Wood heat is an important market for low-grade wood from the region.
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Building A Diverse Forest Economy

We believe in widely shared opportunity. We are a regional innovation and investment partner advancing rural economies and creating rural vibrancy by connecting people to the forested landscape.

Our programs bring innovation to the forest economy, creating jobs and building local wealth through economic opportunities that promote the sustainable use of the forest.

Market Development Impact

$3,000,000
million invested in wood products market development
192
forest product companies assisted last year
1,500
jobs sustained through initiative

Market Development Initiative Diversifies Wood Products, Increases Demand

The Future Forest Economy Initiative invested $3 million in wood product market diversification, helping launch 10 new forest products and leveraging $14.8 million private investment in the sector.  

Investments in 13 projects across the region have added or improved jobs and supported market demand for 8 million tons of wood from the Northern Forest.

See the stories in the video above.

Read More About Market Expansion

How We Advance the Rural Economy

Expanding Wood Markets

We advance new markets to diversify the region’s economy by securing financial support and guiding project development for mass timber, wood heat, wood-based insulation, and other emerging products.

Recent Highlights

What We're Doing

Elevating Outdoor Recreation

The Northern Forest offers world-class recreation experiences. We help communities and businesses increase their unique appeal and benefit from visitor spending while sustaining the region’s landscape, history and culture for residents and visitors.

Recent Highlights

What We're Doing

Sustaining Businesses

We help business owners innovate and improve business practices in wood product manufacturing, wood heat, and outdoor recreation and tourism. We help them tap expertise and capital to create and sustain good jobs.

Recent Highlights

What We're Doing

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