Maine’s forest industry has been through a few rough years. In the last several years, there have been six mill closures and half of the state’s softwood pulpwood market have disappeared.

As many of you are aware, FRA began the “Workforce Connections Project” earlier this month. It has been an interesting month, with much to learn, and even more to build upon.

Every now and then, I come across something that sparks a new passion within me for the forest products industry. This happened most recently when I saw the TEDx Talk by Donna Cassese, Sappi North America’s Managing Director of Wood Resource Strategy. Drawing from more than 40 years in the industry, Donna presents a compelling case for why the advanced use of technology and innovation will bring immeasurable opportunities for the future use of wood.

The Kirtland’s Warbler is a small songbird that nests in young, mostly jack pine stands in Michigan and Wisconsin. The birds migrate to the Bahamas in fall and return in spring to nest.