The wood utilization team will lead efforts for implementation of key strategies such as web presence and branding of local alaskan wood products; creating and implementing marketing campaigns to…

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources received a $600,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service under the Wood Utilization Assistance program (CFDA 10.674), awarded on August 14, 2025, with a completion deadline of March 31, 2028. The Wood Utilization Team will implement a comprehensive strategy to strengthen Alaska's wood products market through multiple coordinated initiatives, including establishing web presence and branding for local Alaskan wood products, developing and executing marketing campaigns to increase demand for Alaska wood, and creating a web-based buyers guide to connect suppliers with purchasers.

The grant also funds educational and infrastructure development activities designed to support wood products producers and facilitate market access. Deliverables include an annual conference offering practical education and resources for wood products businesses, ongoing educational workshops and classes tailored to producer needs, and exploration of opportunities to establish centralized lumber storage and inventory facilities across Alaska to reduce shipping costs and improve supply chain efficiency. Additionally, the project will create networking opportunities between wood producers and consumers to increase awareness of local market opportunities, supporting the broader Wood Utilization Assistance program objective of expanding and strengthening wood products markets while promoting sustainable forest management and economic benefits to Alaskan communities.

The wood utilization team will lead efforts for implementation of key strategies such as web presence and branding of local alaskan wood products; creating and implementing marketing campaigns to buy alaska wood products; creating a web-based buyers guide for alaska wood products; implementing an annual conference providing practical education and resources that can be applied to wood products-related businesses; ongoing educational workshops and classes as needed for wood products producers; explore opportunities to consolidate and store local lumber in centralized locations across the state for inventory and control providing shipping convenience and cost reduction; and, networking opportunities between wood producers and consumers to build awareness of local market opportunities.