#1: 10/1/2024

Maine’s Forest Entrepreneurship: Unlocking Business Opportunities 

In the kickoff session of The Business of Maine’s Forest Product Sector course, we’ll explore the entrepreneurial landscape in Maine’s forest products sector. 

You’ll hear from Erica Watson, Senior Program Director Education & Workforce from Maine Development Foundation about the current state of the forest products sector. Then, we’ll hear from Anthony Durante, who is the Director of New Ventures at the University of Maine. and is responsible for advancing the commercialization of innovations developed within UMaine. Lastly, we’ll hear from Tom Fox, founder of Fox Forestry, who developed his business based on the needs of customers and changing regulations, while finding his niche of products and services. 

#2: 10/8/2024

Maine’s Forest Landscape

In Maine’s Forest Landscape, you’ll learn about the ownership of Maine’s forests, the tree mix across the state, how the state’s forests are mapped out, and the history of mills and industrial influences. This workshop will feature Ken Laustsen, retired state biometrician for the Maine Forest Service.

Timber Talk: Demystifying Industry Jargon 

Then, in Timber Talk: Demystifying Industry Jargon, you’ll learn the specialized terminology used in Maine’s forest products sector. From terms like “cordwood” to “merchantable timber,” we’ll break it down and make it accessible. This workshop will feature Sean Horan, Climate Smart Agriculture & Forestry Professional & Shane O’Neill, the Forest Industry Business Development Manager at the University of Maine.

#4: 10/22/2024

Managing Maine’s Forests for Wildlife

In Managing Maine’s Forests for Wildlife, Amber Roth, Associate Professor of Forest Wildlife Management will discuss how Maine’s various tree species contribute to wildlife habitat management. You’ll come to understand the connections between tree diversity, ecosystem health, and wildlife conservation.

Outdoor Recreation and Tourism 

Then, in Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, we’ll hear from Jenny Kordick of Maine Outdoor Brands and Jeff McCabe, Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation about issues surrounding public access, as well and careers and business opportunities in the outdoor recreation and tourism.

#5: 10/29/2024

Landscape to Woodlot Scale Forestry

This session will be a panel of two speakers: Dan LaMontagne, President of Seven Islands Land Company, managing over 800,000 acres of forestland, and Jessica Leahy, a University of Maine Professor and recent Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year. Jessica was also featured in this session last year.

The panel discussion will be led by Logan Johnson, Executive Director of Maine TREE Foundation.

#7: 11/12/2024

Lumber Production in Maine 

In Lumber Production in Maine, you’ll go on a journey through the entire process of transforming towering trees into the fine lumber that’s at the core of Maine’s heritage. Delve into the art and science of lumber production, starting from the selection of trees and sustainable harvesting techniques, all the way through to advanced sawmill technology.

Pulp and Paper: Utilizing Maine’s Low-Grade Forest Resources 

Then, in Pulp & Paper: Utilizing Maine’s Low-Grade Forest Resources, you’ll explore the role of Maine’s pulp and paper industry. Understand the methods, techniques, equipment, and sustainable practices leveraged in this sector.

#8: 11/19/2024

Forest to Workshop: Creations from Maine’s Timber

From Forest to Workshop: Creations from Maine’s Timber, you’ll join us for an immersive workshop where you’ll learn the journey of timber from Maine’s forests to the workshop. Discover a wide range of specialty products and local potential in wood creations.

The Roots of Maine’s Timber Legacy: A Historical Journey

Then, in The Roots of Maine’s Timber Legacy from 3-5 pm, you’ll dive into the rich history of Maine’s forest products sector, tracing its origins from Native American practices to the modern timber industry. Explore the pivotal moments and key figures that shaped this enduring legacy.

#10: 12/3/2024

Exploring Careers in Maine’s Forest Economy  

In Exploring Careers in Maine’s Forest Economy, you’ll discover the diverse array of career opportunities within Maine’s forest economy now. Learn about roles, education, and pathways to enter this dynamic field.

Maine’s Forest Workforce of the Future: Bridging the Skills Gap 

Then, in Maine’s Forest Workforce of the Future: Bridging the Skills Gap, we’ll investigate the skills gap in Maine’s forest products industry and discuss innovative training and education programs needed to prepare the workforce for emerging trends and technologies.