University of Idaho Forest Utilization Research seeks workforce manager to train students on $2M logging equipment

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee received a brief presentation on the Forest Utilization Research Program (FUR), a University of Idaho special program that conducts workforce training and manages experimental forests and related facilities. Kevin Campbell, the Legislative Services Office analyst, told the committee FUR has 13.28 authorized FTEs and one half FTE vacant.

Dennis Becker, dean of the College of Natural Resources and director of the Forest Utilization Research Program, told the committee the program recently purchased approximately $2,000,000 in advanced logging technology using logging proceeds and private industry assistance and now needs a workforce development manager to train student employees on the equipment. Becker said the requested manager would supervise and train student employees working in the University of Idaho experimental forest.

Why it matters: Becker told the committee FUR positions and training directly support the state's forestry and forest products workforce pipeline. The requested manager would translate capital investment into usable workforce skills for students preparing to enter the logging and forest products industry.

Budget and program history: Campbell said FUR typically spends nearly all of its appropriations; roughly 90% of expenditures are for wages and benefits and about 10.6% for operating expenses. The program received $18,200 in ongoing general fund support in FY2024 for personnel costs at its wildland fire center and in FY2025 obtained a half FTE administrative specialist for its Boise location. The FY2026 request is for partial funding of a workforce development manager to support training on the new forest equipment.

No committee votes were recorded in the presentation. Becker said the requested position would expand FUR’s existing workforce training mission and asked lawmakers for support of the governor’s recommendation.