Coalition including UMaine announces plan to grow forest economy

A coalition working to boost Maine’s forest economy announced its action plan at the University of Maine on Sept. 25.

Forest Opportunity Roadmap/Maine (FOR/Maine), a coalition working to diversify the state’s wood products businesses, attract capital investments, and develop greater economic prosperity for communities impacted by recent mill closures, announced a plan to grow Maine’s forest economy from $8.5 billion annually to $12 billion by 2025, according to the Maine Development Foundation.

One of the group’s five goals calls for organization of the forest products industry with committed public sector partners, including UMaine.

FOR/Maine is a collaboration between industry, communities, government, education and nonprofits, which have come together to realize the next generation of Maine’s forest economy. UMaine is a partner. The coalition was created with support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The full news release is online.