Firewood producers who want to improve their businesses’ profitability and learn the latest management and production practices are invited to attend the National Firewood Workshop June 20 and 21 near Frankenmuth. 

Topics to be covered at the two-day educational and networking event include the basics of firewood heat treatment – an important step in removing invasive pests from firewood – as well as good business strategy and management practices, updates on the changing nature of the firewood industry, and tips on marketing firewood in urban and rural settings. Wood quarantine and regulations to help prevent the spread of pests and disease also will be discussed. 

“The firewood industry is changing, with updates in local regulations, measures to prevent the spread of invasive species and new opportunities,” said David Neumann, forest utilization and marketing specialist with the DNR. “We’ll have business owners and experts talking about the good, the bad, the ugly and the possibilities.”

The event takes place at Michigan State University’s Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center, 3775 S. Reese Road, Frankenmuth. The conference opens at 8:30 a.m. on June 20 and closes at noon on June 21. Register online with MSU or check out a workshop agenda. The workshop cost is $35 per person.

Besides the DNR, sponsors include Michigan State University, North Carolina State University, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, the U.S. Forest Service Wood Education and Resource Center, the Forest Products Society and Sawmill & Woodlot Management magazine. 

Contact: David Neumann, 517-284-5887.