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This quarterly 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 if you have questions, contact timber sales and utilization specialist Matt Watkeys, or visit us on the web.
Michigan DNR Forest Resources Division staff continue to churn through field assessments of thousands of acres of state forest impacted by the March 28-30 ice storm in northern Michigan. Red pine salvage was the first priority for staff to assess and set up as salvage timber sales. The team now is shifting to jack pine, aspen and mixed hardwood sales. As of June 13, just under 9,000 acres of red pine have been established as salvage sales and more than 50% of those acres have sold under contract for harvest.
Companies who wish to be notified of timber sales, both salvage and traditional, should contact Brenda Haskill. Salvage sale notices are being circulated by email due to the short time frame for advertisement. Traditional sale prospectuses can be mailed or emailed based on the requestor’s preference.
The immense teamwork, communications and care of the damaged landscape in northern Michigan has proven the depth of professionalism that exists in all facets of the forest industry. The Forest Resources Division appreciates and thanks everyone involved for their combined efforts through this catastrophic event recovery.
If you have been impacted by the storm, resources are available:
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The Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program is providing financial support to qualified lenders whose loan applicants want to establish, reopen, expand or improve a sawmill or other wood processing facility that process ecosystem restoration byproducts from USDA Forest Service National Forest System lands. Multiple resources, tools and events are available for applicants.
The impending tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada are causing price fluctuations in the lumber market and are similar to the COVID-19 pricing issues. The National Retail Lumber Association has been raising concerns about how these tariffs are going to impact the industry. Find out what they have to say.
The trade tensions that have dominated US economic policy since the Trump administration left a tangible impact across the pulp and paper industries. Companies have been responding in different ways trying to lessen financial strain. These tariffs have already directly targeted Canada and China, it may also start impacting trade flows with partners like Mexico, India and Latin America.
The National Hardwood Lumber Association Inspectors have experience in this industry that goes far beyond the scope of inspecting hardwoods, including sawmills, dry kilns, machine operation, management and many other areas of the hardwood industry. The Yield Analysis Program is part of the quality control program to grade and measure the logs and testing them to show the break-even log value for each batch.
President Donald Trump signed a pair of executive orders to increase logging in national forests and on other federal lands. These orders aim to circumvent environmental laws, such as the Endangered Species Act that protect critical habitats, and will rely on states' involvement. While some states are excited about the orders that would allow them to continue forestry work, others are also worried about having to do things outside of their mission, such as going against environmental laws and groups.
Are you interested in Biomass power, or are you a Biomass power producer? Then you should consider following the Michigan Biomass group and sign up for their newsletter. You can find their latest edition online.
The Knowing MI Forest program was created by Michigan State University to help K-12 educators have the tools they need to insert forest literacy into their classrooms. There are five online modules and one of three field workshops to help grow your knowledge of Michigan’s forestlands as well as create a network of peers in the field. The deadline to sign up for this program is July 9, and classes will take place in late July.
MSU researcher receives $800K grant to study interregional reliance, carbon program impacts on US forest product industries - AgBioResearch
EUDR Regulations and Country Risk Assessment Updates - Fastmarkets
New EUDR Rules to Cut Compliance Costs by 30% — Brussels | Wood Central
An Overview of the Updated EUDR Guidance: Implications for Wood Exports
A New Green Gold Rush: What Microsoft’s CO280 Deal Means for the Pulp and Paper Industry
New Bill Seeks Safer, More Efficient Routes for Logging Trucks
Forest Service Braces for Restructuring as Timber Orders Add to Workload
Minneapolis to become first city in North America to own and operate biochar facility
Timber-Concrete Framing Could Be the Next Big Thing in Housing | Wood Central
Why Do We Get So Much Lumber From Canada? | Family Handyman
A Current Look at the Forest Products Sector in the Lake States
St. Paul recycled paper mill to close, affecting nearly 190 workers | MPR News
July 15: GLTPA Chainsaw Safety Level 2 Training (email or call 715-304-2873 to register) - Lac Du Flambeau, Wisconsin.
July 18: Links with Loggers (register by July 4) - Cadillac, Michigan.
Aug. 5,6 & 7: 2025 Northern Hardwood Conference - Syracuse, New York.
Aug. 12-14: Kiln Drying Short Course - Antigo, Wisconsin.
Aug. 22: Links with Loggers - Nahma, Michigan.
Sept. 2: SFI National Review (Core Training) - Clare, Michigan.
Sept. 3: Earl St. John Education Fund Golf Outing - Harris, Michigan.
Sept. 4-6: GLTPA Logging Expo - Escanaba, Michigan.
Sept. 10: SFI National Review (Core Training) - Baraga, Michigan.
Sept. 24-25: Wood Drying Innovation Workshop - Houghton, Michigan.
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