HARRISBURG – The House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, chaired by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint), will travel to Elk County on Thursday, May 16, to receive an update on the state’s forest products industry.
Hosted by Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Elk/Clearfield), the meeting will be held at 1 p.m. at the Red Fern Banquet and Conference Center, 421 Old Kersey Rd. in Kersey. The public is invited to attend.
“Our forest products industry is so important to our local economy, and to the Commonwealth’s economy,” Causer said.
“I look forward to the opportunity to talk about what’s going well in the industry and what challenges they are facing that we may be able to address as a Legislature.”
Gabler agreed. “This is a great opportunity to raise awareness among my fellow legislators about the importance of our forest products industry and the impact it makes on providing local jobs and contributing to our state’s economy. I’m looking forward to a great discussion and exchange of ideas.”
The following state and local stakeholders are scheduled to participate in the meeting:
- John Norbeck, deputy secretary for Parks and Forestry, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
- Jason Albright, assistant director of Forestry, DCNR.
- David J. Gustafson, chief, Forestry Division, Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management, Pennsylvania Game Commission.
- D. Wayne Bender, executive director, Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council, and state Department of Agriculture.
- Susan Swanson, executive director, Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group (AHUG).
- Chris Guth, resource manager, Northwest Hardwoods Inc., and president, AHUG.
- Burt Craig, general manager, forestry and sawmill, Matson Lumber, and immediate past chairman, Pennsylvania Forest Products Association.
- Kenneth Kane, president, Generations Forestry Inc.
