South Royalton, Vt.--The Angell family, owners of White Rock Farm and Lumber recently hosted Congresswoman Becca Balint for a tour and meeting at their sawmill in South Royalton, organized by the University of Vermont (UVM) Extension’s Forest Business program. The intent was to familiarize Balint with the forest products industry in Vermont and discuss the issues, challenges and opportunities facing Vermont’s forest-based business sector.

White Rock received a grant award for their sawmill expansion project through the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative last year, with the help of UVM Extension forest business specialist Chris Lindgren. He worked closely with the Angell family to create a business plan including sales forecasting and enterprise analysis to determine the financial feasibility of sawmill expansion. The project will allow them to double mill production and hire additional staff. Construction is currently underway.

According to Lindgren, “the UVM Extension Forest Business program has supported Vermont’s forest businesses in securing over $2 million in grant funds and over $3 million in loans. We have a great partner in the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board’s (VHCB) Farm and Forest Viability program. VHCB’s focused support of this industry over the past ten years has been crucial, and efforts to strengthen this vital industry have accelerated.”

“The forest products industry is critical for our state’s economy, to keep jobs local, and to protect the health of our forests,” Balint said. “The forest products industry, like many, is facing real challenges--rising costs, climate change, severe weather, workforce shortages and forest mismanagement. I’m proud to work with partners that see challenges as opportunities to strengthen the industry and meet the growing demand for firewood, mulch and other local wood products.”

Vermont lumber mills and other wood-processing facilities are necessary to support a flourishing local forest products economy. This sector helps meet a growing demand for local wood products like building materials, firewood, mulch and furniture.

A thriving wood-processing sector keeps jobs local while sustaining working forests throughout the state. The sector also contributes to the health, integrity and longevity of Vermont’s forests and the northern forest region.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Dana Ruppert

(802) 656-7537

Email: dana.ruppert@uvm.edu