California Establishes First Statewide Mass Timber Coalition to Expand Sustainable Construction and Forest Resilience

Published on June 12, 2026 Time: loading...

Construction crew of four talking on a dirt floor inside a large wooden-frame building under construction, with lumber stacks nearby and a red vertical beam.

California has announced the creation of its first statewide Mass Timber Coalition, establishing a new public-private partnership aimed at accelerating the development of a domestic mass timber industry while supporting forest resilience, economic growth, and climate-focused construction practices.

The initiative has been launched in collaboration with the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and is expected to bring together a wide range of stakeholders from across the forestry, construction, manufacturing, research, and public policy sectors. The Coalition will serve as a platform for advancing the production and use of mass timber products while helping the state address key challenges related to forest management, wildfire risk, wood utilization, and sustainable development.

State officials view the Coalition as an important step in aligning California’s forest health objectives with emerging opportunities in low-carbon construction. By encouraging greater use of wood products derived from sustainable forest management practices, the initiative aims to create environmental, economic, and social benefits across both rural and urban communities.

The Coalition includes participation from state and federal agencies, county and municipal governments, research institutions, industry associations, forest sector organizations, non-profit groups, and community partners. Through this collaborative structure, efforts will be coordinated to support the establishment of a robust in-state mass timber manufacturing sector capable of meeting growing market demand.

A key objective of the Coalition is to encourage investment in manufacturing capacity and supply chain development within California. Stakeholders will work together to identify opportunities that strengthen local production while creating markets for wood materials generated through forest management and restoration activities.

In addition to industry development, the Coalition will focus on policy and regulatory initiatives that support both timber utilization and manufacturing growth. Efforts will be directed toward establishing frameworks that encourage investment, improve market access, and promote wider adoption of mass timber products in construction projects throughout the state.

Mass timber has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of the global construction industry. Engineered wood products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), dowel-laminated timber (DLT), and nail-laminated timber (NLT) are increasingly being specified for commercial, institutional, residential, and mixed-use developments due to their environmental and performance advantages.

These products offer a lower-carbon alternative to many conventional construction materials. When sourced from responsibly managed forests, mass timber can contribute to carbon storage while supporting sustainable forestry practices. As governments and developers pursue ambitious climate targets, interest in mass timber construction continues to expand across North America and other global markets.

Beyond its sustainability credentials, mass timber offers several practical advantages that are attracting attention from architects, engineers, and contractors. Engineered wood panels are lightweight while maintaining high structural strength, making transportation and installation more efficient. Because many components can be manufactured off-site, construction schedules may be shortened and on-site disruption reduced.

The material also offers strong thermal performance characteristics, which can contribute to improved energy efficiency in completed buildings. These qualities have positioned mass timber as an increasingly attractive option for projects seeking to balance environmental performance with construction efficiency.

California’s leadership believes that expanding the use of mass timber can also support broader forest management goals. Large areas of the state’s forests require active management to address excessive fuel loads and improve ecosystem resilience. Forest thinning and restoration activities often generate substantial quantities of woody biomass and smaller-diameter timber that require viable end markets.

The development of a stronger mass timber sector could help address this challenge by creating additional demand for wood resources generated through sustainable forest treatments. Increased utilization of these materials may support efforts to reduce wildfire risks while creating economic value from forest restoration activities.

According to Terry O’Brien, Chair of the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, the establishment of the Coalition represents a significant advancement in California’s efforts to improve forest conditions while promoting innovative building solutions. He noted that collaboration among industry, government, and research organizations will play an important role in achieving long-term environmental and economic objectives.

The initiative is also expected to create opportunities for job growth and investment. New manufacturing facilities, expanded processing infrastructure, and increased construction activity could generate employment across multiple sectors, particularly in rural communities with strong connections to forestry and wood products industries.

Industry participants anticipate that the Coalition will help strengthen California’s position within the rapidly evolving mass timber market. By fostering collaboration and supporting market development, the initiative seeks to build a competitive supply chain that benefits manufacturers, builders, forest landowners, and local communities.

The Coalition’s activities will contribute to California’s broader climate and forest resilience strategies. Efforts will focus on expanding sustainable wood markets, increasing the utilization of forest-derived materials, reducing wildfire fuel loads, and encouraging the use of lower-carbon building products in both public and private sector developments.

As demand for sustainable construction solutions continues to grow, the California Mass Timber Coalition is expected to play a central role in shaping the future of the state’s forestry and construction sectors. Through coordinated action, industry collaboration, and policy support, the initiative aims to establish a stronger connection between healthy forests, resilient communities, and climate-smart economic development.