The Joint FRA Western Region/Montana Wood Products Association (MWPA) Fall Meeting brought together nearly 90 forestry professionals and industry leaders in Whitefish, Montana, September 17–19. Centered on the theme “Forest Forward: Innovation and Talent for a Sustainable Future,” the event combined networking, recognition, and forward-thinking discussions on the challenges and opportunities shaping the wood supply chain.

The meeting began on Wednesday with optional activities—including a golf scramble and a guided tour of Glacier National Park—followed by an Icebreaker Reception where FRA proudly announced the Western Region Logger of the Year: Turner Logging Inc. of Banks, Oregon. John Deere generously sponsors the Logger of the Year program.

During the ceremony, attendees learned about Turner Logging’s family business, which exemplifies excellence in logging operations, safety, family values, and community support. John Deere’s Carl Lockhart presented Mark Turner with a plaque along with a $1,000 check to commemorate the honor. Accepting the award on behalf of his family and team, Mark thanked his brother Greg for his partnership while he serves with the American Loggers Council and Associated Oregon Loggers. He expressed both pride and excitement for the plaque, which will hang prominently in the Turner Logging office.

Thursday opened with FRA Steering Committee Chair John Holte of Roseburg Forest Products honoring Kathy Troupe of Smurfit-Westrock with a lifetime honorary membership in FRA.  Kathy will retire at the end of the year, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, integrity, and generosity that has inspired everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside her.

The day continued with a full day of programming focused on innovation in the wood products industry. Topics included artificial intelligence applications in sawmills, drones in non-logging operations, and policy and federal updates. Discussions featured the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), updates from the U.S. Forest Service, Montana Department of Natural Resources, and Idaho Department of Lands’ Good Neighbor Authority projects.

Workforce development rounded out the day’s agenda with an insightful presentation on trucking. Reed’s Trucking shared how they’re using AI to recruit and retain drivers—an approach resonating with the industry’s ongoing talent challenges.

Presentations for which we have permission to share are listed below and can be found linked HERE. 

To access them, you must sign in as an FRA member. Please contact FRA’s Communications and Marketing Manager, Vanessa Connelly, at [email protected] if you need assistance.

FRA Speaker Presentations:

• University of Montana FARTHER Project
  Scott Whittenburg, University of Montana
• Revolutionizing the Wood Processing Industry with AI
  Anne-Marie Levesque, Comact
• Innovations in Non-Logging Drone Usage
  Jake Ferrigan, AeroTract One
• EUDR Discussion     
  Rebecca Barnard, Sappi
• Region 1 Forest Service Updates
  Kristin Bail, Region 1 USFS
• Montana Good Neighbor Authority Update
  Chloe Danison-Fieldhouse, Montana DNRC
• Idaho Department of Lands Good Neighbor Authority
  Greg Tyler, Idaho Dept. of Lands
• Trucking Recruitment Strategies
  Jason Reed, Reed’s Trucking

The day concluded with the Montana Wood Products Association Auction and Awards Banquet, where Chris French, Acting Associate Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, spoke about USDA’s efforts to realign USFS with its original mission. More than $4,000 was raised for MWPA’s scholarship program.

On Friday, attendees toured Weyerhaeuser MDF and SmartLam facilities in Columbia Falls, Montana. The mill tours were well-received and offered valuable insight into state-of-the-art operations.

The Joint FRA Western Region/Montana Wood Products Association (MWPA) Fall Meeting was approved for 8.5 Category 1 SAF CFE credits. CFE certificates will be emailed to attendees who signed the registration sheet.

If you attended this meeting and would like to provide feedback, please CLICK HERE.

With this successful meeting behind us, FRA is already looking ahead to the 2026 Western Region program. If you have ideas for topics or speakers, please contact Lindsay Warness at [email protected].

Thank You to Our Sponsors!