Markets Matter Convening
Healthy forests require healthy industry, and healthy industry depends on viable markets. Across the country, active forest management is essential to improving forest health and reducing wildfire risk.
Why Markets Matter
Healthy forests depend on healthy markets.
Across the United States, working forests provide wood products, support rural economies, and deliver a wide range of environmental benefits. These forests depend on strong and reliable markets that create demand for wood fiber and support the businesses, landowners, and communities connected to the forest sector.
Recognizing the importance of these markets, the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities launched the Markets Matter Convening to bring together leaders from across the forest sector to identify opportunities, address challenges, and advance practical solutions that strengthen forest product markets.
The Convening
In May 2026, the Markets Matter Convening brought together more than 230 leaders representing industry, investment, Tribes, government, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations to discuss opportunities and challenges facing forest product markets.
Participants explored strategies for strengthening markets, increasing utilization of wood fiber, and creating new opportunities for underutilized forest resources. Key discussion topics included:
- Small-diameter wood
- Manufacturing residuals
- Forest residues
- Underutilized wood fiber
- Emerging forest products
- Rural manufacturing and infrastructure
- Investment and financing opportunities
- Workforce and supply chain challenges
How To Get Involved
EVENT: May 19-21, 2026 LOCATION: Madison, Wisconsin
The Markets Matter Convening brings together leaders across industry, investment, Tribes, government, research, and nonprofits together to take action to accelerate market-based solutions for forest health, wildfire risk reduction, and rural prosperity.
We are now in a waitlist period. This interest form will ensure that we are able to confirm attendance and finalize the details for the Markets Matter Convening.
Continuing the Work
The Markets Matter Convening marked an important step in a broader effort to strengthen markets for forest products and increase utilization of wood fiber.
Input from participants is helping inform the development of a National Action Plan focused on advancing market opportunities for underutilized forest resources. As this work continues, the Endowment remains committed to working with partners across industry, government, Tribes, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations to identify practical solutions that support healthy forests, strong markets, and thriving communities.
The relationships, ideas, and priorities identified through the convening continue to guide ongoing collaboration and market development efforts aimed at creating lasting impact for forests and forest-dependent communities.
