Minnesota Logger Education Program

06/01/2026

A newly published study in the Forest Products Journal highlights the critical role logging businesses play in supporting the forest products supply chain and rural economies across the Lake States region, comprising Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The research found that logging businesses directly supported 8,724 jobs and nearly $500 million in economic output in 2023, with total contributions increasing to 11,088 jobs and $902.6 million when multiplier effects are included.

New Study Highlights Economic Importance of Logging Industry and Risks of Capacity Decline

A newly published study in the Forest Products Journal highlights the critical role logging businesses play in supporting the forest products supply chain and rural economies across the Lake States region, comprising Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The research found that logging businesses directly supported 8,724 jobs and nearly $500 million in economic output in 2023, with total contributions increasing to 11,088 jobs and $902.6 million when multiplier effects are included.

Read it here:https://fpj.kglmeridian.com/downloadpdf/view/journals/fpro/76/2/article-p173.pdf

05/30/2026

Nearly 400 logging professionals participated this spring in the LogSafe Psychological First Aid workshop. Just like First Aid/CPR participants spend time every-other-year learning about using the tourniquet they hope they never need to use our loggers took the time to "sharpen their saw" when it comes to psychological first aid. More resources below. (with ArcaMind)

During Mental Health Awareness Month, FRA shared resources and conversations focused on wellness, stress management, and workforce well-being across the forest products industry.

Our platform explored:

🌲 The Forest Products Industry and Mental Health
🔗 https://forestresources.org/2026/05/07/the-forest-products-industry-and-mental-health/

🌲 Digital Detox and Mental Health | Unplugging for Productivity
🔗 https://forestresources.org/2026/05/14/digital-detox-and-mental-health-unplugging-for-productivity/

🌲 Mental Health in the Lumber Industry: The Tough Conversation We Can’t Afford to Ignore
🔗 https://forestresources.org/2026/05/21/mental-health-in-the-lumber-industry-the-tough-conversation-we-cant-afford-to-ignore/

We also hosted Harvesting Health and Wellness with Dr. Robin Tutor, who shared practical strategies for managing stress, supporting employee well-being, and promoting healthier workplaces.

💻 Webinar Recording: https://forestresources.org/resources/harvesting-health-wellness/

Mental health affects every part of our workforce and every link in the wood supply chain. Supporting the well-being of the people who keep our industry moving is an investment in the future of forestry.

05/28/2026

Wisconsin’s forest industry is facing growing pressure from mill closures, rising logging costs and changing timber markets.

Former forester and congressional candidate Fred Clark says new investment and markets are needed to stabilize the state’s timber economy

05/27/2026

Northern Loggers are Jacks of all Trades - This means in Minnesota, too.

Northern Logger Magazine Diversification Chuck Zimmerman: Logger and “Jack of All Trades” By Erin Kessler With the wet weather of spring turning skid roads into a muddy mess and potentially affecting water quality and causing erosion, many logging operations park their equipment and turn to othe...

05/26/2026

Tobey McDowell of C. McDowell Logging Recognized as FRA’s 2026 National Outstanding Logger Award Winner

ERIC MCCONNELL, PH.D. RECEIVES FRA’S 2026 SOUTHCENTRAL REGION TECHNICAL WRITING AWARD

05/16/2026

https://queticosuperior.org/salvaging-wildfire-damaged-trees-in-the-superior-national-forest-for-forest-products/

Trees damaged by 2025 wildfires that impacted state and federal lands near Brimson, Minnesota is turned into forest products.

05/16/2026

Nationally, logging sees fatality rates above 100 per 100,000 workers. Minnesota has had just one in‑woods fatality in five years — a remarkable safety record for a workforce of roughly 900.

Yet during that same period, our community has endured multiple suicides and murder‑suicides. These losses don’t show up in OSHA or Bureau of Labor Statistics data, but they affect crews, families, and entire regions.

That’s why it matters that more than 350 Minnesota loggers have stepped into a four‑hour Psychological First Aid training this spring. It shows a workforce that’s willing to confront hard realities and take care of its own.

with: ArcaMind, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

05/01/2026

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNDNR/bulletins/4113305

News from the MFRC Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. Minnesota Forest Resources Council Newsletter April 30, 2026 MFRC Adopts "Keeping Forests Forested" Resolution Photo courtesy of Rob Thoresen, Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society. The Minnesota Forest Resour...

04/24/2026

Winter 2025/26 – Producers’ Perspectives from the Lake States Region

Winter, and the frozen soil conditions it promises, is a critical operating period for the forest products industry in the Lake States region. In Minnesota alone, winter logging accounts for about 53%