Michigan’s expanding forest products industry contributes more than $26 billion to state’s economy

Michigan’s forest products industry has hit a new peak, adding $26.5 billion to Michigan’s economy, according to new data released by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

That figure represents the impact of the industry in 2022, the most recent figures available, and is up $4 billion from 2019.

“Although the number of people directly employed in the industry decreased by 3.6%, all other economic indicators show significant growth,” said Jagdish Poudel, DNR forest economist. Those indicators include the average wage, labor income, output and industry productivity.

The increase in total output can be attributed to a strong forest products industry and its links to other industries. Additionally, Arauco, the largest particleboard manufacturer in the world, opened its $450 million Grayling production facility in 2019. Arauco directly generates around 220 jobs, which in turn create additional indirect and induced effects in the economy.

A growing impact

The forest products industry includes forestry and logging, wood furniture, pulp, paper, paperboard products and woody biomass power generation.

“Michigan’s forests provide a sustainable source for building materials, furniture and paper and cardboard products,” said Jeff Stampfly, chief of the DNR’s Forest Resources Division and the state forester. “We are always looking for ways to best support the industry and respond to the public’s increasing desire for sustainability.”

Michigan’s 20.2 million acres of forest cover about half the state and are concentrated in the Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula. Nearly 4 million of those acres are DNR-managed state forest lands. The DNR works hand in hand with industry to support and expand it. For example, the woody biomass power generation industry sector directly generates around 120 jobs in Michigan. Biomass power is sustainable and uses materials with little value such as mill and manufacturer residues, logging residues and low-value forest products. The DNR also is partnering with Michigan State University and Michigan Technological University to promote mass timber construction, a new building technique that allows for the construction of large and tall buildings using engineered wood panels and beams instead of traditional steel and concrete. The DNR’s new customer service center in the eastern Upper Peninsula is currently under construction using mass timber materials made from Michigan red pine.

Economic power

The forest products industry contributed 40,449 direct jobs during 2022 and supported a total of 88,275 jobs, according to the report. “Each job in the forest products industry generates an additional 1.1 jobs in the economy,” Poudel said. The average wage in the forest products industry is nearly $80,000 annually. Pulp, paper, paperboard and other paper products comprise the largest sector, with a combined direct output of $7.7 billion. Primary and secondary solid wood products generated nearly $5.6 billion in direct output. Wood furniture generated about $2.4 billion and forestry and logging about $470 million. Learn more on the DNR’s forest products industry webpage.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

• Mass timber: For future growth of the forest products industry, the DNR is working with Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University and industry partners to promote the carbon-storing construction technique and develop ways to use abundant Michigan tree species. This photo shows detail of the MSU STEM Teaching and Learning Facility’s interior.
• Harvest: Timber is loaded onto a trailer for transport. Michigan’s forest products industry is expanding, thanks to new investment from global companies such as Arauco, which opened a Grayling plant in 2019.

DNR offers Hunter Safety Education Week in August, adding 40-plus in-person classes

Join the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for Hunter Safety Education Week, Aug. 12-18. More than 40 in-person classes will be offered throughout the state as additional opportunities to obtain a hunter safety education certificate. These new classes will be posted and available for registration on Friday, July 12, by 8 a.m. To purchase a hunting license in Michigan, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, is required to successfully complete an approved hunter education course. Hunter safety education classes are commonly offered in the spring, ahead of spring turkey season, or in the fall before the firearm deer season. Hunter Safety Education Week is offered in addition to the already planned fall classes. “Just like preparing for school and fall extracurriculars, hunting season needs to be considered in advance,” said Lt. Tom Wanless, DNR recreational safety, education and enforcement supervisor. “A lot of people aren’t considering hunting season right now because it’s the middle of summer. We don’t want to see people wait until the week before they want to hunt to try locating a class, at which point classes are often full,” he said. “We hope that by offering an influx of in-person classes during a particular week each year, it will give people enough notice to prepare for hunting season.” There are four options for completing hunter safety education in Michigan, all of which require at least four hours of in-person instruction: Traditional classroom-based course. Online course followed by an in-person field day. Interactive online course followed by an in-person field day. Take-home study course followed by an in-person field day. Hunter safety education helps the next generation of hunters learn how to safely and responsibly enjoy hunting and understand the importance of wildlife management. The DNR-managed program teaches lifelong skills, such as firearm safety, basic first aid and how to use a map and compass, to an average of 15,000 students per year. Learn more or register for a class at Michigan.gov/HunterEducation. Additionally, the DNR is always looking for new volunteer recreational safety education instructors. Get more details about this opportunity on the DNR website.

Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.

Teaching: A volunteer hunter safety education instructor provides direction to a student at the Rose Lake Shooting Range in Bath. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has planned a Hunter Safety Education Week, Aug. 12-18, with more than 40 in-person classes.

July 10, 2024
Contact: Amanda Jarrett, Director of Communications, Council of Michigan Foundations, 502-645-3279

DNR partnership with Council of Michigan Foundations announces more than $24 million in Spark Grants for outdoor recreation projects

New grantmaking model used to improve healthy spaces in under-resourced and underrepresented communities

Twenty-nine Michigan communities whose economic opportunities and public health were hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic are benefitting from $24.2 million in Michigan Spark Grants funding to date, which is designed to remove barriers to creating, renovating or redeveloping community-informed public recreation opportunities.

Administered by the Council for Michigan Foundations (CMF) in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and through the CMF Statewide Equity Fund, the CMF/DNR Spark Grant program partnership was established to equitably guide resources to communities and expand access to healthy indoor and outdoor recreation projects where there has been little or no previous parks and recreation investment. A core component of the partnership, designed and brokered by the Governor’s Office of Foundation Liaison, is centering community voices and engaging a diverse array of community residents in all aspects of the visioning, planning and execution of the parks projects.

“Michigan’s parks drive tourism, jobs and economic activity across our state,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “I’m proud that our administration has made the largest investments ever in state and local parks. This round of funding will fuel projects that bring people together, build a community’s sense of place, and provide avenues for healthier, more active lifestyles. Let’s keep working together to help more Michiganders discover our beautiful natural resources, relax with family and friends, and enjoy a Pure Michigan summer.”

“In support of our community of philanthropy, CMF is proud to be part of this partnership with DNR that will guide public resources that can increase access to recreational opportunities in historically underrepresented and under-resourced communities throughout the state,” said Kyle Caldwell, CMF president and CEO. “We are grateful for the leadership of the many community foundations who served as conveners and are walking alongside their communities, ensuring community voice is centered in developing equitable solutions to enhance healthy recreation opportunities for all residents.”

The framework for this new grantmaking model was created with the assistance of an advisory group comprising philanthropic, regional government planning, parks and recreation, and other grantmaking entities with relevant expertise. They helped the DNR design a new approach to a grant program that seeks to remove barriers with an equity-focused application and evaluation process and provide the needed support services to expand community capacity to successfully manage and implement recreation projects.

In total 39 opportunity communities were identified, 29 of which are receiving funding through this CMF/DNR Spark Grants partnership. The remaining communities had already received funding through DNR’s first Spark Grant awards in 2023.

Examples of funded projects in this round include:

• Development of a new park with a playground and splash pad in Benton Charter Township.
• Updates to Wheatley Park’s restroom, baseball field and playground in the City of Inkster.
• A new nature trail and park in the City of Standish, making it the first locally owned park in the community’s history.
• The addition of new baseball fields and pickleball courts in the City of Highland Park.

Learn more about the CMF/DNR Michigan Spark Grants program, along with a full list of grant recipients, at www.michiganfoundations.org/policy/dnr-spark-grants-program-partnership. All projects will now move to the execution phase and will be completed by October 2026.

The Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF) is a membership association for philanthropy staff and trustees. CMF leads, strengthens and supports Michigan’s community of philanthropy by emboldening and equipping Michigan philanthropy in the relentless pursuit of equitable systems and inclusive diversity, fortifying the field through public policy action, fostering the growth of current and future philanthropy leaders and advancing exemplary philanthropic practices and field expertise.

Learn more at www.michiganfoundations.org.

• ORV operators: Ride Right, ride again
• Operation Dry Water runs July 4-6
• Help improve state park ecosystems, clean up Manistee River, manage state forests
• ICYMI: Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week June 30 – July 6
• Photo ambassador snapshot: Winding waters

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.

PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used below, and others, are available in this folder.

ORV operators: Ride Right, ride again

A long holiday weekend means many people will enjoy one of the fastest-growing recreation activities in Michigan – off-road vehicle riding. If you’ll be on a quad, side-by-side, dirt bike or other type of ORV, the DNR wants everyone to Ride Right to ensure you ride again. According to 2023 statewide ORV crash data, 93% of ORV fatalities could have been prevented. These crashes were primarily due to excessive speed and a lack of helmet/seat belt use. “Always ride within your and the machine’s capabilities,” said Cpl. Mike Hearn, DNR law enforcement ORV and snowmobile specialist. “When operators ride too fast, they are more likely to lose control when they hit even the smallest bump, try to make turns or stop. Riding sober and at a safe speed are the best ways to stay safe.” All ORV operators are urged to Ride Right and keep these important safety tips in mind: Operate within the limits of your ORV and your own capabilities. Ride at a safe speed. Ride sober. Ride on the right side of the trail. Keep lights on when riding. Always wear a helmet. Do your part to ensure everyone returns home safely; read more about ORV safety at Michigan.gov/RideRight. For more on where to ride and ORV laws in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/ORVInfo. Questions? Email Cpl. Mike Hearn at [email protected].

Operation Dry Water runs July 4-6

Conservation officers will have an increased presence on Michigan waterways July 4-6 as part of Operation Dry Water, a national law enforcement campaign to promote sober boating. There’s good reason for the effort. According to the most recent U.S. Coast Guard report, alcohol is among the top 10 primary factors in recreational boater deaths. Alcohol impairs a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time, and can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion – elements common to the boating environment – intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications. The top factors in fatal boating accidents (when the cause is known) remain the same from previous years: Operator inattention. Improper lookout. Operator inexperience. Excessive speed. Machine failure. Data shows that while boating-related fatalities have decreased, the proportion of drowning victims not wearing a life jacket increased, from 85% in 2022 to 87% in 2023. It’s important to wear a life jacket and ride with a sober operator who has successfully completed an accredited boater safety course. For more information, including more boater safety resources, visit Michigan.gov/Boating. Questions? Contact Cpl. Jill Miller at [email protected].

Help improve state park ecosystems, clean up Manistee River, manage state forests

There are a variety of opportunities to help the DNR take care of Michigan’s natural and cultural resources this month. Here are a few ways to lend a hand. Volunteer at state park stewardship workdays Several state parks in southern Michigan will host stewardship workdays, where volunteers are needed to help remove invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems. Workdays will take place at: Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County), 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 9, and Saturday, July 20. Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County), 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 13, and Friday, July 19. Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County), 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, July 14. Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 20. Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County), 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, July 21. Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, July 21. Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 27. Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, July 28. More details about each workday and how to register can be found on the DNR volunteer events calendar. Help clean up the Manistee River Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ On the Ground volunteer program will partner with the DNR, Steelhead Manifesto and the U.S. Forest Service for its annual Manistee River cleanup event, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 13. Volunteers will gather at the High Bridge Boat Launch in Brethren (Manistee County), then head out either on the water by boat or along the riverbanks by foot to various locations and remove garbage to improve the river’s aquatic ecosystem. MUCC will provide work gloves, trash grabbers and trash bags for volunteers, as well as lunch and an appreciation gift for all registered volunteers. Get more details and register for the Manistee River cleanup. Give us your input on your state forests  Prescribed burns, timber harvests and other activities are carefully planned to keep Michigan’s nearly 4 million acres of state forest thriving. Plans for these activities in 2026 are currently happening, but public input is welcome now. Find out what activities are planned and how to offer your input at Michigan.gov/ForestInput. You can submit online comments during designated 30-day periods or attend an open house or compartment review meeting, where plans are finalized. See all scheduled comment periods, open houses and compartment review meetings for this year. For more opportunities to volunteer, contribute and provide input, visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers.

ICYMI: Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week June 30 – July 6

It’s vital for everyone to do their part to protect native resources from invasive species. During Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week, June 30 – July 6, learn what you can do to prevent aquatic invasive species from taking hold in your favorite places. In case you missed it, over 50 outreach events are planned for boat landings across the state this week. The boat landing events – emphasizing the need to Clean, Drain, Dry boats whenever they come out of the water, and dispose of any unwanted bait in the trash – are part of the 11th Annual AIS Landing Blitz in which local partners such as lake associations and cooperative invasive species management areas give boaters tips to prevent the spread of AIS and comply with laws for recreational boating. The regional Landing Blitz website allows you to search for an event near you. Similar AIS Landing Blitz events will be held in each of the Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces. Read the full release for more information.

Photo ambassador snapshot: Winding waters

See more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors at Instagram.com/MiStateParks. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182. (This photo is by Brandon Johnson, for the Michigan DNR, on the Rifle River in Ogemaw County).