Advisory board members in the forest products breakout told DACF the sector’s immediate needs include restoring markets and retaining a logging workforce as mills operate below pre‑decline capacity.

A note taker reported the group included Krista Jamieson and Commissioner Beal and that the breakout emphasized longer training programs, scaling existing programs to recruit and replace retiring loggers, and transition planning for the workforce. The group highlighted a forestry immersion program at Brewer High School and training at Northern Maine Community College as models to expand.

Participants discussed rebates for trucks and logging equipment as a potentially administrable option, but noted DACF’s authority to run such a rebate would need to be confirmed. The breakout also flagged a potential large cross‑state CLT (cross‑laminated timber) manufacturing facility referenced as LD 798 that could reestablish markets for spruce and fir, but that such a project would be a "huge ticket" item beyond typical AFPIF awards.

The group generally preferred loan instruments for forestry, arguing loans enable recapitalization of the fund; members suggested the new fund could fill a niche by offering higher caps and lower interest than the existing Direct Link Loan Fund. The breakout also acknowledged that thresholds in the draft outline were not a perfect fit for very large equipment purchases but could be highly impactful for individual training and targeted small grants.

The breakout reported that some forestry programs are organized as 501(c)(3) nonprofits (for example training programs), which raises a design consideration because a draft preference in the outline to favor businesses over nonprofits could unintentionally exclude existing training providers.

DACF staff and board members agreed further work is needed to define appropriate award sizes, eligibility, and whether to prioritize businesses over nonprofit training providers. The group returned to the full meeting with recommendations that will be considered in subsequent DACF design discussions.

The advisory board will revisit forestry priorities as DACF refines the draft and examines legal and administrative authority for possible equipment rebates or other sector‑specific interventions.