The Southeastern United States produces more wood products than any country, and the University of Florida has received a grant to keep that level high. UF School of Forest Resources and Conservation Professor Tim Martin says this $20 million grant will help preserve the region’s economy and ecology.
“It’s really big, I think it’s a recognition of the really successful research, extension and education networks that have already been established in the region and doing good work,” he says.
Martin says the grant money will help connect a network of researchers together to improve pine forest management. It will also help the region’s economy continue to grow- more than 7% of jobs in the Southeast are based on the forestry industry.