Rep. Rouzer Introduces Bipartisan Jobs In The Woods Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC) and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) have introduced the bipartisan Jobs in the Woods Act, which will connect young people with rewarding careers and training in forestry. The bill would create a grant program for nonprofit organizations, state governments, and colleges to utilize for workforce training in forestry-related fields – helping prepare students for jobs in the U.S. Forest Service and in the timber industry.

The Jobs in the Woods Act would provide workforce training opportunities to inspire the next generation of forestry workers. With most of the forest manufacturing industry located in rural areas, this bill will give individuals the opportunity to learn skills that can serve them and their communities.

The Act would:

• Create education programs for states, nonprofits, and colleges through grants of $500,000 to $2,000,000
• Create the programs in rural and low-income areas to spur economic development, bringing thousands of dollars of investments into rural communities
• Create a pool of talented, trained, and qualified applicants to fill job openings in forestry-related industries
• Partner with programs that have proven to help students find forestry industry jobs and programs that engage with their local communities
  
  “North Carolina’s forestry industry is a driving force for our rural economy. The Jobs in the Woods Act supports the hardworking men and women who keep our forests healthy and our rural economies strong,” said Rep. Rouzer. “This bill invests in the next generation of skilled workers, revitalizing our communities, and ensuring America’s forestry industry remains competitive for decades to come.”

“Our timber communities want to be self-sufficient, and our kids shouldn’t feel like they need to move away from home to do something of value,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Our bipartisan Jobs in the Woods Act will honor Southwest Washington’s timber heritage by setting our next generation up with the skills they need to work in our woods.”

“The forest products industry in North Carolina contributes approximately $40.5 billion to our state’s economy annually. That impact would not be possible without the 5,000 men and women working in our state’s logging sector. Their hard work bridges the gap between standing timber and wood processing facilities that make many of the products our society depends on every day,” said John Hatcher. Executive Director of the North Carolina Forestry Association. “To prepare the next generation of forestry leaders, we must continue to provide resources that foster these career pathways so that we can further strengthen our economy in NC’s forestry sector and beyond”

“The American Forest Resource Council supports the Jobs in the Woods Act as an investment in careers essential to restoring forest health, reducing wildfire risks, and creating family-wage jobs. By establishing regional training hubs and career pathways, this bipartisan bill will expand opportunities in public land management and the timber industry – empowering more young adults to stay and work in the rural communities they call home,” said AFRC President/CEO Travis Joseph. “A skilled workforce in both the woods and mills is critical to meeting the nation’s needs for healthier forests through active forest management and lumber made here in the USA. We urge Congress to pass the Jobs in the Woods Act and help grow the next generation of forestry professionals.”

“We applaud Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez, Congressman Thompson, and Congressman Rouzer for introducing the Jobs in the Woods Act. This bipartisan legislation will help address critical workforce shortages by equipping a new generation with the skills needed to manage and sustain our working forests. By supporting training programs for forestry careers, this bill is a direct investment in rural communities, landowners, and the long-term health of our forests,” said Craig Anderson, Vice President of Government Affairs of the Forest Landowners Association. “We thank these Members for championing meaningful solutions for the forestry sector.”

In North Carolina, forestry is the top manufacturing sector and second largest industry in the state, contributing nearly $40.5 billion to the state’s economy and providing around 144,000 jobs. North Carolina ranks fourth in terms of total forested acreage, covering more than 18.7 million acres, approximately 61% of the state’s total land area.