The Nature Conservancy: New Story Map Showcases Ways To Sustainably Use Michigan's Forests

New Milford CT

13 January, 2022

4:37 AM

Description

Press release from The Nature Conservancy: January 10, 2022 Did you know that 56 percent of Michigan is covered in forests? Or that Michigan's forest economy directly contributes $12.2 billion in economic output? Learn about these facts and more at "A Great Future Ahead with Michigan's Forest Biomaterials," an online, interactive StoryMap. The Michigan Forest Biomaterials Institute (MIFBI) partnered with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to create and release this webpage, designed to showcase the state's potential to create a strong bioeconomy. "On behalf of the Michigan Forest Biomaterials Institute and with thanks to our project partners at The Nature Conservancy, we are excited to introduce this story of Michigan timber," MIFBI Board Chair Brian Craig said. "In doing so, our goal is to be informative and useful to a broad range of audiences – from the general public to academia, industry, and government – and in turn to spur awareness, conversation, and ultimately innovation. This is a living story of a future in which we all play a part." With over 20 million acres of forest, Michigan has an established forest products sector with a history going back more than 100 years. However, in our modernizing world, the demand for conventional forest products is declining. These shifting demand patterns present opportunities for investment in a new sustainable bioeconomy. "Working on this project has been a rewarding experience," Evelyn Magner, an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer working for TNC said. "Learning more about Michigan's strong biomaterials research and existing industry has cemented my optimism for the state's future bioeconomy that is not only environmentally sustainable, but will benefit all Michiganders." Many institutions are researching innovative ways to use our forests' output, like cross-laminated timber in the construction of large buildings, or the use of lignin, a biproduct of paper production, as an alternative to polymers such as plastic. As a home to a strong forest industry sector, large expanse of timberlands and institutions researching innovative uses for forest-products, Michigan has the potential to not only be a part of the developing biomaterials industry, but to be a national leader. Learn more today. The mission of the Michigan Forest Biomaterials Institute is to enhance quality of life in Michigan by fostering sustainable forests, communities, and economies through innovative and responsible production, use, and recycling of forest biomaterials. Visit MIFBI at mifbi.org. This press release was produced by The Nature Conservancy. The views expressed here are the author's own.