State Capitol Panel on Why Forestry and Forest Products Matter to Wisconsin
Wisconsin's Green Fire, November 5, 2025
Paul Heinen, WGF’s Policy Director (second from left) speaks on the October 20, 2025 panel at the State Capitol, “Why Forestry and Forest Products Matter to Wisconsin” during Forest Products Week.
Forest Products Week started October 20, 2025 in Wisconsin. As a kick-off event for Forest Products Week, Paul Heinen, Policy Director of Wisconsin’ Green Fire (WGF), joined a panel of seven forestry experts at the State Capitol. The panel focused on “Why Forestry and Forest Products Matter to Wisconsin.” The conversation celebrated the foundational role that forests play in Wisconsin’s identity, economy, and environmental health.
The panelists all spoke about their experiences and ideas for the future of Wisconsin’s forests.
The panel, moderated by Sam Rikkers of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation included:
- Heather Berklund, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- Paul Heinen, Wisconsin’s Green Fire
- Tom Hittle, Wisconsin Council on Forestry
- Larry Krueger, Krueger Lumber and Lake States Lumber Association
- Cassie Mordini, Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation
- Henry Schienebeck, Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association
- Scott Suder, Wisconsin Paper Council
WGF’s role on the panel highlighted the ongoing impact of our 2024 Opportunities Now paper, “Wisconsin Forests at Risk: Engaging Wisconsinites in Another Century of Forest Conservation.”
“If you want to know about what is happening to Wisconsin’s forests you need to read Green Fire’s paper on Forestry,” said Henry Schienebeck to the packed hearing room at the State Capitol. Schienebeck talked about the economic strength of Wisconsin’s forests supporting more than 100,000 jobs and the challenges facing the states and the nation’s forests including changing fiber use, international trade pressures, the tariffs and transportation bottlenecks.
WGF’s full report on “Wisconsin Forests at Risk” is available to read or download here. This science-based report was written especially for policymakers, community leaders, investors, forest landowners and managers, and all who are interested in healthy productive forests and trees in our communities. It addresses three key challenges:
- declines in forest productivity and forest health,
- changes in the economics of forest management, and
- changes in forest ownership and owner objectives.
The panel also spent time talking about the opportunities we should seize.
WGF supported a $1 million budget amendment that passed and was signed into law in 2025. This funding supports a 2-year strategic planning process to reimagine forestry’s future in Wisconsin and begin working with policymakers on investing in forestry’s future in the state.
Reflecting on that work, WGF Executive Director Meleesa Johnson said, “During the State Budget process earlier this year we met with over 30 legislators and asked them to support the million-dollar study.” She continued, “I thank them for their support. Now we need to begin the work to strengthen timber market competitiveness, fund education and outreach and encourage innovation. Wisconsin’s Green Fire will continue to work with the forestry industry and policy makers to secure a viable and sustainable future for Wisconsin Forestry”.
You can view a recording of the panel on Wisconsin Eye.
Upson Lake fall forest, photo by Colleen Matula