By Andi Anderson
In an effort to bolster Indiana's hardwood industry, researchers from Purdue University’s Forestry and Natural Resources department have teamed up with statewide partners to form the Indiana Wood Utilization Team (IWUT).
This initiative aims to enhance the use of hardwood lumber, increase forest health, and promote economic development in rural areas across Indiana.
The IWUT's primary goal is to develop and implement a strategic plan that raises awareness of the benefits of utilizing the state's forest resources. This plan will be informed by input from an industry advisory board and insights gathered from a series of roundtable discussions held throughout the state.
Key focus areas include forestland ownership, supply chain management, manufacturing, marketing, policy and regulations, and public perception of the wood products industry.
Leading the IWUT team are Purdue researchers Dr. Henry Quesada, Dr. Rado Gazo, Dr. Eva Haviarova, and Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee, with Dr. Quesada serving as the principal investigator.
The team is collaborating with several key partners, including the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry, the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association, and private sector partners such as Jasper Chair and Pike Lumber Company.
The project’s first step involves assembling an advisory board composed of members from these partner organizations. This board will gather input and guide the creation of the strategic plan. To ensure broad input, the team will conduct 10 roundtable discussions across Indiana.
The IWUT will also focus on educating the public and industry stakeholders about the benefits of using forest products. This will be achieved through the creation of guidelines, extension papers, and webinars on topics such as the utilization of underused hardwood species and the potential of mass timber markets.
Additionally, the team plans to promote Indiana’s forest products industry at various state events, including fairs, schools, and industry conventions.
As the project progresses, the advisory board will meet annually to explore new opportunities and address challenges facing the industry. Quarterly meetings will also be held with project partners to review progress and strategize for future initiatives.
The formation of the Indiana Wood Utilization Team represents a significant step toward sustaining and growing the state’s hardwood industry, ensuring that Indiana remains competitive in this vital sector.
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Categories: Indiana, General