Minnesota Forest Industries New Staff

MFI

Minnesota Forest Industries (MFI) is pleased to announce Matt Widen as their Forest Management Advocate.  Matt started June 9, 2025.  He will be the principal staff working directly with the USDA Forest Service, DNR, county land departments and private landowners on forest plans, timber management and fiber supply issues.  He will also serve as the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) state coordinator and the Tree Farm Coordinator.  Lastly, he will represent the industry on the Minnesota Forest Resources Council Site Level Committee and Landscape Advisory Committee.

Matt has a Master of Science in Forestry degree from Michigan Technological University and has spent time abroad with the Peace Corps.  His work experience includes collecting data for the Forest Inventory and Analysis program and for early LiDAR efforts, as well as serving as a forester for the Minnesota DNR and the Lake County Forestry/Land Department.  He has strong technology skills in ArcPRO and LiDAR applications, as well as excellent communications skills.

MLEP is happy to have Matt join the MFI team and encourage you to welcome him when you have the opportunity. You may have already interacted with Matt as he presented at our 2025 Logger Confernces. He can be reached at mwiden@minnesotaforests.com or 218-576-7864.