UW-Stevens Point to collaborate with state partners for Wisconsin Forest Products Week

Wisconsin will spotlight one of its largest manufacturing sectors across the state during Forest Products Week Oct. 19-25.

The Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology (WIST), the Wisconsin Forestry Center (WFC) and LEAF (Learning, Experiences, and Activities in Forestry), within the College of Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, are partnering with industrial, governmental and community organizations to showcase the value of Wisconsin's forest products industry.

Wisconsin's forests cover nearly half our state and are a vital part of its collective history, culture and economy. Likewise, the forest products industry provides valuable jobs and contributes significantly to the economy. Forest Products Week offers an opportunity to learn about sustainable forest practices and to develop an appreciation for the valuable resources that Wisconsin forests provide.

The public and school groups are invited to explore forestry and forest products through tours, demonstrations and hands-on activities across the state.

Events include:

• Monday, Oct. 20 - Why Forestry and Forest Products Matter - Industry leaders discuss Wisconsin's forest economy, job opportunities and the importance of sustainable forest management. Livestream available at wiseye.org.
• Tuesday, Oct. 21 - Forest Management and Harvesting - County Forest tours in Bayfield, Oneida, Marathon, Portage and Columbia counties give participants a firsthand look at forest management practices.
• Wednesday, Oct. 22 - From Tree to Essential Paper Products - Public visitors can tour packaging facilities, while school groups explore papermills to see how paper products are made and understand their role in the Wisconsin economy.
• Thursday, Oct. 23 - Built from the Forest - Tours of a lumber mill, architectural windows manufacturer, custom cabinetry facilities and other woodworking operations highlight construction materials and woodworking from Wisconsin forests.
• Friday, Oct. 24 - School Groups Only - UW-Stevens Point hosts hands-on demonstrations for school groups, including forestry, paper science and engineering activities. For schools unable to attend, forest product lessons are available online for classroom use.
• Special Events - Woods, Wellness and Where We Play - Throughout the week, visitors can enjoy a Northcentral Technical College sawmill pancake breakfast and a forest bathing (nature therapy) demonstration.

Partners include Menominee Tribal Enterprises, Wisconsin Paper Council, Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association, Wisconsin County Forests Association, H Window, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Lake States Lumber Association Inc., Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Kemp Natural Resources Station, Krueger Lumber Co. Inc., University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Forestry and Northcentral Technical College.

To learn more about Wisconsin Forest Products Week, its organizers and available activities, visit bit.ly/WisFPW2025.

National Forest Products Week, observed since 1960, highlights the economic and environmental importance of forests and forest-based products. In Wisconsin, forest products account for 11% of manufacturing jobs, contribute $42 billion to the state economy and support 126,000 jobs.