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
What is Forest Restoration?
In episode 2 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen discusses the historical context of wildfires in the Intermountain West, the consequences of fire suppression, and the importance of managing forest health.
Tune in to learn about the essential balance between restoration efforts and wildfire management to create sustainable forest environments.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:01:10] Forest restoration and wildfire management.
[00:06:36] Forest restoration benefits and practices.
QUOTES
- “Leave the biggest and best trees behind. Leave a forest that looks like, or maybe the trees are a little smaller because they've been overstocked, but leave a right amount of spacing and the right types of trees so now when they grow larger, the forest can withstand that wildfire.”
- “We really encourage our federal land managers to do a lot more of that (Forest Restoration Projects). And we try to understand that by incentivizing or asking for that product, we are now restoring more acres of our forests.”
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/