Forest Resources Association

06/04/2026

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What does safety look like beyond the jobsite?

For more than 30 years, the THATS Foundation has helped advance safety across the logging and transportation sectors through grants, training resources, industry leadership, and member support.

This National Safety Month, learn more about the Foundation's work and its impact on the forest products industry:

🔗 https://forestresources.org/2026/06/04/national-safety-month-and-the-work-of-the-thats-foundation/

June is recognized as National Safety Month, an observance established by the National Safety Council to raise awareness of leading safety and health risks and reduce unintentional injuries and…

06/01/2026

New Study Highlights Economic Importance of Logging Industry and Risks of Capacity Decline

A newly published study in the Forest Products Journal highlights the critical role logging businesses play in supporting the forest products supply chain and rural economies across the Lake States region, comprising Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The research found that logging businesses directly supported 8,724 jobs and nearly $500 million in economic output in 2023, with total contributions increasing to 11,088 jobs and $902.6 million when multiplier effects are included.

Read it here:https://fpj.kglmeridian.com/downloadpdf/view/journals/fpro/76/2/article-p173.pdf

05/29/2026

During Mental Health Awareness Month, FRA shared resources and conversations focused on wellness, stress management, and workforce well-being across the forest products industry.

Our platform explored:

🌲 The Forest Products Industry and Mental Health
🔗 https://forestresources.org/2026/05/07/the-forest-products-industry-and-mental-health/

🌲 Digital Detox and Mental Health | Unplugging for Productivity
🔗 https://forestresources.org/2026/05/14/digital-detox-and-mental-health-unplugging-for-productivity/

🌲 Mental Health in the Lumber Industry: The Tough Conversation We Can’t Afford to Ignore
🔗 https://forestresources.org/2026/05/21/mental-health-in-the-lumber-industry-the-tough-conversation-we-cant-afford-to-ignore/

We also hosted Harvesting Health and Wellness with Dr. Robin Tutor, who shared practical strategies for managing stress, supporting employee well-being, and promoting healthier workplaces.

💻 Webinar Recording: https://forestresources.org/resources/harvesting-health-wellness/

Mental health affects every part of our workforce and every link in the wood supply chain. Supporting the well-being of the people who keep our industry moving is an investment in the future of forestry.

05/28/2026

FRA’s 2026 Annual Meeting Summary of Business is now available.

This year’s meeting in Charleston brought together leaders from across the wood supply chain to discuss key policy priorities, workforce challenges, market trends, transportation issues, the growing role of AI technologies, and the future of the forest products industry.

The meeting also included reports from FRA leadership, national committees, regional activities, and updates on the Association’s ongoing advocacy and member engagement efforts.

Thank you again to everyone who attended, presented, sponsored, and supported this year’s meeting. We appreciate your continued commitment to FRA and the entire wood supply chain.

Read the full Summary of Business here: https://forestresources.org/2026/05/28/fras-2026-annual-meeting-summary-of-business/

FRA’s 92nd Annual Meeting, held May 18–20 in Charleston, South Carolina, brought together over 150 members and industry partners for three days of networking, education, committee work…

05/27/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Cindy Mitchell of the Washington Forest Protection Association on being recognized as FRA’s 2026 National Technical Writing Award winner during the 2026 FRA Annual Meeting in Charleston, South Carolina.

📰 Mitchell’s award-winning Technical Release, “Washington Voter Perception of Forest Management,” highlighted the importance of understanding public perspectives on active forest management and the need to better communicate the value of working forests to broader audiences.

🌳 FRA’s Technical Releases showcase technical advancements, research, and innovative programs across the forest products industry, with regional winners advancing annually for national consideration.

🌟 Thank you to Cindy Mitchell and the Washington Forest Protection Association for their continued contributions to the industry and for helping advance important conversations surrounding forestry, sustainability, and public engagement.

🔗 Press Release: https://forestresources.org/resources/cindy-mitchell-recognized-as-fras-2026-national-technical-writing-aaward-winner/

📸 Pictured Left to Right: Lindsay Warness, FRA Western Region Manager, Cindy Mitchell, Senior Director of Public Affairs and CFO, Washington Forest Protection Association, and Josh Sandt, Outgoing FRA Chairman

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

⭐️FRA wishes you a reflective and safe Memorial Day.

One important way to honor our veterans is by hiring them. Visit FRA’s Veterans in the Workforce page to explore the various resources available to support this initiative.

https://forestresources.org/veterans-in-forestry-work/

05/22/2026

Congratulations to Tobey McDowell of C. McDowell Logging for being recognized as the 2026 National Outstanding Logger Award winner during the Forest Resources Association’s Annual Meeting in Charleston, South Carolina.

Presented in partnership with John Deere, FRA’s National Outstanding Logger Award recognizes logging contractors who demonstrate exceptional professionalism, leadership, and commitment to the wood supply chain.

Tobey and the entire McDowell Logging team represent the very best of the logging profession. FRA is proud to recognize this well-deserved honor.

Press Release 🔗: https://forestresources.org/resources/tobey-mcdowell-of-c-mcdowell-logging-recognized-as-fras-2026-national-outstanding-logger-award-winner/

05/21/2026

Please join us in congratulating Kevin Hudson of Smurfit Westrock on being named the new Chairman of the Board for the Forest Resources Association (FRA).

As Senior Vice President of Forest Resources and Recycled Fiber at Smurfit Westrock, Kevin brings decades of leadership and experience across the forest products industry and wood supply chain. FRA looks forward to his leadership and continued commitment to advancing the industry.

Read Press Release here:
https://forestresources.org/resources/fra-elects-kevin-hudson-as-chairman-of-the-board/

ERIC MCCONNELL, PH.D. RECEIVES FRA’S 2026 SOUTHCENTRAL REGION TECHNICAL WRITING AWARD

05/15/2026

🌳Forest Service invests $80 million in Forest Legacy conservation projects 🌳

The U.S. Forest Service today announced $80 million in FY2026 funding for 15 congressionally approved Forest Legacy Program projects, conserving approximately 34,000 acres of privately owned working forests across multiple states.

“The Forest Legacy program makes critical investments in working forests with state partnerships to provide timber supplies and other wood products, provide public access for recreation, secure drinking water, and maintain wildlife habitat in some of the most important forests across the nation,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz.

📰🔗Read it here:

The U.S. Forest Service is investing more than $80 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to support 15 congressionally approved Forest Legacy projects in 2026. These projects will permanently conserve over 34,000 acres of privately owned working forests across the country.

05/14/2026

🌳May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Hear from Lindsay Warness, FRA Western Region Manager, in this week’s as she explores digital overload, constant connectivity, and the importance of unplugging for both productivity and well-being.

➡️From nonstop notifications to after-hours emails, small changes in our digital habits can make a big difference. Read more about practical ways to create healthier boundaries with technology.

🔗https://forestresources.org/2026/05/14/digital-detox-and-mental-health-unplugging-for-productivity/

Growing up in the early 90s, I distinctly remember when cell phones were first introduced. You remember, the analog ones that weighed three pounds and heated up the longer you talked on them?