Oregon's Forest Sector Workforce Summit Report

In May 2026, the Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI) in partnership with the Western Forestry and Conservation Association convened a statewide forest sector workforce summit in Bend. Over two days, approximately 50 leaders from state and federal agencies, the forest industry, contractor associations, education providers, workforce development boards and nonprofits examined what it will take to build and sustain a workforce adequate to meet Oregon’s forest sector needs.

This report synthesizes what the presentations and breakout discussions covered, what participants identified as their priority challenges, and the possible ideas generated for collective action. The purpose is for general readers to understand the landscape of opportunities and challenges, and for the OFRI Board of Directors to use it to determine next steps for the organization.