Markets Matter Convening

Aligning Investment in Markets to Support Forests and Rural Prosperity

Healthy forests require healthy industry, and healthy industry depends on viable markets.

The Markets Matter Convening brings together leaders across industry, investment, Tribes, government, research, and nonprofits together to take action to accelerate market-based solutions for forest health, wildfire risk reduction, and rural prosperity.

Event: May 19–21, 2026
Location: Madison, Wisconsin

Why Markets Matter

Across the country, active forest management is essential to improving forest health and reducing wildfire risk. Markets and manufacturing facilities play a critical role by providing outlets for material generated through forest treatments. This helps lower costs, support restoration efforts, and enable faster recovery after disturbance.

At the same time, the forest products sector is experiencing significant changes. Shifts in traditional markets, combined with increasing volumes of residual and low-value wood fiber such as small-diameter logs, forest biomass, and manufacturing residues, have created economic and logistical challenges.

This moment also presents opportunities.

New technologies, products, and business models are emerging. With better alignment across policy, investment, and innovation, the sector can build a more resilient and diversified fiber economy.

What We Will Deliver

The objective of the Markets Matter Convening is to advance durable, scalable markets for wood fiber across both forestry residues and manufacturing residuals.

This effort responds to structural changes in the forest products industry and seeks to turn today’s supply and demand imbalance into an opportunity for innovation and investment.

The Convening will conclude with the release of a National Action Plan outlining near-term and long-term recommendations, including priority investment needs and opportunities.

Through this work, we will:

• Present a clear, data-driven narrative that explains the current market landscape and the opportunity ahead
• Highlight regional differences, constraints, and emerging opportunities
• Engage key audiences in specific actions that advance coordinated solutions and long-term impact

Who Should Participate

This effort is designed for leaders and partners across industry, land management, investment, nonprofits, academia, Tribes, and government who are interested in aligning markets and capital with forest restoration, innovation, and rural prosperity.

How to get Involved

If you are interested in participating in the Markets Matter Convening, please complete the Interest Form below.

To stay informed about event updates, agenda announcements, and related work, you can also subscribe to our Markets Matter mailing list.