 27 active power facilities using biomass and discusses biomass availability, potential jobs, regional capacity and more.
 Construction is underway on the new DNR Newberry Customer Service Center. This building will be the first in Michigan fully constructed from mass timber materials.
It will also be the first to use Michigan-sourced wood (red pine) in cross-laminated timber panels. Designed by Lord Aeck Sargent with construction management by Walbridge and installation by Clark Contracting Services, the building is set to be completed in October.
|
Michigan State University has launched a beta test of an interactive 'woodshed' mapping tool. It offers data in the Great Lakes region for the forest products industry, woodland owners and forestry professionals.
This web tool focuses on wood products including sawlogs (hardwood and softwood), pulpwood and biomass. The tool allows users to input custom parameters to examine market data. View the interactive woodshed map.
|
Analysis of recent forest product market trends is now available from DNR staff. Updates include information on the U.S. forest products export values and Michigan hardwood lumber export values from the first quarter of 2020 through the fourth quarter 2023. View the forest products market updates.
The 2021 Primary Mill Survey Report, interactive mill map and other industry data have been updated by DNR staff and are available to view on the DNR's forest products industry webpage.
Forest utilization and marketing specialist Chris Schmiege will be collecting data in 2024 as the basis for updated reporting on 2023 operations.
Thank you to the mills that participated in the survey! Your input is appreciated.
 The Michigan State University Department of Forestry is continuing its Hanover Forest Science Seminar Series with an exciting 2024 lineup. Join in on Zoom to learn about forestry best practices, the intersection of forestry and climate change, innovative new ways to use wood, and more. On March 19, DNR forest economist Jagdish Poudel will present a session titled, "Unraveling the Impact of COVID-19 on Michigan's Forest Products Industries." Learn more about the Hanover Forest Science Seminar Series and upcoming presentations.
The County Road Association of Michigan has launched a mobile app with a dashboard of information valuable to businesses with trucking and hauling operations.
The tool includes lists of seasonal and restricted roads by county, color-coded maps, weight restrictions, permit pulling from Oxcart (for participating counties), notification sign-ups and more.
The application is available on Android and Apple devices. Learn more and download the app.
|
Feb. 12-14: ISA Michigan ArborCon 2024. Lansing Center, Lansing.
Feb. 27: Statewide Wood Producers meeting, 9 a.m.-noon. Joseph Heirman University Center, Bay de Noc Community College - 952 Conference Room, Escanaba. Contact Brenda Haskill, 989-370-9557, for details and to RSVP.
April 9: Great Lakes Timber Professionals Spring Celebration. Island Resort and Casino, Harris.
April 11-12: Michigan Society of American Foresters Spring meeting. Kirtland Community College, Grayling.
April 17: 19th Annual Sustainable Forestry Conference. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Central at Keyes Peak Ski Lodge in Florence, Wisconsin.
April 25-26: Michigan Association of Timbermen annual convention. Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth.
|
