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University of Idaho forestry program asks for workforce‑training manager to run new equipment and train students
Summary
The Forest Utilization Research Program (FURR) asked the Joint Finance Committee for funding for a workforce development manager to train students on $2 million of new logging and forestry equipment and to supervise student employees.
Kevin Campbell, legislative budget analyst, summarized the Forest Utilization Research Program (FURR) budget and said the program — administered through the University of Idaho’s College of Natural Resources — has 13.28 authorized FTE with a half FTE vacancy and that roughly 90% of FURR’s expenditures go to employee wages and benefits.
Dean Dennis Becker, director of the Forest Utilization Research Program, told the committee the program comprises multiple units (Policy Analysis Group, Rangeland Center, University Experimental Forest, Pickett Forest Nursery, Mica Creek Watershed Project and the Wildland Fire Center) and that recent purchases of “about $2,000,000 in advanced logging technology” create a need for a dedicated workforce development manager to train students on the equipment and supervise their work in the experimental forest.
Becker said the new manager would ensure students gain hands‑on experience with modern forestry technology and help the program meet workforce needs in forest products and wildland management.
The committee did not take formal action on the request during the hearing; Becker thanked the committee and said he would meet legislators at a scheduled forestry luncheon later in the day.
Ending: Committee members asked no substantive follow‑ups during the hearing and said the item would be considered in work groups and budget deliberations.
