HARRISBURG — Acknowledging the importance of the state’s forestry industry, the state House has approved legislation introduced by Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, to expand membership on the state’s Hardwoods Development Council.

“The council has done great work to help support and grow our forestry industry for more than three decades,” Causer said. “Expanding representation on the council to additional industry representatives will enhance the council’s ability to develop and advocate for this important segment of our agriculture industry.”

House Bill 110 would add a logger and a private-sector forester to the council. It also would add the secretary of the state Department of Education and replace one representative of the now-defunct Hardwood Lumber Manufacturing Association with a member of the PA Forest Products Association.

Finally, it would specifically designate one seat for the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group (AHUG), the oldest HUG in the state.

The Hardwoods Development Council was created by law in 1988. It works with state and local governments and other entities to promote access to timber resources on private and public land. It helps promote and expand the development, processing and manufacturing of value-added forest products, as well as supports and assists the forest products industry in developing domestic and foreign markets for value-added products. It also promotes public knowledge of the industry through the WoodMobile and other initiatives.

The measure now goes to the Senate for consideration.