Wisconsin Lawmakers Push Forestry Revitalization Act

A New Vision for Northern Wisconsin’s Forest Economy
Earlier this week, the Assembly Ways & Means Committee held a public hearing on the Forestry Revitalization Act, authored by Sen. Mary Felzkowski alongside Rep. Chanz Green. The legislation centers on a major new investment in northern Wisconsin that would convert woody biomass into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), positioning the Northwoods at the heart of a growing global energy market while revitalizing the region’s long-struggling timber industry.

At the center of the proposal is a new facility to be located outside Hayward and operated by Synthec Fuels in conjunction with Wisconsin-based Johnson Timber. The project is designed to turn woody biomass — including bark, branches, cutter shavings, and tree tops — into SAF and naphtha. The fuel is intended primarily for export, responding to growing international demand for low-carbon aviation alternatives.

Growing Global Demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
The market for SAF is expanding rapidly. Delta Airlines has set a goal of using 10 percent SAF for domestic flights by 2030. Internationally, the European Union is phasing in requirements for SAF blends in conventional aviation fuel, with a mandate that by 2050, 70 percent of aviation fuel be SAF. These targets have driven interest in large-scale production facilities capable of supplying significant volumes of alternative fuel.

The proposed Hayward facility is expected to convert approximately 880,000 tons of woody residue into 48 million gallons of biofuel annually, with full production anticipated by 2029. The project reflects a broader effort to align Wisconsin’s forestry resources with emerging international energy markets.

Jobs, Investment, and Regional Impact
Supporters of the Forestry Revitalization Act emphasize its economic potential for northern Wisconsin. The facility is projected to create hundreds of family-supporting jobs, including approximately 150 direct positions at the plant and more than 200 additional jobs across logging, trucking, forestry, and related industries. Preliminary estimates place the full economic impact on the Northwoods region at more than $375 million, with other projections citing over $1 billion in annual economic impact once fully operational.

The legislation proposes $210 million in state support, including $60 million in Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Enterprise Zone tax credits and $150 million in state bonding through the forestry account. This state investment would complement approximately $1.5 billion in private investment toward construction and startup of the facility.

The Forestry Revitalization Act also includes provisions requiring that 80 percent of the wood used by the facility be sourced from Wisconsin, ensuring that the project directly benefits in-state loggers, landowners, and forestry workers. Additional safeguards require that the facility continue producing sustainable aviation fuel through the maturity of the bond.

Restoring Timber Markets and Forest Health
Wisconsin’s timber industry has been in decline, particularly following the closure of major paper mills, which reduced wood processing capacity across the state. Harvest levels dropped from 1.2 million cords in 2020 to 839,000 cords in 2024. Supporters of the Forestry Revitalization Act argue that reduced harvesting has had consequences for forest health, leaving forests less actively managed and increasing the risk of invasive species and large-scale wildfires.

By creating a new market for low-value wood and forestry residue, proponents believe the Hayward facility would help stabilize timber markets while encouraging healthier forest management practices. The project is framed not only as an economic development initiative, but also as a tool for long-term stewardship of Wisconsin’s forest resources.

A Long-Term Investment in the Northwoods
Backers of the Forestry Revitalization Act describe the proposal as one of the largest investments in Hayward and northern Wisconsin in decades. The legislation links economic revitalization, workforce development, and forest management into a single long-term strategy, with full production expected to come online in 2029. For a region shaped by forestry for generations, the bill represents a bid to modernize that legacy while opening the door to new markets and new opportunities.