Michigan hosts Governor’s 2015 Forest Products Summit

Michigan recently held the Governor’s 2015 Forest Products Summit, which used the participation of 150 stakeholders to build upon the work started to grow the industry at the summit’s 2013 instalment.

“We took what we learned at that first summit and have used that positive momentum to move us even closer to our goals,”  Michigan's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Keith Creagh said. “Because of the professional management of our state’s forest resources, we’re able to sustainably meet the demands of this growing industry while, at the same time, maintaining Michigan’s outstanding recreation opportunities.”

Michigan’s forest products industry is currently worth $17.8 billion and employs 87,000 people. Key topics at this year’s summit included how to increase those figures to $20 billion and more than 95,000. The summit also focused on increasing value-added forest products exports by 50 percent and encouraging industry development within the region.

“To strengthen and grow the forest products industry in Michigan, we have been working with our partners and customers, while continuing to sustainably manage our world-class forest resources,”  Michigan Department of Natural Resources Forest Resources Division chief Bill O’Neill said. “Michigan’s forest products industry plays an important role in moving the state’s economy forward by providing jobs in both urban and rural settings. Strengthening this industry strengthens Michigan.”