Forest Utilization Research requests workforce development manager to train students on $2 million logging technology

The Forest Utilization Research Program told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee it needs a workforce development manager to supervise and train students using newly acquired advanced logging technology.

Kevin Campbell (Legislative Services Office) presented the program’s FY2026 request; Dennis Becker, dean of the University of Idaho College of Natural Resources and director of the Forest Utilization Research Program, told lawmakers the program purchased approximately $2 million in advanced logging equipment using logging proceeds and private industry support. The requested position would supervise student employees in the University of Idaho experimental forest and ensure students can be trained to enter the forest-products workforce.

Becker described the program’s components — Policy Analysis Group, Rangeland Center, University Experimental Forest, the Pitkin (Pickin) Forest Nursery, Mica Creek Watershed Project and the Wildland Fire Center — and said the workforce position is necessary to operate and sustain the new technology as a workforce training asset. The program has 13.28 authorized FTP with a half‑FTE vacancy at the sampling date, Campbell said.

Why it matters: Becker said hands‑on training on modern equipment would help students develop skills for immediate workforce placement in the timber and forest products industry. Becker told the committee that without a manager to oversee training and student safety, the value of the $2 million equipment purchase would be limited.

What’s next: Program directors asked for the committee’s support and encouraged legislators to visit the facilities; the committee did not take an immediate formal action during the hearing.