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
Pre-Register Here
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—lowering costs, supporting restoration, and enabling faster recovery after disturbance.
At the same time, the forest products sector is undergoing a significant transition. Shifts in traditional markets, combined with increasing volumes of residual and low-value wood fiber—including small-diameter logs, forest biomass, and manufacturing residues—have created real economic and logistical challenges.
Yet this moment also presents opportunity. New technologies, products, and business models are emerging, signaling a future where fiber can be used more efficiently, creatively, and at greater scale. With the right alignment of policy, investment, and innovation, the sector is poised to build a more resilient and diversified fiber economy.
What We Will Deliver
The overarching objective of the Markets Matter Convening is to advance the development of durable, scalable markets for wood fiber—spanning both forestry residues and industry and manufacturing residuals.
This effort responds to a structural shift underway in the forest products industry and aims to turn today’s imbalance between supply and demand into a catalyst for innovation and investment. The Convening will culminate in 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, compelling, and data-driven narrative that explains the current moment and the opportunity ahead for the forest sector;
- Illuminate regional and market-specific differences, constraints, and emerging opportunities; and
- Engage key audiences in defined actions that, together, 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
To learn more about participating or to sign up for informational updates.