Fort Smith, ARK – The Governor’s Office has awarded a $2 million grant to the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology – Crossett (UAMCTC) and the Arkansas Center for Forest Business to establish the UAM Sustainable Trades Alliance. This new initiative aims to develop and implement programs that will enhance the state’s forestry and logging industry, ensuring that Arkansas remains at the forefront of sustainable forestry practices.
Dr. Tracy Tucker, Vice Chancellor of UAMCTC, and Dr. Matthew Pelkki, Director of the Arkansas Center for Forest Business, spoke about the profound impact the alliance will have on both the industry and the local workforce. According to Tucker, the new alliance will focus on creating training programs and resources designed to meet the evolving needs of the forestry sector.
“This funding will help us build new programs that will attract and train the next generation of skilled workers in the forestry and logging industries,” Tucker said. “By focusing on sustainable practices, we can ensure the long-term health and success of this vital sector for our state.”
Pelkki echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Arkansas’s position as a leader in forestry while adapting to the industry’s growing demand for sustainability. “The forestry and logging sectors are crucial to Arkansas’s economy, and by advancing sustainable trades, we are setting the stage for continued innovation and growth,” Pelkki explained. “This grant will help us equip the workforce with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing industry.”
The UAM Sustainable Trades Alliance is expected to provide significant benefits for both current and future professionals in the forestry and logging industries. By focusing on sustainable methods, the program will ensure that businesses in Arkansas are equipped to thrive while minimizing their environmental impact.
With the $2 million grant, the partnership between UAMCTC and the Arkansas Center for Forest Business is poised to play a pivotal role in the growth and development of the state’s forestry industry. Through training, research, and collaboration, the alliance is set to make Arkansas a leader in sustainable forestry for years to come.