photo: Greenfield Reporter
SHELBURNE — With many multi-generational family farms harvesting timber but only 2% of the wood harvested being used in the local economy, Massachusetts has a long way to go to bolster the timber industry, according to local business representatives and state officials.
The topic of how the state can help the local timber industry arose this week during the Woodlands Partnership of Northwest Massachusetts’ board meeting. The conversation focused on the many ways Massachusetts regulations negatively impact the local industry and instead prompt harvesters to send the timber to Canada for processing.
Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi and Kristen Elechko, western Massachusetts director for Gov. Maura Healey’s office, both spoke, asking how they might help.
Read the rest of the Greenfield Recorder’s coverage of the Fall 2023 Woodlands Partnership Board meeting here!
