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Q&A with UWN members
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potential future members
With our organizational transition to a 501(c)3 non-profit and a lot of changes for the organization, our leadership wants to make sure we’re responsive to member questions and concerns. The future of UWN relies on building an open and transparent dialogue between our leadership and members, so we’re excited about the future as we set this standard and grow a circular urban wood economy across the US together.
Member Question: What is the current status of Urban Wood Network, Inc (UWN)?
UWN Board of Directors (BOD):
On July 1, 2023 Kari Divine and Sustainable Resources Inc (SRI) concluded her service as Executive Director and administrative lead for UWN, Inc. Both SRI and Kari maintain regular communication with the UWN Board of Directors (BOD) and are actively working together to ensure a seamless transition for UWN programs and member services.
As we move forward as an independent entity, UWN Inc. is brimming with excitement to broaden our collaborations and make a more significant impact nationwide. Our primary goal is to bring essential resources to educate, support and engage the public and all stakeholders within the urban wood sector. In the coming weeks/months UWN members can expect a surge in activity, projects, partnerships, and overall impact as we unify the efforts of UWN members under a cohesive UWN voice. Together, we aim to achieve greater effectiveness and foster positive change across the urban wood sector by diverting more wood to its highest and best use. Trees First, Wood Next!™
Member Question: Who serves on the UWN Board of Directors and in what roles?
UWN Board of Directors:
The following UWN members currently serve on the Interim BOD for UWN. These BOD members previously served on the Steering Committee to assist with transition of UWN from a program of SRI to a stand-alone 501(c)3 organization and have committed to serve on the BOD until such time we can recruit and appoint a full slate of BOD members to advance forward UWN. For additional information about the governance of the organization, refer to the UWN ByLaws, adopted by the BOD on July 19, 2023.
BOD members & roles:
- Executive Committee: Lance Davisson (Chair); Andy Trotter (Vice Chair & Education Committee Lead); Paul Morrison (Secretary / Treasurer & Finance Committee Lead)
- Paul Hickman (Board Member)
- Joe Lehnen (Board Member)
- Jennifer Alger (Board Member and Lead for UWN Website admin)
- Rick Siewert (Board Member and Lead for Marketing Committee)
- Dwayne Sperber (Board Member and Lead for Membership Committee)
- UWN BOD Advisory Committee (these individuals are key organization partners who participate in BOD meetings and serve as advisors, but they do not hold a voting position on the BOD): Charlie Becker, Amanda Egan, John Melvin, Scott Altenhoff.
UWN does not currently have an Executive Director or staff support. As we continue to navigate the organizational transition, UWN BOD members have committed to supporting UWN operations through volunteer committees, as follows:
- The Executive Committee oversees operations, answers the phone and email inquiries, and directs questions to the appropriate committees: Membership, Finance, Marketing, Fundraising, Website.
If any UWN members are interested in serving on one of these UWN committees, please reach out to us at info@urbanwoodnetwork.org.
Member Question: What is the status of the Urban Salvaged Reclaimed Wood (USRW) Standards and Certification Program (The Standards) and how does this relate to UWN and its members?
UWN Board of Directors:
Here is some background and history behind the USRW Standards and Certification Program and the Urban Wood Network. We fully understand this is an important topic, so the information we’re providing here may not be complete, however, here is a brief synopsis to answer the question:
Why a national standard?
The USRW certification standards were developed collaboratively between USRW and UWN members starting in 2018 and then completed in 2021. CAL FIRE’s Urban and Community Forestry Program funded the development of these standards to protect urban trees from being removed solely for their timber value. The desire by all involved in this effort was to create a certification to give urban foresters, arborists, and consumers confidence in urban wood as a sustainable product overall. As the industry grows, short of some sort of quality control mechanism, it is entirely possible urban wood could become seen as something exploitative, rather than part of the broader purpose of urban forests which are key to resilience and sustainability in urban areas.
Throughout the development of these standards, in addition to the stakeholders mentioned above, manufacturers and architects advocated for standards and certification, so they have something that ensures that urban, salvaged and reclaimed wood comes from a sustainable source, and meets certain guidelines. Many UWN members have also expressed an interest in certification with the goal to scale their business to a higher volume.
Questions and concerns from current and potential future UWN members:
We hear from some UWN members and consumers that they don't need the USRW standards because the story from producers is telling enough and that the standards are too restrictive and favor only large urban wood operations. This is important and valuable information that will inform future efforts to develop national standards and certification for urban wood.
UWN and USRW continue to work together to develop and inform members about industry standards (practices that guide sound business and processing of wood) and how within the standards, there is a pathway for certification. We recognize that many UWN members will find that certification is not for them, and that is completely fine. We also believe that standards are important for many urban wood businesses and certification provides a valuable path for broadening business opportunities. We recognize that while certification is not the preferred path for every business, that it can add value and credibility for many businesses, including UWN members. And we also understand that standards will be important to ensure that UWN members and the industry as a whole are operating using sound principles and sustainable business practices.
Current Status:
UWN has voted to approve a one-year pilot program to test the standards and certification. The pilot has just started and will soon be advertised for public review. A task force from diverse backgrounds will oversee the process and provide the necessary reporting and recommendations on modifications and simplifications to the process. They will work to ensure it works and is accessible for every UWN business regardless of size. We look forward to input from UWN members throughout this process. Both UWN and USRW are committed to working together to further develop a national standard to ensure sustainable practices and products are delivered into the urban wood marketplace.
Learn More & Get Engaged in the Pilot with USRW:
If you’d like to learn more and stay informed on the USRW Standards and Certifications Pilot, you can visit their website at: https://www.usrwcertified.com/.
Member Question: If we have questions about the Urban Wood Network, who do we contact and how do we contact them?
UWN BOD:
As mentioned above, the UWN Executive Committee is overseeing UWN operations and facilitating / supporting multiple UWN committees who are helping support programming. If you have questions, contact us at info@urbanwoodnetwork.org or 608-371-1282. Our team will follow-up with you within a few business days with an answer or direct you to the appropriate committee lead who will follow-up with you, answer your questions and address any needs you have.
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