In January the U.S. Department of Commerce awarded a $4.2 million grant to the Clallam County Economic Development Council in Port Angeles, Washington, to advance Indigenous forestry resource development. The grant was matched with over $1 million in local funds from combined contributions by the Clallam County government, Oregon State University, Port of Port Angeles, Clallam County EDC, Composite Recycling Technology Center, Peninsula College, University of Washington’s Olympic Natural Resources Center and the City of Forks.
As part of this grant, College of Forestry Stewart Professor of Forest Operations Woodam Chung is advancing Investing in Forestry Skills: A Technology-Focused Workforce Training Program. The initiative is designed to build a highly skilled and technologically advanced forestry workforce in Clallam and Jefferson Counties through comprehensive training and development. Additionally, it aims to address the critical workforce shortage, one of the most pressing challenges facing the forest industry today.
“We’ve seen a dramatic decline in the forest industry workforce, and attracting younger generations has been increasingly difficult,” said Chung. “This reluctance, I believe, comes partly from the outdated perception that forestry jobs are inherently tough and dangerous. However, the reality is that rapid technological advancements and increasing mechanization are modernizing the field, making forestry jobs safer and more efficient.”
As technology continues to advance, Chung emphasizes that forest workforce development and training programs must evolve as well.
“In order to attract and retain skilled workers, training programs need to reflect the technological changes shaping the industry,” he said. “We must equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate cutting-edge equipment and embrace new, more sustainable forestry practices.”
By doing so, he believes the industry can not only overcome its current workforce shortage but also prepare for a future that is both safer and more technologically integrated.
Today, the forestry sector lacks accessible training opportunities, has unclear career paths and a widening gap between existing skills and emerging technologies. The program aims to address these challenges and empower the region through a multifaceted approach that focuses on:
- Bridging the skills gap by providing targeted training on essential technologies and skillsets – cultivating a future-ready workforce by fostering proficiency in current technology and adaptability.
- Developing partnerships with industry, public and tribal land management agencies, school districts and forestry associations across Jefferson and Clallam Counties and establishing new hands-on training curricula.
- Providing diverse pathways — both entry-level and upskilling/retraining for existing forestry professionals — that cater to the specific needs of different audiences.
As this program bridges the skills gap and works to cultivate a future-ready workforce, it will increase the forestry sector’s accessibility and appeal to a broader audience of jobseekers and promote economic growth in forest-dependent rural communities. It will also improve operational efficiency and safety in forest practices, along with increased awareness of environmental impacts.
The grant will also support the University of Washington’s Olympic National Resource Center and new forest workforce training programs at Peninsula College. These programs aim to advance Clallam County’s economic growth, contribute to innovative and sustainable forest management in the community and represent a commitment to rural prosperity.
Co-PIs for this project include Kevin Lyons and Heesung Woo, Oregon State University; Mia Boster, Peninsula College; and Bernard Bormann, University of Washington Olympic Natural Resources Center.
