EDGEFIELD, S.C. — As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance wildlife habitat, boost the resiliency of our nation’s forests and contribute to effective conservation economies, the NWTF has created a new wood utilization specialist role. This role has been filled by Tim Phelps, who previously worked as a wood innovations specialist for the USDA Forest Service.
Phelps will be acting as an NWTF liaison working with private sawmills and landowners, industry partners, and state and federal agencies to promote new and expanded markets for underutilized wood and timber.
“My role is to connect forest restoration projects with wood product markets that turn conservation work into economic opportunities,” Phelps said. “At the NWTF, we know that healthy wildlife habitat depends on active forest management — and active management depends on strong wood product markets. Demand for forest products generates revenue that makes restoration possible. Thriving wood markets lead to thriving forests — and that’s good for wildlife, communities, and the economy.”
Phelps will play a significant role in expanding platforms for products like biochar, biomass energy, engineered wood and innovative carbon-based materials, creating a demand for less desirable and underutilized species. His role will also be critical for communicating the importance of using wood from responsibly managed forests, emphasizing that when people buy wood products, they’re investing in healthier forests, stronger communities, and better wildlife habitat.
The announcement coincides with National Forest Products Week, a time to recognize the value of America’s renewable forest resources.
“National Forest Products Week celebrates the forests, people and communities that provide renewable wood products essential to everyday life,” Phelps said. “It highlights the critical link between responsible forest management and the products that support homes, jobs, and wildlife habitat. When we choose American wood, we support forests managed under the world’s strongest environmental and sustainability standards and we keep our forests healthy, productive, and renewable for future generations.”
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats and Healthy Harvests for future generations.
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