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Council envisions strong wood industry
January 9, 2004
By Shawn Turner
Free Press Staff Writer
MONTPELIER -- A group of conservationists, labor organizations and others that have held differing views on the best use of the state's forests over the years has unveiled a plan it hopes will best utilize Vermont's woodlands.
The Vermont Forest Products Council on Thursday unveiled its plan to improve the health of the wood products industry. Formed two years ago, the council made 24 recommendations on marketing, economic development, education and training, and wood resources.
"What we're talking about is a partnership and being good stewards of the land to maintain the quality of the wood industry," Gov. Jim Douglas said during Thursday morning's Statehouse news conference. "The industry has faced tremendous challenges with competitive pressures and a global recession."
According to 2000 statistics from the state Department of Economic Development, the industry was home to 18,463 jobs, or 6.2 percent of the work force. These jobs generated $330 million in income. Vermont's wood manufacturing businesses contributed nearly $25 million in state taxes annually.
Some 80 percent of the state is forested, Douglas said, and 80 percent of that land is privately owned. That makes involvement by a spectrum of different groups necessary, he said.
"I can assure you my continued commitment and the administration's commitment of promoting Vermont wood products throughout the world," he said.
Some of the groups that worked on the report include the National Wildlife Federation, the Vermont Wood Manufacturers Association, and the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.
Committee chairman Jeff Parsons said the diverse groups were able to work together.
"The council's procedure was thoughtful and deliberate," he said. "Given the complex and sometimes contentious nature of topics, it was overwhelmingly positive."
Sen. Ginny Lyons, D-Chittenden, said it is natural to have tensions when dealing with land-use issues, but she said it is "refreshing" to see the different groups working together.
"I think there are going to be some rough spots," she said, "but they're off to a good start."
Contact Shawn Turner at 660-1852 or sturner@bfp.burlingtonfreepress.com
The group's recommendations
The Vermont Forest Products Council released a plan it hopes will improve the health of Vermont's wood industry. The recommendations include:
-- Establish a Vermont Wood Products Brand.
-- Increase the marketing efforts for Vermont wood products.
-- Allow for state matching funds to promote products at trade shows.
-- Establish a state design competition for Vermont wood products.
-- Reduce workers' compensation costs by establishing self-insurance pools, tiered rates, or provide discounted premiums for businesses that provide employee safety training.
-- Allow for working capital to be made available by the Vermont Economic Development Authority.
-- Integrate Vermont's natural resources into the public school curriculum by requiring kindergarten through 12th grade students be educated on Vermont's forests, forest products and natural resources economy.
-- Establish an apprenticeship program for businesses, entrepreneurs and employees that will promote business leadership skills.
-- Develop a Web-based clearinghouse for state forest products.
-- Require all state departments, offices and agencies, as well as their contractors and consultants, to use wood products whenever practical.
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