A recent executive order signed by Gov. Steve Bullock recognizes Montana’s wood products industry by calling for more use of wood and other indigenous, renewable products in state building projects.

Bullock cited his “Forest in Focus” initiative in his Oct. 17 order, which recognizes the wood products industry as Montana’s top manufacturing sector and the need to rely on an integrated forest products industry in order to manage and restore Montana’s forests.

“Promoting markets for products from responsibly managed forests in the state will help conserve forests, protect jobs and strengthen local communities,” the order states.

The order also notes that “wood is produced naturally, is the only major building material that comes from a renewable resource, requires less energy to produce than other building materials, and stores carbon over its lifetime.”

Noting the state’s “strong commitment to high performance buildings that are energy and cost efficient,” Bullock called for the state’s Architecture and Engineering Division to collaborate with other state agencies to identify in the state’s Long-Range Building Program at least one state construction project each biennium that can be improved by featuring wood products in the design and construction.

Case studies for each suggested product will be conducted by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and presented to the governor.

“The construction of all new or expanded state-owned buildings shall consider the use of Montana wood products for structural and aesthetic purposes,” the order states.

Meanwhile, DNRC, in collaboration with other state agencies, “shall work to increase the market for and promotion of Montana wood products to new and existing domestic and international markets.”

The Montana Wood Products Association responded favorably to the order.

“We are pleased to see Gov. Bullock’s support of Montana’s forest products industry manifested in the order,” association president Gordy Sanders said. “Not only is wood a green and renewable building source, the governor’s directive helps protect jobs and strengthens timber-dependent communities.”

Montana’s wood products industry employs more than 7,000 people and represents about $295 million in labor income and nearly $1 billion in primary and secondary sales.

“The governor recognizes that the state’s ability to manage and restore forests for all the benefits they provide is dependent upon an integrated forest products industry,” Sanders said. “We look forward to working with the state’s A & E Division, providing the building materials and highlighting our craftsmanship in the future.”