The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service published a final rule in the Federal Register on September 22 clarifying the assessment rate for softwood lumber imported into the United States and modifying the membership of the SLB established under the Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order (or Checkoff). The final rule is published… Read more »
Category: Newsflash
SLB Welcomes Tim Lukoshus as Director of Finance
The Softwood Lumber Board is pleased to announce that accounting veteran Tim Lukoshus is joining the SLB as Director of Finance. Lukoshus will lead the SLB’s financial management and core accounting functions. In this role, he will oversee timely financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and alignment with the organization’s strategic priorities. His leadership is expected… Read more »
USDA Announces 2026 Appointments to the Softwood Lumber Board
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the appointment of six members and four alternates to serve on the Softwood Lumber Board. The three regional alternate seats and public member and alternate seats are new for 2026. The appointed Board members are: Newly appointed regional alternate members are: Newly appointed public members are: The… Read more »
The SLB and USDA Forest Service Expand Accelerator Cities Program to Advance Affordable, Sustainable Building Solutions
The Softwood Lumber Board (SLB), in partnership with the USDA Forest Service (Forest Service), is expanding its Accelerator Cities Program to advance affordable, sustainable building solutions through wood construction. Building on successful collaborations in Boston, Georgia, and New York City, the next phase of the initiative introduces new city-led programs in Portland, Oregon, and Santa… Read more »
Celebrating National Forest Products Week 2025
National Forest Products Week celebrates the essential role lumber plays in strengthening our economy, communities, and environment—and it’s the perfect time to spotlight the powerful partnership between the Softwood Lumber Board (SLB) and the USDA Forest Service (Forest Service). The SLB and Forest Service first formalized their collaboration through a 2015 memorandum of understanding (MOU)… Read more »
Entry Period Begins for $1.8M Mass Timber Competition: Building Sustainable Schools
Eligible project teams are encouraged to submit proposals for the 2025 Mass Timber Competition: Building Sustainable Schools, funded by the Softwood Lumber Board and USDA Forest Service. This year’s competition will award funds totaling $1.8 million to support projects that accelerate the pace of mass timber adoption in the United States, specifically in the K-12… Read more »
USDA Announces Appointments to the Softwood Lumber Board
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the appointment of six members to serve on the Softwood Lumber Board. The appointees will serve three-year terms beginning January 1, 2025, and ending December 31, 2027. Newly appointed members are: “The Softwood Lumber Board would like to thank Secretary Vilsack for appointing a dynamic group of… Read more »