A new high school curriculum focused on forestry and natural resources has been introduced in East Texas, aiming to rebuild the local workforce for the region's multi-billion-dollar timber economy. The Texas Forestry Association launched “ForestryWorks” in Lufkin, the first curriculum approved by the Texas Education Agency entirely dedicated to forestry and natural resources. This initiative directly addresses an impending talent shortage as veteran timber employees retire across East Texas.
Timber operations throughout the Piney Woods region support more than 73,000 jobs in Texas. However, industry leaders have voiced concerns about a significant gap in the incoming workforce. Matthew McBroom, chair of the Stephen F. Austin State University Department of Forestry, stated that "a lot of older people are retiring out" and there are not enough younger people entering the field to meet demand. The new program seeks to fill this pipeline by connecting high school students to these vital local careers.
The "ForestryWorks" curriculum is integrated into high school agriculture classes, introducing students to a wide array of commercial forestry and natural resources roles. Ted Stevens, sustainability and education director for the Texas Forestry Association, noted that the program intends to introduce students to the "wide breadth of forestry jobs and natural resources jobs" available in East Texas. Students participating in the program can earn an entry-level forest worker certificate before graduating from high school. This certification is designed to provide immediate workforce readiness upon diploma receipt.
The program also establishes a clear pathway for further education. Credits earned through the "ForestryWorks" curriculum can transfer to Angelina College and subsequently apply toward a four-year degree at Stephen F. Austin State University. This structured progression aims to encourage students to pursue advanced education in the field, further strengthening the skilled labor pool. Leaders emphasize that contemporary forestry relies heavily on technological proficiency, incorporating skills such as drone operations, GIS spatial mapping, and automated mill management. McBroom clarified that this modern approach does not eliminate the need for skilled individuals but rather increases the demand for highly specialized workers.
The forest products industry has historically been a foundational component of the East Texas economy. Stevens highlighted this legacy, stating that the "forest products industry is what built East Texas." He also noted that there is a reason why the main street in Lufkin is called Timberland. He emphasized that substantial career opportunities are available locally, reducing the necessity for residents to relocate to larger metropolitan areas like Houston or Dallas to find professional work.
To expand the program statewide, the Texas Forestry Association is actively recruiting high school educators. An initial teacher training workshop is scheduled for November 6 at the association's headquarters in Lufkin. This training will equip educators with the knowledge and resources required to implement the "ForestryWorks" curriculum in their respective schools, extending the reach of this new educational initiative across East Texas.
