National Forest Products Week celebrates the essential role lumber plays in strengthening our economy, communities, and environment—and it’s the perfect time to spotlight the powerful partnership between the Softwood Lumber Board (SLB) and the USDA Forest Service (Forest Service).
The SLB and Forest Service first formalized their collaboration through a 2015 memorandum of understanding (MOU) that was expanded in 2021. Since 2015, the two organizations have jointly invested nearly $100 million in programs and competitions that expand markets for softwood lumber and position it as a sustainable building solution. Together, we have launched city-based accelerators in Boston, New York, and Georgia, and supported national design competitions that highlight lumber’s potential in schools, housing, and other essential buildings. These initiatives are unlocking innovation, removing barriers, and driving measurable growth in market share.
Through co-funded initiatives within WoodWorks and Think Wood, we are equipping design teams, developers, contractors, installers, and communities with the resources to build sustainably while supporting resilient forests and rural economies. These achievements underscore the power of public-private collaboration to deliver results that no single organization could achieve alone.
Looking ahead, this joint commitment with the Forest Service will be essential to achieving the SLB’s strategic goal of 2.9 BBF in new annual lumber demand by 2035—ensuring lumber continues to grow its place in key markets while delivering lasting value for the industry and the environment.
As SLB President and CEO Cees de Jager notes, this collaboration isn’t just about partnership—it’s about progress: "Our partnership with the Forest Service demonstrates the powerful impact that public and private collaboration can deliver for the softwood lumber industry. Together, we are not only opening new markets and accelerating innovation in sustainable construction, but also laying the foundation for long-term lumber industry growth. This collaboration is critical to ensure the lumber industry thrives in the years ahead—and it wouldn’t be possible without the foresight of lumber industry leaders working together to create collective growth and shared value."
Explore more about how the SLB and Forest Service are working together to shape the future of sustainable building.
