Grant-Writing to Support Innovation, Sustainability, and Training of the Next Generation
Through our specialized grant-writing services, we have helped secure more than $20 million for our regional partners to achieve significant wins in advancing wood products innovation, forest education, and long-term resource land stewardship.
Wood Innovations Grant Success with Ottawa Forest Products
We recently prepared successful Wood Innovations Grant applications for Ottawa Forest Products of Amasa, MI. The awards will provide critical federal support to increase efficiency and productivity at OFP’s mill operations, including new equipment installations, employee training, and improvements that enhance both competitiveness and sustainability.
“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,” says 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.”
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Expanding Forestry Education at Forest Park School
In partnership with Forest Park Schools, we worked with VanOss Forestry to coordinate a major school forest event in 2025 that engaged nearly 300 participants — including over 250 students, in grades 6-12, teachers, conservation professionals, and industry leaders.
Hands-on learning stations featured contributions from the Michigan DNR, U.S. Forest Service, Iron/Baraga Conservation District, American Bird Conservancy, NRCS, MSU 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.
The event was supported in part by the John E. Force Forestry Education Fund, which helped cover costs to make the trip possible. The collaboration between RRS, VanOss Forestry, Forest Park School District, local partners and industry professionals, along with JEFFEF funding, gave students a firsthand look at how sustainable forest management, industry innovation, and education all work together in Michigan’s forest sector.
“This trip helped me see that forestry isn’t just about trees — it’s about people, wildlife, and keeping things balanced,” remarked one excited Forest Park High School student. “I could really see myself doing this kind of work some day.”
Supporting the John E. Force Forestry Education Fund
We also continue to work closely with the Sustainable Resources Institute (SRI) on the John E. Force Forestry Education Fund. Since its creation in 2015, 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 Avenue, Crystal Falls, MI 49920, and are fully tax deductible.
