ROOTED IN MONTANA
ABOUT MWPA
Built by Montana's Forest Products Industry.
Working together for healthy forests, strong communities, and a thriving future.
OUR PURPOSE
A Mission Rooted in Montana.
MWPA's purpose has remained remarkably consistent throughout its history:
“To promote healthy forests and healthy communities through the management of Montana's forests.”
That principle has guided the Association for more than five decades. The connection between healthy forests, a strong forest products industry, and thriving Montana communities remains at the heart of our work.
WHO WE REPRESENT
From the Forest to the Finished Product.
MWPA brings together the businesses and professionals that power Montana's forest products industry; from forest management and harvesting to manufacturing, transportation, and essential industry services.
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Together, our members support healthy forests, quality jobs, strong rural economies, and a sustainable supply of renewable wood products.
Manufacturers
Sawmills and manufacturers producing lumber, engineered products, posts and poles, and other renewable wood products.
Forest Managers
Timberland owners, land managers, and forestry professionals working to maintain productive, healthy forests.
Loggers & Haulers
The professionals and businesses responsible for safely harvesting and transporting Montana's renewable timber resources.
Suppliers & Service Providers
Businesses providing the equipment, products, expertise, and professional services that keep Montana's forest products industry moving.
Landowners & Associates
Private landowners, organizations, and industry partners whose businesses and interests are connected to Montana's forests and forest economy.
HOW MWPA WORKS
Member Led.
Industry Driven.
MWPA is a voluntary nonprofit association governed by leaders from the industry it represents. Our Board of Directors sets policy and direction, supported by three standing committees that guide our work.
Legislation
A STRONG INDUSTRY VOICE
Advancing the priorities of Montana's forest products industry through legislative engagement and policy advocacy.
Resource
HEALTHY FORESTS. STRONG INDUSTRY.
Addressing forest management, timber supply, and natural resource issues that shape the future of our industry.
Financial
BUILDING LASTING STRENGTH
Guiding the responsible management of MWPA's resources to support the Association's long-term stability and success.
Professional staff carry out these priorities throughout the year through legislative representation, agency engagement, industry collaboration, communications, and member services.
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This member-led structure keeps MWPA closely connected to the real-world opportunities and challenges facing Montana's forest products industry.
ESTABLISHED 1972
A Legacy of Leadership.
1972
Where Our Story Began
Founded in Missoula, the Montana Wood Products Association united businesses across the state's timber, logging, and wood manufacturing sectors. The Association established a collective voice for an industry deeply connected to Montana's economy, communities, and working forests. From its earliest years, MWPA brought industry leaders together to address shared challenges, strengthen relationships, and represent the interests of Montana's wood products businesses.
1985
Standing Up for Montana's Timber Industry
On January 15, MWPA testified before the Montana Senate Taxation Committee, raising concerns about increased taxation of standing timber. MWPA cautioned that excessive taxation could encourage premature harvesting and create additional financial pressures for Montana's businesses. MWPA's testimony brought the industry's perspective into legislative discussions about timber taxation, forest management decisions, and the long-term economic stability of Montana's working forests.
1987
Advocating for Montana's Timber Resources
On January 26, MWPA supported funding for Montana's Department of State Lands timber program. Testifying before the Natural Resources Subcommittee, the Association emphasized the importance of public timber availability to industry stability, employment, and the economy. MWPA also highlighted the connection between timber management, a dependable supply of wood products, and the communities and businesses supported by Montana's working forests.
1991
Strength in Numbers.
In March, MWPA testified before the Montana Legislature on log scaling practices and industry contracts. At the time, the Association reported representing facilities processing more than 90% of Montana’s logs. MWPA also committed to educational workshops bringing loggers, foresters, and landowners together to improve understanding of industry practices. The testimony demonstrated the Association’s role in representing businesses of different sizes while helping address issues affecting the people and operations throughout Montana’s timber supply chain.
1999
A Voice in Federal Environmental Litigation
MWPA participated as an intervenor in federal litigation concerning the EPA's responsibilities under the Clean Water Act. The case addressed water quality standards and regulatory responsibilities affecting Montana. Through its participation, MWPA represented wood products industry interests in legal proceedings involving environmental regulation and land management. The case reflected MWPA’s involvement in discussions extending beyond the State Capitol, including federal decisions with implications for Montana’s forest products businesses.
2011
Returning to Our Missoula Roots
MWPA relocated its offices from Helena back to Missoula, the city where the Association was founded in 1972. The move marked a new chapter in its continued work representing Montana’s forest products industry and strengthening relationships across the state. Nearly four decades after its founding, MWPA remained focused on bringing businesses together, addressing challenges affecting Montana’s timber supply, and supporting the communities connected to the industry. Returning to Missoula reconnected MWPA with the community where its story began.
2018–2020
Supporting Forest Restoration
MWPA participated as a defendant-intervenor in litigation involving the Moose Creek Vegetation Project and federal forest restoration authorities. The U.S. District Court upheld the challenged Forest Service decisions in 2018, and the Ninth Circuit affirmed the ruling in April 2020. Through its involvement, MWPA represented the interests of Montana’s wood products industry in legal proceedings concerning forest restoration, public land management, and the use of federal authorities to carry out projects on working forests. The case illustrates MWPA's continued participation in decisions affecting forest management and the availability of timber resources for Montana’s wood products businesses.
2022–Today
50 Years of Leadership. A Foundation for the Future.
MWPA celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022, marking five decades of industry representation, collaboration, and advocacy for Montana’s working forests. That same year, the MWPA Foundation was established to support workforce recruitment, education, training, and retention, helping prepare the next generation of forestry and wood products professionals.
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Today, MWPA continues bringing together businesses, landowners, forestry professionals, manufacturers, educators, and policymakers to address the challenges and opportunities facing Montana’s forest products industry. Through industry collaboration, forest management advocacy, educational partnerships, and workforce development, the Association and Foundation carry forward a shared commitment to healthy forests, a strong industry, and thriving Montana communities.
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Looking ahead, MWPA remains focused on connecting Montana’s forest resources with the people and businesses that depend on them. By supporting responsible forest management, strengthening industry relationships, and creating pathways for future workers, the Association continues the work that brought its members together more than 50 years ago, helping ensure Montana’s forests and forest products industry remain part of Montana's future.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND OUR HISTORY
Explore Our Heritage.
Behind every milestone are the people whose leadership, dedication, and contributions helped shape Montana’s forest products industry. Explore the individuals and traditions that are part of MWPA’s history.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
Strong Roots. Forward Thinking.
As Montana’s forest products industry evolves, MWPA will continue bringing people together, strengthening relationships, sharing knowledge, and ensuring our industry has a voice in the decisions that shape its future. We are proud of the generations who built Montana’s forest products industry and equally committed to creating opportunities for those who will carry it forward.