Association News

Northwest Forest Plan Science Synthesis

AFRC reported that on June 26, the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest and Pacific Southwest Research Stations published a science synthesis (www.fs.fed.us/pnw/publications/gtr966) aimed at providing a scientific foundation for land management of the Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP) area.

The NWFP covers 24 million acres spreading over 17 national forests. The report focused on relevant scientific information published since the inception of the NWFP and considered more than 2,000 peer-reviewed publications.

In June, the agency facilitated a forum to share the key findings of the synthesis with interested members of the public. The 2012 Planning Rule requires the use of the best available science to inform decisions. The synthesis was prepared as the first step to meeting this requirement and considered topics such as aquatic ecosystem management, wildlife management, and socio-economic well-being.

AFRC Completes Second Habitat for Humanity Home Near Olympia

The Ahmed-Townes Family, joined by representatives from the local forest products industry, South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity, volunteers, and community leaders, was handed the keys to their new Habitat home in the Deyoe Vista neighborhood in Lacey, Washington, on Saturday, June 30.

AFRC members and staff contributed locally manufactured lumber and wood products, generous financial contributions, and volunteer hours to build a home for the Ahmed-Townes Family.

“This project embodies what the forest products industry is all about,” said Travis Joseph, president of AFRC. “We work in the woods, help care for our public lands and forests, and make local, renewable wood products every Washingtonian depends on every day – including the lumber for our homes. Our members – the family business owners, engineers, loggers, foresters, and millworkers – are passionate about the health and vitality of the communities in which they live, work, and play. This project is another example of that commitment. It’s a perfect fit. We are ecstatic to be using our members’ local products and expertise and tapping into their passion for and commitment to rural communities, to build a home for Sharaf, Kayleigh, and their three kids, including a newborn!”

OLC Awarded 14 Scholarships

Fourteen students who were selected to receive Oregon Logging Conference Foundation (OLCF) scholarships well represent the talent in the next generation of logging industry employees. These students will share $24,000 in scholarships to pursue acquiring the skills they need to keep the logging industry moving forward. 

If you or someone you know would like to apply to receive an OLCF scholarship, applications are accepted each year beginning in January. 

New Executive Director at OFRI

The Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI) board of directors has named seasoned marketing and communications professional Erin Isselmann to serve as the Institute’s new executive director. Isselmann, most recently the director of communications for the Portland Business Alliance, joined OFRI July 9. She has held communications and marketing leadership roles at several Fortune 500 companies, including Xerox, Tektronix, and Conduent and has more than two decades of experience in corporate communications, public relations, and digital marketing.