Center Vice President Joe Short brings regional priorities to Washington, DC.
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Advocating for the Region

The Center advances programs and policies that connect economy, community, and environment to accelerate inclusive prosperity.

We work at the state and federal levels, advocating for public policies and regional investment that will support economic opportunities based on sustainable uses of the forest.

We do this by improving public policies that support new industries that use the forest sustainably, such as modern wood heating and mass timber; by highlighting the importance of investment in rural infrastructure such as broadband; and by securing public investment in maintaining forestland and building forest-based businesses.

“The Center is a strong advocate for the Northern Forest. The Center brings a regional perspective to Washington, DC, with tangible, local projects to help decision-makers shape programs that will more effectively serve forested places.”

– Jamey French, CEO, Northland Forest Products, Inc.

The Center encourages our region’s governors, senators and representatives to work together for the region. For visibility and funding, our four governors, eight U.S. senators, and seven U.S. Representatives can provide a strong collective voice.

We also work with federal agency staff, helping them to understand the needs and opportunities of the Northern Forest, and securing funding for the region through programs such as the US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development agency and the Regional Forest Economy Partnership of the Northern Border Regional Commission.

As a nonprofit organization with 501(c)3 status from the IRS, the Center does not support or oppose candidates for public office nor engage in partisan activities.

How We Work to Shape Policy

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Regional Policy Pulse

Across the region, state legislatures are back in session looking to amend or enact legislation that would bring state-wide changes for years or even decades down the road. See what’s top if mind.

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Regional Policy Pulse

Across the region, state legislatures are back in session looking to amend or enact legislation that would bring state-wide changes for years or even decades down the road. See what’s top if mind.

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Regional Policy Pulse

Across the region, state legislatures are back in session looking to amend or enact legislation that would bring state-wide changes for years or even decades down the road. See what’s top if mind.

Learn More

How We're Contributing to Climate Solutions

Wood Heat Campaign Enters New Phase

With rising oil prices top of mind, the Feel Good Heat campaign launched a new set of ads and content on the price stability of wood heat.

A truck delivers wood pellets to a home for heat through automated delivery.

Modern Wood Heat Qualifies for 26% Tax Credit

Homeowners can receive up to a 26% federal tax credit on residential installations of high-efficiency wood heating systems such as pellet stoves and whole-home pellet boilers.

A Froling P4 Pellet Boiler

Wood Pellet Heat is 54% carbon better than fossil fuels

Automated Wood Heat demonstration projects and marketing efforts are transforming the Northern Forest’s energy economy.

See All

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You can receive updates about the Center’s state and federal policy work, regional leadership and advocacy. Sign up here!

Staff Contacts

photo of Joe Short

Joe Short

Vice President
Cell: 603-491-2651