Forestry Forward 2026
A Century-Forward Summit for the Southern Forests
Weaving the next 100 years of Southern forests: biodiversity, resilience, and shared prosperity
September 23–24, 2026 · Texarkana, Arkansas
Registration and Hotel links will go live on May 1 – we are putting on the final touches!
The agenda and sponsorship information are currently active. Please hold the dates and location on your calendar.
About the Summit
Southern pine forests are at a crossroads. For generations, timber defined their purpose, fueling local economies and shaping communities across Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. But today, markets have shifted, mills have closed, and many forests are overstocked and under-diverse. The next era demands more than sustaining the past; it calls for re-imagining the future.
Forestry Forward isn’t just another conference; it’s a lively summit designed to foster open dialogue, share ideas, and tackle challenges together. Attendees won’t be stuck in long lectures or watching endless slide shows; instead, they’ll enjoy meaningful table discussions, guided discussions, and collaborative efforts to prioritize ideas that will shape the future of southern pine forests. The aim is to build honest, respectful conversations across industry, conservation, policy, and research—where even disagreements can lead to clearer insights and smarter solutions. This gathering is for curious, candid individuals who are eager to think outside the box, leaving not just with notes but with a clear sense of direction.
Forestry Forward is intentionally designed as a summit, not a workshop or symposium. The distinction matters. A summit is about the people in the room and the ideas that emerge when diverse perspectives are brought together with purpose. It is a convening of minds, lived experience, and practical insight, where progress comes from conversation, not consumption.
What We Hope to Accomplish
Forestry Forward is about turning conversation into action. The summit gives participants a chance to identify shared priorities for the future of southern pine forests, build new partnerships, and explore pilot projects that connect good ideas with real outcomes. Together, we’ll look at how research, policy, and practice can work in sync to strengthen both the ecology and economy of the region. The goal is for everyone to leave with clear next steps, useful connections, and a stronger sense of direction for the southern pines region.
Why Participation Is Limited
Forestry Forward is capped at 200 participants so the summit can stay focused, productive, and personal. With a group this size, facilitators can guide discussion effectively and make sure every voice is heard. The format relies on small, stable table groups where ideas can be captured, compared, and turned into clear outcomes in real time. This scale also keeps the logistics manageable and supports the working style of the summit, allowing participants to dive deeper into dialogue, reflection, and collaboration that lead to meaningful results.
Who should attend:
- Forestry Organizations
- Landowners and Conservation Leaders
- Industry Partners
- Tribal Representatives
- Researchers
- Policy Makers
- Stakeholders
Local Hosts
The University of Arkansas System has graciously provided resources, expertise, and local assistance to planning Forestry Forward
Supporting Hosts
Thank you to the National Wildlife Federation Affiliates for their support of the future of American Forests
Arkansas Wildlife Federation
Hotel
The conference hotel is the host location of the Holiday Inn Texarkana Arkansas Convention Center, 5200 Convention Plaza Drive, Texarkana, Arkansas.
