The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) recently concluded its regional forestry summit that concluded Gov. Scott Walker’s chairmanship of the association. The meeting, Maximizing Forestry Resources in the Midwest, brought together governors’ staff, state DNR staff, state foresters, federal partners, trade groups, private industry, NGOs, and academia to promote the economic, recreational, and tourism benefits of the regions’ forests.
“Our forests, in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest are some of our greatest resources,” said Governor Scott Walker. “By working together, states can maintain our excellent reputation as a great outdoor activity destination for families, while also helping forestry grow by employing hardworking Midwesterners and contributing to each of our states’ economies.”
Topics covered at this event included expanding economic growth in the forestry industry, how wood is making a comeback in the building industry, how technology is creating new uses for Midwestern forests, Midwestern forestry management, and a roundtable discussion on the top issues facing Midwestern state foresters.
Jesse Heier, executive director of the MGA, said “Midwestern forests help make the Midwest the best place to live. They provide jobs and activities in all four seasons and keep our region beautiful.”
Attendees also toured the Forest Products Laboratory, a part of the U.S. Forest Service. The Forest Products Laboratory is working toward new utilizations of science and technology to better help the United States achieve energy security, revitalize our economy in the 21st Century, create jobs, successfully compete in the global economy, and sequester carbon with forest products.
More information about the meeting is available at www.midwesterngovernors.org/Forestry.htm.