

Forest Park students tour Ottawa Forest Products in Amasa. (Courtesy photo)
CRYSTAL FALLS — Renewable Resource Solutions, a natural resources consulting firm based in Crystal Falls, has assisted Ottawa Forest Products of Amasa in securing a $300,000 Wood Innovations Grant from the USDA Forest Service.
The grant will increase the efficiency and productivity at OFP’s mill operations, including new equipment installations, employee training, and improvements that enhance both competitiveness and sustainability, RRS said in a news release.
“This funding from the U.S. Forest Service has allowed OFP to remain competitive in an environment where we compete locally for employees and globally with other producers,” said Derik VanEpern, manager at Ottawa Forest Products. “The new technology helps us make better use of our renewable natural resources and provides employees with opportunities to learn new skills and technologies that will benefit them throughout their careers.”
In announcing the grant in July, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins noted it would help support active forest management in national forests in Michigan and Wisconsin.
Through its grant writing services, RRS said it has also helped regional partners advance forest education and long-term resource stewardship.
In partnership with Forest Park Schools, RRS and VanOss Forestry coordinated a major school forest event this year that engaged nearly 300 participants — including more than 250 students from sixth through 12th grades, teachers, conservation professionals and industry leaders.
Hands-on learning stations featured contributions from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service, Iron-Baraga Conservation District, American Bird Conservancy, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Michigan State University Forestry Technician Program, Shamco, and VanOss Forestry, who also serves as the school forester.
Students explored tree identification, forest management, conservation law, wildlife, forest sector careers, and wood products manufacturing.
High school students toured Ottawa Forest Products, where they saw the full process of turning logs into lumber. Inside the mill, they watched debarking, cutting, sorting, and stacking operations, and learned about the new scanning and trimmer equipment installed through the Wood Innovations Grant written by RRS.
Outside, students visited the wood yard to see log scaling and grading in action, and the kiln, where lumber is dried before being shipped. The tour gave students a clear look at how local mills operate and how sustainable forest management supports jobs and innovation in their own community.
The event was supported in part by the John E. Force Forestry Education Fund which helped cover costs. The collaboration between RRS, VanOss Forestry, Forest Park School District, local partners and industry professionals, and JEFFEF funding gave students a firsthand look at how sustainable forest management, industry innovation, and education all work together, RRS said.
“This experience helped our students understand that the health of our forests depends on teamwork, from loggers and foresters to conservationists and educators, all working together to protect the land, wildlife, and future of our community,” said Jackie Giuliani, Forest Park K-12 principal. “We are very thankful to everyone who gave their time to help our students learn about the many job opportunities within our forest and community and the vital role each position plays in its care and preservation.”
RRS also continues to work with the Sustainable Resources Institute on the John E. Force Forestry Education Fund. Since its creation, JEFFEF has supported over 3,000 students with more than $15,000 in funding for forestry education, including field trips, classroom resources, and improvements to public forest areas.
The fund honors the legacy of consulting forester John E. Force, who dedicated his career to teaching young people about forestry and natural resources. Contributions to the fund can be sent to the Sustainable Resources Institute, 337 Superior Ave., Crystal Falls, MI 49920, and are fully tax deductible.
For more information on Renewable Resource Solutions and its services, go to renewableresourcesolutions.com or contact Kari Divine, kari@renewableresourcesolutions.com or 906-875-3720.