Michigan’s forest partnership with Finland and the state of Maine continues with four new hourlong webinars beginning Thursday, Jan. 27.

Michigan, Maine and Finland all are heavily wooded and share long traditions in the forest industry. The partnership aims for cooperation in the transition toward a modern, sustainable bioeconomy that supports growth while protecting long-term forest health.

The webinars, all starting at 9 a.m. EST, include:

• Jan. 27: “Institutions, policy and actors” examines different influences on the forest sector, as well as law and regulation policy for forestry and wood-based products. Speakers are Leena Leskinen of the Finnish Forest Centre, Mike Smalligan of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Patrick Strauch of the Maine Forest Products Council. Register by Jan. 23.
• Feb. 24: “Ecology and management” looks at which species and forest types are most important to each location and what forest management practices are in use at each one. Speakers include Kari T. Korhonen of the Natural Resources Institute, Finland; Mike Walters, associate professor of forest ecology at Michigan State University, and Ian Prior, analyst with Seven Island Land Company in Maine. Register by Feb. 20.
• March 24: “Economics, forest operations and technology” features speakers Kalle Karha of the University of Eastern Finland, Charlie Becker of Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands and Dana Doran of the Maine Loggers Association discussing the journey from logging to value products via mechanization. Register by March 20.
• April 28: “Current issues and opportunities: a look towards the future” focuses on research, development and innovation. Topics will include climate change and maintaining biodiversity. Speakers are Jyrki Kangas of the University of Eastern Finland, Raju Pokharel of MSU and Bri Borman of FOR/Maine. Register by April 24.

Contact: David Neumann (DNR), 517-281-6729 or Richard Kobe (Michigan State University), 517-355-0090