Is There A Forest Industry in New Mexico?

 Ruidoso, NM - Let’s talk wood! The New Mexico’s forest industry will be gathering in Ruidoso for the first annual New Mexico Wood Industry Summit, to be held Friday/Saturday November 16 and 17, 2018 at the Ruidoso Convention Center. The Summit is designed to meet the needs and interests of the New Mexico wood industry and will include presentations and panel discussions on a variety of topics. A trade show with exhibit booths will also be available as well as special activities for youth. Private contractors, wood users, equipment manufacturers, plus state and federal and tribal government officials are expected to attend. The two day event is free and open to the Public.

“We are interested in attracting people from across New Mexico and the southwest,” stated organizer Rick Merrick (Lincoln and Otero County forester). “Our combined interest of revitalizing the regional and state-wide forest products industry as well as improving forest health and watershed improvement has led to this groundbreaking event.” Merrick added that he hoped the general public would also be interested in attending, particularly young people interested in Forest related careers.   

Don Vandendriesche, Deputy Director of USDA Forest Service’s Southwestern Region and former New Mexico State Forester/USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources/ current Mescalero Apache Tribe  President Arthur “Butch” Blazer are expected to highlight a strong speaker lineup. Door prizes and other giveaways will be available as well as equipment demonstrations and wood products.  

Event sponsors include the South Central Mountain RC & D, Eastern New Mexico University at Ruidoso, Little Bear Forest Reform Coalition, Otero County Electric Cooperative, MCM Elegante Lodge and Resort, Boss LLC/Rick Evans, Upper Hondo Soil and Water Conservation District, Custom Crates and Pallets LLC, the Village of Ruidoso, New Mexico State University and Garrison Tree Service.

For more information on the summit log on to here.