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Forest research program asks for workforce manager to train students on new logging equipment
Summary
The Forest Utilization Research program at the University of Idaho told the Joint Finance Committee it acquired about $2 million in advanced logging technology and is requesting a workforce development manager to train student employees and supervise work on experimental forest lands.
The Joint Finance Committee heard a presentation on the Forest Utilization Research (FUR) program’s FY 2026 request for partial funding of a workforce development manager to supervise and train student employees on newly acquired advanced forestry equipment.
Kevin Campbell, Legislative Services Office analyst, said FUR is part of the University of Idaho’s College of Natural Resources and has 13.28 authorized FTE with a half FTE vacancy. Dean Dennis Becker, director of the Forest Utilization Research program, told the committee the program purchased roughly $2,000,000 in advanced logging technology funded by logging proceeds and private industry partners and now needs staff capacity to operate and train students on that equipment.
"This workforce development manager...will be really important for helping us to train those students which we currently do not have capacity for," Becker said. He said the manager would supervise student employees working on the University of Idaho experimental forest and other program operations.
Why it matters: FUR manages hands‑on training resources — experimental forests, field classrooms and a nursery — and the program argues that an on‑site manager is needed to turn capital purchases into workforce development and to ensure safe, supervised use of new equipment.
Budget context and request details - Authorized FTEs: 13.28 (0.5 FTE vacant at sampling date). - Recent support: FY 2024 ongoing funding ($18,200) for personnel costs at the Wildland Fire Center; FY 2025 added a 0.5 FTE administrative specialist and a 2% CEC. - FY 2026 request: partial funding for a workforce development manager to supervise student employees on the experimental forest and train them on new equipment valued at approximately $2,000,000.
Program mission and activities Campbell described FUR as responsible for applied forestry and rangeland research, management of tree farms and the University of Idaho experimental forest, and workforce training. Becker said FUR’s workforce focus and the recent equipment purchase are intended to prepare students for employment in the forest products sector.
Committee reaction No substantive questions were raised at length in the transcript; committee members thanked program leaders and moved to the next agenda item. Becker noted the program intends to rely on a combination of logging proceeds, private contributions and state funds to support training activities if the position is funded.
Ending: The committee did not take a vote during the presentation. The program’s request for a workforce development manager will be considered as part of the committee’s ongoing FY 2026 budget work.
