Forest to Frame
Forest to Frame is the podcast where forest restoration meets the future of sustainable building.
Hosted by Russ Vaagen, this series uncovers how cutting-edge science, collaboration, and next-gen sawmilling are transforming the way we manage our forests—and how we build with wood.
Each episode explores how the byproducts of forest restoration—often seen as waste—are fueling a new era of mass timber construction. Think cross-laminated timber, Glulam, and other innovative building materials that are not only strong and beautiful but reduce wildfire risk, support local economies, and redefine sustainability.
You'll hear from the builders, land stewards, scientists, and innovators leading this movement—people who are reshaping the future of our forests, our communities, and the spaces we live in.
This isn’t just a podcast about trees. It’s about what’s possible when restoration and construction work hand-in-hand.
Subscribe now and join the movement—from Forest to Frame.
Forest to Frame
The History of Forest to Frame
In this first episode of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen, the CEO at Vaagen Timbers, LLC, highlights the importance of managing forest lands for both economic benefit and health, setting the stage for a deeper conversation about the future of forests and mass timber.
Tune in to explore how restoring forests can create beautiful spaces and the impact of community-driven forestry practices.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:02:42] Economic benefits of forest management.
[00:06:27] Sustainable forest management practices.
[00:10:29] Forest health and mass timber.
[00:13:20] Forest restoration benefits everyone.
QUOTES
- “The secret is that technology is such now where primarily all sawmills are using smaller diameter trees than the large ones. But the other thing is we're doing things in such a better way and the market likes it.”
- "It's not just the timber industry and the buildings, but it's the environment. It's recreation. It's the communities."
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Russ Vaagen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russvaagen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russ.vaagen/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-vaagen-9246729/
WEBSITE
Vaagen Timbers, LLC: https://vaagentimbers.com/