FOREST PRODUCTS WEEK, October 19-25

EXPERT PANEL DISCUSSION

October 20, 2025

Wisconsin's forests have shaped more than just the landscape; they've built communities, industries, and a way of life. Forest Products Week will kick off on Monday, October 20, 2025 with an expert panel discussion at the Wisconsin State Capitol.

The opening day panel will explore meaningful topics:

• The cultural significance of Wisconsin forestry
• Economic contributions of the forest products industry and how forests support jobs and local economies
• Sustainable forest management practices that keep Wisconsin thriving for generations to come

Distinguished Panel of Experts

Henry Schienebeck

Executive Director, Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association

With 32 years as a self-employed logger/trucker, Schienebeck brings frontline industry experience to his leadership role at Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association (GLTPA), representing over 1,000 forest industry professionals across Michigan and Wisconsin. He also oversees the Forest Industry and Safety Training Alliance, providing critical Sustainable Forestry Initiative training for loggers nationwide.

Larry Krueger

Past President, Lake States Lumber Association

Raised in a logging and sawmilling family, Krueger combines his business and finance education with deep expertise in forestry and natural resource management. He serves on the board of the Great Lakes Kiln Drying Association and is a Past President of the Lake States Lumber Association, actively working on Wisconsin's long-term transportation issues with Wisconsin DOT Freight Advisory Committee.

Tom Hittle

Chair, Wisconsin Council on Forestry

A recognized Wisconsin Society of American Foresters Fellow with 38 years at Steigerwaldt Land Services, Hittle has managed over 350,000 acres of client-owned timberland. Appointed Chair of the Wisconsin Council on Forestry by Governor Evers in 2019, he brings unparalleled expertise in forest management planning and resource analysis.

Heather Berklund

Chief State Forester, Wisconsin DNR

Wisconsin's first-ever female state forester, Berklund has dedicated over 25 years to the DNR Division of Forestry. She leads initiatives in sustainable forestry and wildland fire protection while investing in current and future workforce development to meet the evolving needs of our forests and industry.

Cassie Mordini

Director, Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation

With nearly two decades in the outdoor industry across retail, nonprofit, and government sectors, Mordini leads strategy and program development for Wisconsin's diverse outdoor recreation industry. She's been instrumental in building the Office since its creation in 2020 by the Department of Tourism.

Scott Suder

President, Wisconsin Paper Council

A decorated combat veteran and former Wisconsin State Legislator (including service as Majority Leader), Suder directs all legislative, regulatory, and member relations strategies for the statewide trade association representing Wisconsin's vital paper industry and is the primary representative for statewide trade association.

Paul Heinen

Policy Director, Green Fire

With 34 years of policy experience spanning the Nature Conservancy and DNR, Heinen has contributed to hundreds of environmental laws including the Acid Rain law, Recycling Program, and Knowles Nelson Stewardship program. He brings deep expertise in forestry, wildlife management, and conservation policy. He was Director of State Legislative Affairs in the Nature Conservancy of Wisconsin prior to joining Green Fire.

Session Moderator:

Sam Rikkers

Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)

Rikkers brings extensive rural development experience from both domestic and international work, including service in the White House and as USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service administrator. A Wisconsin native, he's dedicated to strengthening communities and economic opportunities across the state.

To View the Panel Discussion

The panel discussion is available for public viewing on Wisconsin Eye.

Seating is limited, but if you would like to be added to the event waiting list, please indicate your interest here. We will reach out to those on the waiting list a week before the event if seating becomes available.

Forest Products is one of the state’s leading manufacturing sectors, and Forest Products Week will highlight this crucial industry through a series of informational sessions and a variety of site tours.

Forest Products Week is being celebrated by many state groups. Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology (WIST) has partnered with Wisconsin Forestry Center (WFC); Learning, Experiences, and Activities in Forestry program (LEAF); and various industrial, governmental, and community organizations to highlight the importance of Forest Products Week 2025. WIST, WFC, and LEAF are part of the College of Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP).

Learn More

To learn more about Wisconsin Forest Products Week, its organizers and tour hosts, and explore available activities, vist the Forest Products Week website.