Western Forest Economists Meeting

About This Event

Join us for our annual meeting, held this year in Seattle, WA at the University of Washington. Our conference theme this year is “Long Rotations and Set-aside Forests: Economic and Environmental Implications“.

Session themes include:

  • Bioenergy and bioproducts
  • Public lands issues
  • Economics of wildland fire
  • Innovations in the forest sector
  • Markets and trade
  • Non-market values and valuation
  • And more!

 

Please send any program questions or comments to Indroneil Ganguly (indro@uw.edu)

For the full detailed agenda and event logistics, including hotel and parking information, please click on the 2025 WFE Meeting PDF

Registration

Registration is open!

Registration fees:

  • Regular: $300
  • Regular late (starting May 1): $350
  • Student: $110
  • Student late: $150
  • Virtual (starting May 1): $95

Venue & Lodging

Venue:
  • Maple Hall Great Room, University of Washington
  • Maple Hall is a residence hall located on NE Campus Parkway and the pedestrian-only 12th Ave NE
  • For assistance in finding your way around campus, consult the interactive UW Campus Map.
  • Parking questions should be directed to Transportation Services.

The hotel is located less than half a mile and a 10-minute walk from the event venue, Maple Hall

Parking Information:

  • UW lot W10 is the closest lot to Maple Hall. Visitor Parking is allowed for $5/hr through the PayByPhone app or at PayByPhone.com. Campus parking questions should be directed to UW Transportation Services.
  • Street parking is sometimes available, also through PayByPhone. More information is available through the City of Seattle. 
  • Parking is available at the hotel for a fee.

Lodging:
A small room block is available at the Watertown Hotel U. District for the night of Thursday, May 15 at a discounted rate of $185 + tax with no resort fee and complimentary on-site parking. Call the hotel directly at 1-866-866-7977 to get on the lodging list. Contact Nicole with any questions at nicole @ westernforestry.org.

Event Agenda

Thursday, May 15

11:30am – Registration and Lunch Networking

12:30pm – Conference Begins: Welcome and WFE update 

12:45pm – Plenary Session 1: Industry, NGO, and Policy Makers perspective on Long Rotations and Set-side Forests: Economic and Environmental Implications 

Moderator: Indroneil Ganguly, Associate Professor, University of Washington
Panelists:

  • Gareth Waugh, Vice President, Port Blakely
  • Jason Spadaro, Executive Director, WFPA
  • Elaine Oneil, Executive Director, WFFA
  • Duane Emmons, Assistant Deputy Supervisor for State Uplands, DNR
  • Matt Comisky, Washington Manager, AFRC   

2:30pm – Break

2:45pm – Concurrent Sessions 1 & 2

4:45pm – Break

5:00pm – Special Session: Collaborative Efforts in Resolving Forestry Issues

  • Tim Hawkins, Research Director and facilitator, WestCoast Aquatic Society
  • Rajat Panwar, Professor, OSU

6:00pm – Dinner and Networking (sponsored)

Friday, May 16

8:00am – Networking 

8:15am – Welcome and WFE update 

8:30am – Plenary Session 2: Industry, NGO, and Policy Makers’ Perspective on Long Rotations and Set-aside Forests: Economic and Environmental Implications” 

Moderator: Harry Nelson, Associate Professor, University of British Columbia
Panelists:

  • Andres Susaeta, Assistant Professor, OSU
  • Indroneil Ganguly, Associate Professor, University of Washington
  • Dr. Hugh Scorah, British Columbia
  • Raju Pokharel, Assistant Professor, MSU
  • Seth Zukerman, Executive Director, Northwest Natural Resource Group

10:00am – Break

10:15am – Concurrent Sessions 3 & 4

12:30pm – Luncheon Session: Challenges Faced in the Discussions Around the Economic and Environmental Role of Working Forests: Experience from WA Forest Products Roundtable

  • Chris Page, Senior Facilitator for Projects & Strategic Initiatives, William D. Ruckelshaus Center / Associate Professor, WSU Extension C.E.D.
  • Julie Anderson, Forestry Sector Lead, Agricultural Innovation, WA State Dept of Commerce

1:45pm – Concluding Remarks

2:15pm – WFE Board Meeting (all are welcome)

3:00pm – Meeting Adjourns