L-R Secretary Russell Redding, PA Department of Agriculture, Doug Cummings, owner of Cummings Veneer Products, Stephanie Phillips-Taggart, Executive Director of KWPA, Shelby Chorba, Program Manager of NTHA, Stephen Ward, Strategic Development of Cummings Veneer Products, PA State Representative Clint Owlett 68th District, Hailey Cummings, Marketing Intern, Cummings Veneer Products.

Above: photos from Cummings Veneer Products



PA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE'S SECRETARY RUSSELL REDDING TOURS AREA WOOD PRODUCTS FACILITIES

On Monday, July 27th, KWPA was honored to have joined Secretary Russell Redding, PA State Rep. Clint Owlett and the Northern Tier Hardwood Association for several wood facility tours in Troy, PA.

"Hardwoods are a unique part of Pennsylvania's agricultural diversity, and we are proud to lead the nation in the production and export of hardwood lumber," said Secretary Redding in a social media post.

Tour stops included Keystone Wood Products Association member Cummings Veneer Products/Armenia Plank and Panel along with Barefoot Brand Flooring, Cummings Lumber Company, and Barefoot Pellet Company.

From wide-plank solid and engineered flooring, wall panels and heating pellets, the tours were a true testimony to each company's deep rooted heritage of environmental responsibility, customer satisfaction, employee loyalty and dedication to the industy and the Troy community.

Companies like these help make the industry the #1 sector of PA Agriculture, while using every part of the tree.

Above: photos from Barefoot Flororing and Barefoot Pellets.

PRESCRIPTION FOR SUCCESS:

DCNR HOSTS PRESCRIBED FIRE TOUR

It was appropriate that KWPA spent a scorching summer day learning about one of the hottest forest management techniques-- prescribed fire. Prescribed fire is a planned and controlled fire intentionally applied to vegetation to achieve specific land management and ecological objectives.

On July 1st, the Ben Livelsberger, Wood Utilization Specialist at Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), organized a tour of the Tioga Forest District’s prescribed fire sites. There members from the PA Hardwoods Development Council, HUGs, Pennsylvania Sustainable Forestry Initiative Implementation Committee, private industry and the Game Commission discussed this unique method of forest management and its benefits to our state’s hardwood industry.

We were able to compare units of differing post-burn ages, which showcased a variety of ecological benefits including oak and maple regeneration. A big thanks to DCNR staff for making this tour possible and for keeping our forests healthy!

ELEVATING THE NATION'S FORESTS ONE CLIMB AT A TIME

DANVILLE— Van Wagner, a long time agricultural educator, professional forester, and certified arborist, who has dedicated his career to helping people better understand

forests, recently celebrated his 50th birthday climbing a tree in Massachusetts.

“Forget the candles,” Wagner says. “I want 50 state trees.”

This year, he set a goal for himself: To climb the state tree in each of our nation’s states.

He previously became the first person to climb the tallest tree in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, drawing attention not only to the Commonwealth’s remarkable forests but also to Pennsylvania’s nationally recognized hardwood industry. As the nation’s leading producer and exporter of hardwood lumber, Pennsylvania demonstrates how healthy, productive forests can support both wildlife and rural economies.

“What would inspire a person to travel across the country and visit the fifty state trees?” he asked. “The answer is simple. I care about the forests, and you should too.”

Forests provide economic benefits and rewarding jobs that support American families. Healthy forests don’t happen by accident. They require thoughtful, science-based management and strong markets for sustainably harvested wood products. When landowners have viable markets for the trees their forests produce—including lower-value material removed during forest improvement—they are more likely to keep forests as forests rather than converting them to other uses.

Real American Hardwood products come from a naturally renewable resource and require relatively little processing compared to many manufactured building materials,making them a low-impact choice for homes and buildings. Additionally, products like hardwood flooring are natural, and typically do not contain harsh chemicals or harbor dust and allergens, ultimately improving indoor air quality.

In addition, by the way of biophilic design—a concept that incorporates nature into indoor spaces—wood products help reduce stress levels and elevate a person’s well-being.

It’s similar to the sense of refreshment that people experience when walking or hiking in the woods.

“Forests provide us spiritual renewal and all kinds of ecosystem services, like clean water and air,” Wagner says. “But our forests face a lot of threats--like non-native insects and plants that are being introduced, forest fragmentation and climate change.The best thing you can do to help is get involved in the conversation. Let’s talk about how we should manage forests.”

That conversation can be found on a national platform 50statetrees.com, which has been sponsored by the Real American Hardwood Coalition, (RAHC) a voluntary domestic marketing initiative founded by more than 30 industry organizations. The RAHC unites the hardwood industry behind a single message: Real American Hardwood® is the naturally authentic choice for beautiful, durable, healthy, and sustainable homes and buildings.

Every hardwood floor, cabinet, table, or piece of furniture made from Real American Hardwood represents more than beautiful craftsmanship. It represents forests that continue to provide clean air, clean water, wildlife habitat, carbon storage, and family-supporting jobs across rural America.

Throughout Wagner’s journey the site will serve as a platform to document the history,ecology, and cultural significance of each species of the tree he climbs while illustrating the connections between forests, wildlife and local communities.

“I hope each climb is viewed as an invitation to learn about our shared natural heritage," says Wagner.

To date, Wagner has visited 10 states in the Northeast and scaled their respective state tree. He plans to continue his journey forward until he visits all 50 states regardless of how much time it takes him.

The Real American Hardwood Coalition hopes Wagner’s authentic storytelling helps Americans recognize an essential truth: keeping forests healthy requires active stewardship, and keeping forests as forests depends on strong, sustainable markets for the products they provide.

Stephanie Phillips-Taggart, executive director of Keystone Wood Products Association, a nonprofit hardwood utilization group of which Wagner is a member says, “We are grateful for Van’s adventurous spirit and his dedication to the industry and telling the story and benefits of working forests. He is a true forest steward.”

For more information on his journey, visit 50StateTrees.com.

ALIFT HELPS INJURED LOGGER

Keystone Wood Products Association (KWPA) would like to recognize its members-- Zac Hess (left) and Cody Campion (right) of Keystone Timber & Forestry LLC for supporting ALIFT - Assisting Loggers Immediately Fund Trust--a nonprofit organization that provides immediate financial assistance to injured loggers and their families.

Zach and Cody delivered an ALIFT check to Lenny Wenner, an area logging contractor, who was injured in mid-June when a dead tree fell on him. He suffered facial and leg injuries that will prevent him from working over the next 6-8 weeks while he recovers.



We wish Lenny a speedy recovery! Thank you, Cody and Zach, for your support of an organization that helps loggers navigate unexpected hardships!

YOUR FLOORING CHOICE CAN IMPACT INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Studies from the EPA have found that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. In some cases significantly more. A big part of why: the materials in your home.

Carpet traps allergens, dust mites, and pet dander and releases them back into the air every time it is disturbed.

 Some laminates and engineered products use adhesives that off-gas formaldehyde over time.

Vinyl flooring is petroleum-based and can emit VOCs as it ages and breaks down.

Real American Hardwood does not off-gas. It does not trap allergens. It does not hide synthetic compounds behind a surface layer. It is wood — the same material all the way through.

The air quality of your home is shaped by what your home is made of. Have you ever thought about how your flooring or furniture affects your air quality?

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST IN JOINING THE KWPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

With very little time commitment, you can make a big impact.

Are you passionate about the wood products industry? Are you willing to act on that passion with your skillset?

If so, learn more about what it means to be part of the Keystone Wood Products board of directors by clicking here. KWPA currently has two board seats open. KWPA members will vote on candidates to fill the positions during its annual meeting in October. Each candidate must find value in KWPA's mission of education, outreach and promotion.

For more information or to express your interest, contact

Steph Phillips-Taggart, KWPA executive director, at 570-601-7000 or Steph@keystonewoodpa.org.

SAVE THE DATE: KWPA ANNUAL MEETING

Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 13th for KWPA’s Annual Meeting at the picturesque Mt. Nittany Overlook. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting begins at 6 p.m. Featured speaker, Kelly Kundratic Ausherman, Agriculture Director of Team PA will address how the industry can work with partners to advance the sector forward.

In addition, KWPA will recognize the 2026 Lauchle Scholarship winner and share its accomplishment over the past year. Don’t miss this networking opportunity where our members, industry partners, community leaders, and legislators can unite.

UPCOMING PSU COURSE OFFERINGS:

KILN DRYING AND LUMBER GRADING

Kiln Drying of Hardwood Short Course will be held September 15-17, 2026 at the Fruit Research and Extension Center in Biglerville, PA. The cost is $350 per person if registered before September 1st or $400 if registered after Sept. 1. Deadline to register is September 7th.

No previous kiln drying experience is necessary. Instruction will include lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences. Wood moisture relations, kiln operation, lumber handling/storage and drying schedule preparation will be emphasized in relation to the drying of hardwood lumber. View the full flyer here: Flyer. Register using this link Kiln Drying of Hardwood Lumber Short Course.

The Hardwood Lumber Grading Short Course will be held Oct. 13-15, 2026 at the Livestock Evaluation Center in PA Furnace. The cost is $350 per person if registered by Sept. 28th or $400 if registered after Sept. 28th. The deadline to register is October 5th. The course is designed to benefit anyone involved in the lumber industry who needs a basic understanding of lumber grades. View the full flyer here: Flyer. Register using this link: Hardwood Lumber Grading Short Course

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

Join KWPA and many other vendors at the new Gilson factory in Selinsgrove, PA for Summer Snow Day---August 8, 2026. The Gilson gang will be throwing down REAL SNOW in the middle of August!

Enjoy free beer, wine, cider, and spirits, jam out to sweet tunes, shred the summer rail jam, and fuel up with eats from some of the region’s best food trucks.

TICKETS ARE REQUIRED:

Visit Gilson Snow to reserve yours today!

This year’s event goes even further — proceeds will help build free snowboards for kids this winter, so your good time helps grow the sport we all love. Bring your crew, your kids, your dog — everyone’s welcome!

WHERE:

The Gilson Factory

100 E Sherman St, Selinsgrove PA



WHEN:

Saturday August 8th, 2 PM to 6 PM

* Must be 21 or older to participate in beer garden activities.

* This is a rain or shine event. All Summer Snow Day tickets are final.