LP grant helps forestry students learn, work safely

    HOULTON — Students in the forestry program at the Region Two School of Applied Technology in Houlton are learning the logging business in a safe work environment thanks to a $2,000 grant from the LP Foundation, the charitable arm of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation.
    The grant paid for personal protective equipment (PPE) for the students to use as they learn the ins and outs of the logging business in the school’s hands-on forestry program. The grant is part of the LP Foundation’s 2010 Community Relief program, which is designed to help non-profits and public schools in LP communities cope with increased demand for their services at a time when overall charitable giving is down. The grant was coordinated through LP’s laminated strand lumber (LSL) mill in Houlton.
    The LP Foundation also donated $1,000 to St. Mary’s Food Bank earlier this year under the community relief program.
    Region Two Director Mike Howard said the school appreciates the donation. “Dave Libby, the forest management instructor, creates a real world experience for our students and in doing so stresses the importance of each student following the proper PPE,” Howard said.