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