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Forest Utilization Research requests workforce manager to train students on new logging tech
Summary
The University of Idaho’s Forest Utilization Research Program asked the committee for funding of a workforce development manager to train students on recently acquired advanced forestry equipment and support student employees in the experimental forest.
Kevin Campbell, budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, presented the Forest Utilization Research Program (FIRR) budget to the committee and said FIRR sits within the University of Idaho's College of Natural Resources.
The nut graf: FIRR told lawmakers it bought roughly $2 million of advanced logging technology and is requesting a workforce development manager so students can be trained to operate the equipment safely and effectively.
Dean and FIRR director Dennis Becker told the committee FIRR contains multiple units — Policy Analysis Group, Rangeland Center, University Experimental Forest, Pickett Forest Nursery, Mica Creek Watershed Project and the Wildland Fire Center — and that the requested manager would supervise and train student employees across those activities. Becker said the program recently purchased about $2,000,000 in advanced logging technology "with our logging proceeds and with some assistance from private industry" and that FIRR lacks capacity to train students on that equipment without the manager position.
Campbell's materials noted FIRR has 13.28 authorized FTP with a half FTE vacancy, spends nearly all appropriations, and that roughly 90% of its expenditures are for wages and benefits. For FY2024 FIRR received $18,200 ongoing for personnel costs at its Wildland Fire Center and in FY2025 added a half FTE administrative specialist for its Boise location. The FY2026 request is partial funding for a workforce development manager to supervise and train student employees in the University of Idaho experimental forest.
Ending: The committee asked no substantive follow‑up questions during the presentation; FIRR representatives said they would continue to provide the committee requested materials if needed.
