Introduction of the “Jobs in the Woods Act”-118th Congress

Published

Statement on Representatives Chavez-DeRemer and Gluesenkamp Perez Introduction of the “Jobs in the Woods Act”–118th Congress

September 6, 2023–The Forest Resources Association (FRA), along with the undersigned organizations, applaud Congresswomen Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s (R-OR-5) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez’s (D-WA-3) introduction of the “Jobs in the Woods Act.” This legislation provides educational pathways for those interested in a career in forestry. 

 “The sustainability and competitive viability of the forest products industry relies on an intact, healthy wood supply chain, including a viable workforce. The Jobs in the Woods Act provides workforce training opportunities for those interested in a career in forestry. A key component of the legislation includes education opportunities to expand high school forestry curricula in rural forest-based economies. These programs will provide an opportunity for young adults to establish a career in the communities where they were raised,” said Tim O’Hara, FRA Vice President of Government Affairs.

Forest product industry manufacturing facilities are in areas where they are the primary economic base for rural forest-based economies. They serve as a key employer and provide good-paying direct and indirect jobs. The forest products industry, including loggers and haulers, primary and secondary manufacturers, pulp and paper mills, sawmills, and engineered wood products, is one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the U.S., sustaining nearly 930,000 families and contributing $353 billion annually to the U.S. economy[i].

Supporting Organizations of the Jobs in the Woods Act:

Forest Resources Association

Alabama Forestry Association

Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group

American Forest Foundation

American Forest Resource Council

American Loggers Council

American Wood Council

Arkansas Forestry Association

Arkansas Timber Producers Association

Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho

Associated Oregon Loggers Inc

Association of Consulting Foresters

Black Hills Forest Resource Association

California Forestry Association

Colorado Timber Industry Association

Composite Panel Association

Decorative Hardwoods Association

Empire State Forest Products Association

Federal Forest Resource Coalition

Florida Forestry Association

Forestry Association of South Carolina

Forest Workforce Training Institute

Georgia Forestry Association

Great Lakes Timber Producers Association

Hardwood Federation

Intermountain Forest Association

Kentucky Forest Industries Association

Keystone Wood Products Association

Louisiana Forestry Association

Louisiana Logging Council

Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association

Maryland Forests Association

Massachusetts Forest Alliance

Minnesota Forest Industries

Minnesota Timber Producers Association

Mississippi Forestry Association

Missouri Forest Products Association

Montana Wood Products Association

National Association of State Foresters

National Alliance of Forest Owners

National Hardwood Lumber Association

National Wooden Pallet & Container Association

National Wood Flooring Association

National Woodland Owners Association

New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association

Northeastern Loggers Association

Northern Tier Hardwood Association

Oregon Women in Timber

Ohio Forestry Association

Pennsylvania Forestry Association

South Carolina Timber Producers Association

Southern Loggers Cooperative

Tennessee Forestry Association

Texas Forestry Association

Treated Wood Council

Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association

Washington Forest Protection Association

Western Wood Preservers Institute

West Virginia Forestry Association


[i] Economic Impact | AF&PA (afandpa.org)