FRA 2026 Western Region Fall Meeting
September 16–18, 2026 | Eagle Crest Resort, Redmond, Oregon

The Forest Resources Association Western Region gathered September 16–18 at Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond, Oregon, for the 2026 Fall Meeting. Centered on the theme “The Fiber Equation: Supply, Demand, and Reality,” the meeting brought together FRA members, industry partners, and friends from across the region for three days of learning, conversation, recognition, and connection.

Against the backdrop of a challenging and changing forest products market, the meeting provided an opportunity to have candid conversations about the issues affecting our industry—from wood supply and public policy to workforce challenges and emerging technology. Just as importantly, it gave members a chance to reconnect, share experiences, and strengthen the relationships that make the Western Region such an important part of FRA.

Business Program

Following welcomes from Western Region Steering Committee Chair Courtney Kent, Smurfit Westrock, and FRA Chairman Kevin Hudson, Smurfit Westrock, FRA President and CEO Tim O’Hara provided an update on FRA’s federal policy priorities and activities. The educational program included:

• FRA Policy Update — Tim O’Hara, President & CEO, Forest Resources Association
• NW Forest Industry Economic Update — Trip Jobe, VP Global Sales, ResourceWise
• Pacific Northwest Forest Service Updates — Jackie Groce, Interim Deputy Regional Forester, U.S. Forest Service Region 6
• Workforce Changes: Exposure, Interest and Training Trends — Blake Manley, Executive Director, Western Forestry Conservation Association
• Washington State Np Buffer Rule — Cindy Mitchell, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Washington Forest Protection Association
• Workforce Retention — Mike Lester, President, Mason, Bruce & Girard
• Forest Vision AI — David Stroble, Co-Founder, Forest Vision AI
• Technology and Innovations at Roseburg Forest Products — Tony Powell, Director of Resource Technical Services, Roseburg Forest Products

Together, these presentations sparked valuable discussion about the realities facing the Western forest products industry. Speakers shared perspectives on current markets, federal and state forest policy, workforce recruitment and retention, logger training, and the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence in forestry and forest products operations. Click Here to view the presentations we have permission to share.

Awards and Recognition

One of the most memorable parts of the meeting was the Western Region Awards Dinner, which gave us an opportunity to celebrate the people whose careers and contributions have made a lasting difference in our industry.



Duane Grant of Lone Rock Resources received the 2026 Western Region Outstanding Logger Award, presented by FRA in partnership with John Deere. The award recognizes logging contractors who demonstrate excellence in safety, environmental stewardship, business management, and community involvement. Duane was recognized not only for an extraordinary 50-year career in logging, but also for his commitment to mentoring the next generation and the lasting legacy he has helped build at Lone Rock Resources.



Cindy Mitchell of the Washington Forest Protection Association received the 2026 Western Region Technical Writing Award for her Technical Release, “Washington Voter Perception of Forest Management.” Her publication summarized WFPA polling on public perceptions of active forest management, including sustainability, community resilience, environmental health, and the benefits the public associates with forest management.

Recognizing Duane and Cindy was a meaningful reminder that FRA’s strength comes from the people within our industry who are willing to lead, share their knowledge, and invest in those who will follow them.

Field Tour and Regional Business

The meeting concluded Friday with two field-tour groups at Brightwood Manufacturing. Attendees had the opportunity to see manufacturing operations firsthand while continuing conversations about wood supply, markets, technology, and the operational realities facing the industry.

More than anything, this year’s Fall Meeting reinforced the value of bringing people together. We covered serious issues facing the Western forest products industry, but we also had the opportunity to learn from one another, recognize exceptional people, reconnect with longtime colleagues, and build new relationships.

Those conversations and connections are an important part of what makes FRA valuable. Thank you to our speakers, sponsors, Steering Committee, award recipients, tour host, members, and partners who contributed their time and expertise and helped make the 2026 Western Region Fall Meeting such a meaningful gathering.

If you attended the meeting, please take a moment to complete the post-meeting survey. Your feedback helps FRA continue to improve and shape future meetings to best serve our members.

FRA 2026 Southcentral Region Fall Meeting
September 15–16, 2026 | Chateau Saint Denis Hotel, Natchitoches, LA

The Forest Resources Association’s Southcentral Region convened at the Chateau Saint Denis Hotel in Natchitoches, Louisiana, on September 15th – 16th for its 2026 Fall Meeting.

The Meeting began on Tuesday, September 15th, with a tour of RoyOMartin’s plywood mill in Chopin. FRA is grateful to RoyOMartin for their hospitality and exceptional tour. A Welcome Dinner was held later that evening at Mayeaux’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant. Special thanks to Legna Software for their generous sponsorship and for providing an evening of fun and networking for our members and guests before the general session on the following day.

Wednesday’s (September 16th) general session began with keynote speaker Scott Poole, CEO – RoyOMartin, followed by a Louisiana Legislative/Association Panel featuring Rep. Jack McFarland, LA House of Representatives – District 13 (R); Toni McAllister, Executive Director – Louisiana Loggers Association; and Ray Daughtry, President – Louisiana Forestry Association.  

The afternoon session lineup featured the following topics and speakers:
Forests + Buildings: Regional Paths Toward Mass Timber Buildings – Chris Meyer and Shawna Meyer, Atelier Mey
Louisiana’s Subsurface as a Valuable Natural Resource – Chris McLindon, LSU Energy Institute
What’s Going on with Fuel Price Volatility? – Todd Martin, Southern Loggers Cooperative
Louisiana Tech Forestry Program & RoyOMartin Forest Products Innovation Center Update – Dr. Joshua Adams, Louisiana Tech

Click Here to view the presentations we have permission to share.

Thanks to all SCR Fall meeting sponsors who helped to make this year’s Fall Meeting a success!

If you attended the meeting, please take a moment to complete the post-meeting survey. Your feedback helps FRA continue to improve and shape future meetings to best serve our members.