Public Workshop:

Understanding Urban Wood Utilization Options 

With generous support from the U.S. Forest Service the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry is offering a full day workshop on urban wood utilization including a portable sawmill demonstration. Attendees will hear from nationally recognized wood utilization experts from the USDA Forest Products Lab in Madison, WI on alternative wood waste management options. The workshop is intended primarily for local municipalities, tree services, sawmill operators, and potential urban wood users but all are welcome. 

Pre-register below for $15. Lunch and refreshments are included in this cost. Registration at the door will be $20.

Register Now! 

Shade trees contribute tremendous value, both environmental and economic, to the quality of life in Pennsylvania communities. But when trees decline and need to be removed, the cost to the municipality can be very high, and disposal of woody waste can present an additional burden. Many communities across the country are finding that, if produced and marketed effectively, the wood generated from tree removals can actually generate income to help support tree management and maintenance programs. 

“The City of Harrisburg, in pursuit of a better means of dealing with its continuous stream of dead and storm-damage trees, is interested in hearing what the US Forest Service has to say about alternatives to ordinary mulching practices. For the cost of your lunch, this workshop offers the opportunity to learn first-hand from national experts how to mill and process urban logs to produce valuable lumber products.” John Rarig, Recycling Coordinator, Dept. of Public Works, City of Harrisburg.

“Any costs that could be mitigated by the use of urban wood by artisans or craftsmen would represent a savings to the city, and an added value to the community where the tree lived.” Erik Josephson, City Arborist, Dept. of Public Works, City of Harrisburg.