Growing the Next Generation of Arkansas Forestry
Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04)
Because Arkansas relies so heavily on its multi-billion-dollar timber industry for economic success, it is vital that we maintain continuous and modernized forest health research. These studies are crucial to conserving important ecosystems and ensuring our forests remain resilient to threats like invasive species, wildfire, and other kinds of natural impacts.
As the only accredited forestry school in the Natural State, the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) boasts a proud program that is catapulting Arkansas’ timber industry into the future with opportunity and innovation.
This week, I had the exciting opportunity to attend the University of Arkansas at Monticello’s ribbon-cutting for its new Forest Health Research Center. Staying true to its commitment to growing resilient and sustainably managed forests, UAM has built a research center that will act as an integral hub for scientists, students, industry leaders, and landowners to contribute to the global conversation on forest vitality in a more modernized way.
This is an exciting new chapter not just for the University of Arkansas at Monticello, but for the Natural State as a whole. The future of forestry depends on building a workforce that deeply understands research-based practices that will keep our forests healthy well into the future. This new facility will provide the opportunity and resources necessary to do just that.
Earlier this month, it was a great privilege to introduce legislation that would continue building upon the legacy of Arkansas forestry. By proposing that the Crossett Experimental Forest be transferred from the federal government to the state government – and even be accessible for UAM forestry research – this bill would offer the state greater opportunity to use the resources available to them in their own backyard to continue the important work of researching how to maintain resilient forests.
It remains a great privilege to work in Washington alongside the foresters and timber industry leaders across Arkansas, who share my interest in investing in the future and health of one of our state’s greatest natural resources. As former Arkansas State Forester Joe Fox said, “Trees are the answer. What’s the question?”