The Forest Resources Association’s (FRA) 92nd Annual Meeting, held May 18–20 in Charleston, South Carolina, brought together over 150 members and industry partners for three days of networking, education, committee work, and the governance decisions that will guide the Association through the coming year. Meeting presentations and discussions highlighted the opportunities and challenges facing the industry, including evolving timber markets, sustainable building products, workforce development, transportation and safety issues, and the growing role of AI, automation, and advanced technologies in forestry operations.
WU+DI’s Patricia Layton, Professor Emerita of Forestry and Strategic Advisor, delivered a presentation titled “Sustainable Buildings and Innovative Wood Products to Strengthen Forest Markets,” focusing on how sustainable buildings, mass timber construction, and innovative wood products can strengthen forest markets. Layton’s presentation highlighted the growing use of mass timber due to its benefits, including lower embodied carbon, improved construction efficiency, sustainability, and support for forest health, while also addressing misconceptions about cost, fire safety, and building codes. She emphasized the importance of integrated wood supply chains, advanced manufacturing, and traceability from forest to finished building products, alongside emerging research and partnerships led by Clemson University and regional collaborators. The presentation also explored broader market transitions affecting the forest sector.
Duber Garces
Grad Research Assistant
Social media & Communications, WU+D
Clemson University
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