Helping loggers and sawmills maintain economic viability and create a market for pulpwood logs by increasing the amount of white OAK pulpwood logs purchased

M & D Stave Co received a $581,652 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program (CFDA 10.708) awarded November 12, 2025, with a completion date of December 31, 2029. This award supports capital investments designed to increase the market for white oak pulpwood logs by expanding manufacturing operations for pulpwood products. The project will enhance economic viability for loggers and sawmills through value-added product manufacturing while supporting forest management activities and creating employment opportunities in underserved rural Pennsylvania communities.

The Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program funds facility expansions and capital improvements that utilize low-value, low-quality wood resources in support of forest restoration objectives. This award represents one of the program's ongoing investments in innovative wood products facilities, consistent with the program's track record of distributing 94 awards totaling $71 million since June 2021, with particular concentration of funding in the Eastern Region. The five-year project timeline aligns with standard program parameters and positions M & D Stave Co to advance sustainable forestry practices while maintaining competitive manufacturing operations in the region.

This manufacturing expansion will grow the market for pulpwood material, keep and expand value added product manufacturing in the state, support both public and private forestry management activities, and support jobs and enterprises in underserved communities.