DES MOINES — Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a proclamation declaring October 17-21 Wood Products Week.
Wood Products Week, celebrated the third week of October, is an opportunity to showcase the varied uses and products of Iowa’s 2.8 million acres of hardwood forests and support those who perpetuate the tradition of careful stewardship of these precious natural resources for generations to come. .
Iowa’s forests are unique, hidden gems in a land of agricultural fields and prairies. Some of the finest forests in the Midwest are found in Iowa. With sustainable management, forests can remain productive and healthy through the sale of wood and provide wood products like heirloom furniture, beautiful cabinets and hardwood floors.
Healthy, growing forests clean our air and water, conserve our soil and energy resources, provide essential wildlife habitat, and make our communities a better place to live and work.
The goods that come from our forests make our lives easier and more comfortable. They give us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products. Wood products are recyclable, durable and energy efficient.
Iowa’s forests are a sustainable natural resource that provides economic development opportunities for 158,000 private forest owners. Iowa’s sawmills provide well-paying jobs for about 600 employees in rural areas. Learn more about the economic impact of Iowa’s forests on the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/Conservation/
The best-grown trees in Iowa can produce logs that are sold on a global market. Iowa is internationally known for its high quality black walnut trees. These valuable trees are valued for their use as veneer. The heartwood of walnut has a unique color, which allows it to fetch much better prices than any other tree in the United States.
Celebrate Wood Products Week by learning more about Iowa’s forests and how you can support wood recycling in your community on the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/Forestry.
