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As an operation that relies on technology and robotics, IFG is a proud supporter of the University of Idaho's Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics. Earlier this year, IFG helped support four new FANUC collaborative robots (aka, Cobots) in the U of I robotics labs in Moscow and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. IFG knows that by supporting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, we are better positioned to cultivate a skilled future workforce and drive efficiencies in manufacturing through innovation, advanced technologies, and problem-solving expertise. With $1.6 million in support so far, the Center has demonstrated growth and kicked-off research projects that give them a competitive edge for major grant and contract opportunities. Led by center director John Shovic, the U of I has more than $14 million in research proposals in process with the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission. #govandals  #STEM  #WorkforceDevelopment

 Idaho Forest Group’s operations rely on a complex system of online and digital platforms and we depend on our expert IT team to keep our organization protected from cybercriminals. October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and the theme ‘Secure Our World’ encourages all of us to take four easy steps each day to ensure online safety. Think before you click! Links in spam and phishing emails can allow scammers to access sensitive information, such as your location, device information, passwords, and credit card information. IFG is proud to support this critically important online safety awareness and education initiative. Visit this link to learn more: https://www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month #Cybersecurity #SecureOurWorld #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth  

Today, we honor those lost on September 11, 2001, and reflect on the unity that brought us together in the face of tragedy. Their legacy reminds us of the power of coming together today, and tomorrow. #NeverForget #UnitedWeStand #September11

Idaho Forest Group (IFG) is proud to announce the donation of a landmark conservation easement protecting nearly 2,000 acres along Prichard Creek, an important tributary of the Coeur d’Alene River in northern Idaho. IFG’s commitment to forest stewardship and conservation is at the heart of this agreement to restore and protect an area damaged early in the twentieth century by historical mining practices that contaminated the water and drastically altered the streambed and floodplains. IFG partnered with many local, state, federal, and conservation agencies to develop a multi-phase restoration and conservation plan. Phase 1 of the restoration project began in the summer of 2023 with positive outcomes a year later including: beaver activity, vegetation establishment, improved in-stream habitat diversity, and increased use of the channel by cutthroat trout. IFG’s donation of this conservation easement is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of our partners in conservation, including: Restoration Partnership, the state of Idaho, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Trout Unlimited, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, and Kaniksu Land Trust. Together, we will safeguard the area from development and protect it as a public resource for generations to come. To learn about this project and more of Idaho Forest Group’s conservation efforts, please visit ifg.com/conservation Watch a 45 second video HERE Further Reading: Sept. 5, 2024: Kaniksu Land Trust receives largest easement in organization history, Bonner County Daily Bee

August 27, 2024 - IFG Resource Analyst, Tera King, was a featured speaker at the National Association of State Trust Lands (NASTL) summer conference in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Representatives from across the country met to discuss the vital role state trust lands play in funding public schools (K-12 and universities) and enjoyed a tour of IFG’s Chilco sawmill as part of the conference. State trust lands are typically leased for livestock grazing, agriculture, timber production, and renewable energy development and are a critical resource that balances revenue generation for public schools with sustainable land management and conservation. In Idaho, the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) manages the state’s timberland asset on behalf of the endowments (public schools and hospitals) and sells timber through a competitive bid process. IFG is proud to support this important program and, on average, purchases 48% of what IDL offers for sale; which means, 20% of our logs come from Idaho state trust lands. A portion of our logs are also purchased from the states of Washington and Montana.   See a 18 second video here: https://youtu.be/xIdOibrbzNw To learn more, visit statetrustland.org and idl.idaho.gov #education #statetrustlands #IFG

Photo credit: David Goodson, Montana Discovery Foundation August, 5, 2024, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho - Seventy-five years ago today, 13 elite smoke jumpers lost their lives during the Mann Gulch wildfire in the mountains near Helena, Montana. Lessons learned from that tragedy were instrumental in helping form modern wildfire fighting strategies to better improve safety and reduce wildfire severity. To learn more of this story and the many advancements that came through the sacrifice of the men, follow these resources: Read Norman Maclean’s book, Young Men and Fire Visit the United States Forest Service website. Visit the Montana Discovery Foundation website to see how proceeds from this poster help the organization celebrate not only this day of remembrance, but provide continued stewardship, understanding, and enjoyment of our natural resources by connecting community and nature through education.  

July 29, 2024 - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho - Today, Idaho Forest Group (IFG) team members visited with leaders from the Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics at the University of Idaho’s beautiful Coeur d’Alene campus. This cutting-edge program leverages advanced software and Artificial Intelligence to equip computer science, mechanical, and electrical engineering students with hands-on classroom experiences and research opportunities, preparing them for the next generation of robotics and automation that are critical to most industries, like ours. IFG is a proud supporter of this program and believes that by investing in future innovators and leaders, we are fueling the advancement of engineering and technology. This commitment is at the heart of our three organizational pillars: Academics, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence. Learn more HERE! #UIdaho #IFG #Innovation #EngineeringExcellence #STEM https://youtu.be/r7NuXWeegf8

IFG proudly salutes those who have served our nation with bravery and dedication. At Idaho Forest Group, we know firsthand the value veterans bring to our team and want to take a moment to honor them on National Hire a Veteran Day. Veterans' dedication to excellence, hard work, and leadership enhances our organization. If you are a veteran looking to grow or change your career, consider transitioning your skills to the forest products industry. Listen to veteran and IFG Business Intelligence Manager, Aaron Fisher, to learn about his career path with IFG. Visit ifg.com/careers for more information on job and career development opportunities. See Aaron's Career Journey HERE! #VeteransInForestry #HireAVeteranDay #IFG    

Each July, the National Forest Foundation (NFF) hosts National Forest Week to raise awareness of the incredible 193-million-acre National Forest System and the benefits it provides. IFG takes very seriously our responsibility to restore forest health with stewardship and management practices that ensure sustainable, resilient, and productive forests for generations to come. The theme for the 2024 National Forest Week is “Forest Mode” which encourages us to think about how we make the shift between the hustle and bustle of our daily lives to being present in the moment. What is your favorite national forest? Share a memory or a photo with us here! Follow us on LinkedIn and share a photo/story about your favorite forest!

Have a happy Fourth of July and remember to stay safe when recreating outdoors! Nationally, nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans. This July 4, and every day, IFG supports the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and their reminder to all public lands users to review fire safety tips before recreating outdoors. Improper management of fireworks, campfires, cooking equipment, and recreation gear such as dirt bikes, Off-Highway Vehicles, and generators can start fires if not properly maintained and operated. Know before you go and check for current restrictions in the area you plan to visit. Also, check out these wildfire prevention tips for motor vehicle travel: …Secure tow chains so they can’t strike the road surface, including rocks and debris …Don’t drive or park vehicles over dry grass or brush …Never discard cigarettes on the ground, or out a car window …Keep a fire extinguisher in your vehicle For more wildfire safety tips, click HERE.