By Andi Anderson
The Great Lakes Mass Timber Collaborative (GLMTC) has received significant support through a new U.S. Forest Service Wood Innovation Grant, helping accelerate efforts to expand mass timber markets, increase manufacturing capacity, and promote the use of sustainable wood products across the Great Lakes region.
The grant was awarded to Dovetail Partners, MassTimber@MSU (Michigan State University), and Team Pennsylvania, which are working together to advance the next phase of the regional initiative. The funding is part of the U.S. Forest Service's broader investment in projects designed to strengthen rural economies, improve forest health, and create new opportunities for wood product industries.
Established in 2024 by Sandra Lupien, Director of MassTimber@MSU, the Great Lakes Mass Timber Collaborative brings together leaders from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. The partnership focuses on building a coordinated mass timber economy that supports sustainable forestry, manufacturing growth, workforce development, and innovative construction practices.
In April 2026, more than 100 participants gathered to launch the Collaborative's Regional Vision, a strategic roadmap outlining priorities for supply chain expansion, manufacturing development, workforce training, and technical support for construction projects involving mass timber.
Discussing the importance of the initiative, Sandra Lupien, Director of MassTimber@MSU, said, “The Regional Vision reflects the knowledge, goals, and analysis of people across the mass timber chain — from forests to manufacture to research to buildings — in all eight Great Lakes states. This wood innovation grant enables us to start implementing that vision on the ground by identifying priorities in forests and matching them with opportunities in products and construction.”
As the Collaborative's fiscal sponsor, Kathryn Fernholz, President and CEO of Dovetail Partners, emphasized the organization's commitment to advancing mass timber opportunities. Fernholz stated, “It is an honor for Dovetail Partners to be able to provide a home for this work to continue. We’ve been involved with supporting the realization of benefits from mass timber since the early days, and we’re excited to see momentum continue to build.”
The initiative will receive additional support through a $300,000 matching commitment from the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, complementing the federal grant and bringing the total investment to $600,000. The funding will be used to improve supply chain mapping, support emerging mass timber projects, evaluate manufacturing expansion opportunities, including hardwood mass timber products, and develop practical resources that encourage wider adoption of mass timber technologies.
Highlighting Pennsylvania's role in the growing sector, Abby Smith, President and CEO of Team Pennsylvania, said, “Pennsylvania is positioned to be a leader in the growing mass timber economy by connecting our forest resources, manufacturing expertise, workforce and innovation assets. The Great Lakes Mass Timber Collaborative is exactly the kind of partnership that can turn that opportunity into action. By working across state lines and bringing together leaders from industry, government and academia, we can establish lasting economic opportunities for communities across the commonwealth.”
Through regional collaboration, innovation, and investment, the Great Lakes Mass Timber Collaborative aims to strengthen sustainable forestry, expand economic opportunities, and position the region as a leader in the future of renewable and environmentally responsible construction.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, General