This project will pilot incentives to establish a local wood supply chain in the woodlands partnership region, massachusetts a priority landscape in the massachusetts forest action plan

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Eastern Region (Region 9), awarded $596,000 to Franklin County Community Development Corporation under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance program (CFDA 10.664) on July 7, 2025, for a project completion date of June 30, 2027. This Project Grant will establish a local wood supply chain in the Woodlands Partnership Region of Massachusetts, a priority landscape identified in the Massachusetts Forest Action Plan. The awardee will conduct a comprehensive assessment of barriers preventing wood from remaining in local supply chains and develop targeted incentives to address identified obstacles.

The grant will fund several complementary initiatives to advance habitat-based forestry and expand market opportunities for locally sourced wood products. Key deliverables include supporting the establishment of a regional wood bank, launching consumer and community education campaigns highlighting the benefits of habitat forestry and local wood products, and implementing a range of forestry projects designed to encourage broader landowner adoption of quality forestry practices. By combining financial incentives, infrastructure development, and public education, this project aims to strengthen economic opportunities in the regional forest products sector while advancing forest health and conservation objectives on non-federal lands.

An assessment of barriers to keeping wood local will guide incentives to establish local supply chains, encourage habitat forestry, support a regional wood bank and expand education to consumers and communities about the benefits of this type of forestry and these new local wood products. A range of forestry projects will encourage adoption by more landowners and expand public support for quality forestry.