Thursday, October 16, 2025
The University of Idaho (U of I) has unveiled the Forest Innovations Institute (FII), a new interdisciplinary research centre focused on advancing forestry science, sustainable forest management, and technological innovation. The institute’s mission is to foster collaboration with forest landowners, industry leaders, and government agencies to develop practical solutions to address the modern challenges facing the forestry sector in the 21st century.
The FII will serve as a critical resource for public and private forest landowners, as well as industry partners, applying the latest research and technological advancements to key forestry topics, including tree physiology, fire modeling, silviculture, forest pests, and the economics of forest management.
“We aim to ensure that forestry research is not only cutting-edge but grounded in real-world needs,” said Dennis Becker, dean of U of I’s College of Natural Resources. “FII will engage widely with partners, from forest landowners to tribal governments and nonprofits, both regionally and internationally.”
Fostering Workforce Development and Training
One of the key goals of the Forest Innovations Institute is to support workforce development and training in collaboration with U of I faculty and students. The institute will help train the next generation of forestry professionals by equipping them with the latest technologies and a solid scientific and economic foundation in forestry.
This initiative aligns with the University of Idaho’s strategic priorities, which focus on generating practical research outcomes that benefit Idaho residents and the local workforce. The FII aims to address workforce needs in the forestry sector by preparing students to work with emerging technologies and to solve complex forestry challenges.
Industry Collaboration: A Long-standing Partnership with PotlatchDeltic
The FII has already gained support from major industry players. PotlatchDeltic, a company that manages over 620,000 acres of private timberlands in Idaho, has a history of collaborating with the university’s forestry program. Darrin Ball, PotlatchDeltic’s vice president of Timberlands, sees the institute as a vital resource to furthering sustainable forest innovation in Idaho.
“Through our long-standing partnership with U of I’s College of Natural Resources, our sustainable forest management initiatives have benefited from high-quality research on issues like tree improvement, forest nurseries, and forestry operations,” said Ball. “FII’s focus on producing an even higher-quality workforce is a significant win for Idaho.”
Supporting Sustainable Forest Practices in Idaho
Dustin Miller, director of the Idaho Department of Lands, which oversees one million acres of Idaho’s endowment timberlands, also expressed excitement about the FII’s launch. Miller highlighted that U of I’s research has already guided Idaho’s sustainable forest management practices for over a century.
“I’m excited about the Forest Innovations Institute’s launch,” Miller said. “As demand for wood products continues to grow, advancements in forestry research and technology are essential to maintaining a sustainable supply of wood and fiber. Partnering with FII ensures that foresters have access to the latest research and technology, allowing Idaho’s forests to be managed sustainably for timber production.”
Building on U of I’s Existing Research Units
To fulfil its mission, the FII will leverage the expertise of several existing research units at the University of Idaho, including the Center for Forest Nursery and Seedling Research, the Forest Products Lab, the IFIRE Combustion Lab, and the Inland Empire Tree Improvement Cooperative. These units bring valuable infrastructure and research expertise to the table, strengthening the FII’s ability to conduct high-impact, transdisciplinary forestry research.
“With the increasing pressures from wildfires, pests, climate change, and economic shifts, our forests face unprecedented challenges,” said Becker. “The Forest Innovations Institute represents a bold response to these challenges. By integrating new technologies, industry collaboration, and state-of-the-art research, we aim to support healthy, productive forests.”
A Collaborative Future for Forestry Research
The Forest Innovations Institute is now accepting project proposals, inquiries for industry collaboration, and applications for student involvement. This marks an important opportunity for forestry professionals, researchers, and students to collaborate on cutting-edge research and contribute to the sustainable management of forest resources.
The launch of the Forest Innovations Institute at the University of Idaho promises to drive next-generation research and industry collaboration, addressing the growing challenges of forest management, sustainability, and workforce development.
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Tags: Forest Innovations Institute, forestry, forestry workforce development, sustainable forest management, timber industry, University of Idaho, woodworking industry
