Welcome to the latest edition of Forest Business News.
Our longtime friends at Freres Engineered Wood—a Premier Sponsor of the International Mass Timber Conference & Expo (IMTC)—have just released a fantastic new feature video highlighting the creation of the National Conservation Legacy Center at the National Museum of Forest Service History, a beautiful new mass timber building located here in my hometown of Missoula, Montana.
The video features Hunter Hessian, Field Manager at Dick Anderson Construction, Lisa Tate, Executive Director at National Museum of Forest Service History / National Conservation Legacy Center, Rob Freres, President of Freres Engineered Wood, and Tom Chung, Principal at Leers Weinzapfel Associates.
This project is a masterclass in what happens when visionary design meets the ultimate renewable resource. Rather than relying on standard concrete and drywall, the build team set out to make the structure an exhibit in its own right.
Multiple mass timber products are showcased within the facility—from glulam beams and cross-laminated timber (CLT) wall panels, to laminated veneer lumber (LVL), to hybrid systems and custom Freres Engineered Wood Mass Ply Panels capable of multi-directional spanning. In addition are 13 breathtaking tree-like columns, each crafted from a different species of wood, that support the folded roof canopy without traditional beams getting in the way.
Accessibility & Economic Impact
Open year-round, the National Museum of Forest Service History is a major asset for regional economic development in Missoula. Whether you’re flying into MSO for personal or business reasons—or specifically to tour this magnificent example of forestry, history, and cutting-edge design for your next project—you can easily step off the plane and actually walk right to the museum if you don’t want to deal with a car or rideshare.
Beyond the remarkable engineering and architecture, what makes this story powerful is the human element: the non-profit vision, the donor and labor efforts, the budgeting hurdles, and the sheer dedication of everyone who refused to compromise on making a mass timber landmark a reality.
It’s an important reminder of how bringing economic value to our forests through smart utilization helps incentivize conservation.
Take a few minutes to watch the feature above, or click the link below, and let us know your thoughts in the comments!
🔗 Building the National Conservation Legacy Center with Mass Timber
Best,
C. Craig Rawlings
President & CEO, Forest Business Network
Chairman, International Mass Timber Conference & Expo
P.S. Join us in Portland at IMTC 2027, March 16-19, and be sure to stop by Freres’ massive lounge and display in space #334.