In 10 Wisconsin counties, forestry is the No. 1 employer. Any mill closures or change in markets has a major impact on the economy and the statewide forest industry.
Chief State Forester Heather Berklund says the DNR’s role is in all areas of the supply chain — ensuring industry partners are supported, keeping forests healthy from invasive pests, working with landowners, and recruiting other forestry businesses to the state. The state also provides data for mills, such as forest inventory and economic analysis. But the DNR is not involved with a mill’s decision to close.
Berklund says right now, the markets are steady for lumber. She says hardwood, saw timber and softwood, such as pine and aspen are doing well. This is because the housing and remodeling market is still strong. But with interest rates rising, it puts uncertainty on the lumber market. Mixed hardwood and oak pulp is a tougher market.
The largest concern that DNR is working on with loggers is transportation costs. Berklund says fuel prices are impacting the forest industry and logging community. Another focus of DNR is workforce development from logging in the woods to forest managers to millworkers. Education and outreach about forestry’s importance to the state’s economy is one way that the DNR supports the industry.
Innovation is also at the forefront of the forestry economy, such as adapting to changing trends and markets. Berklund says silver linings out of the above challenges include federal funding. She says overall, forests are healthy in Wisconsin with diverse age classes and species. However, the emerald ash borer and oak wilt are challenges. Reforestation is also ongoing to ensure a next generation of trees.
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