Wood Education and Resource Center (WERC)

To provide technical assistance and funds, on a cost-share basis, for projects that enhance opportunities for sustained forest products production for primary and secondary wood industries located in the eastern hardwood forest region of the United States. In order to maintain and improve the health and stewardship of our Nation's forests, local wood-using industries need to be vibrant and able to utilize a wide variety of resources from the forest. Priorities include: Maintain the economic competitiveness of primary and secondary wood industries. Examples include: 1) Encouraging the adoption of new technology to improve competitiveness and profitability. 2) Bringing information and technology about processing, marketing, and business-related skills as well as urban wood utilization to existing and emerging businesses 3) Developing utilization options that improve forest stewardship and health. 4) Support activities that maintain or enhance harvesting industry capacity to serve the wood industry. Increase the knowledge and information about how the wood industry can contribute to the green building movement. Examples include chain of custody certification for sustainable wood products as well as life cycle analysis for a range of wood products. Increase the knowledge, information, and promotion of how carbon sequestration by wood products can provide a competitive edge to a sustainable forest products industry. An example includes developing specific carbon storage factors for a range of wood products. Develop technology and markets to address urgent issues on a...

When budgets allow for a competitive grants program, an evaluation panel is convened on an annual basis to evaluate and rate proposals received. Proposals are evaluated on a number of criteria including alignment with WERC's mission and goals, focus on yearly priority items, clear deliverables, industry support, minimal duplication, length of time, multi-state project, and training.

Depending on budget authority, anywhere from 20 to 50 percent match of the federal amount.

Fiscal year 2025: An award to develop and disseminate outreach messaging showcasing forestry careers, professional advancement, and professional opportunities for careers in forest management, wood products, and operational services.