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Forest to Frame

Forest to Frame

By: Russ
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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.

© 2025 Forest to Frame
Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Big Changes at Vaagen Timbers
    Nov 4 2025

    In Episode 21 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen shares some significant updates regarding the future of Bog and Timbers. Facing a challenging market for mass timber and construction, Russ discusses the decision to sell Vaagen Timbers to Vaagen Brothers Lumber.

    Tune in for insights on the evolving landscape of the forest industry and the steps being taken to adapt to current market challenges.


    TIMESTAMPS

    [00:01:48] Business transition in mass timber.

    [00:06:11] Restoring forests at scale.

    [00:09:42] Writing a book.


    QUOTES

    • "We're going to work to restore our forests at scale and build the infrastructure to support it."
    • "We want to turn the smoke in our air into the buildings of the future."
    • "Even though we didn't succeed, you know, from a financial metric, we are leaving behind a history and a series of structures and stories and great things."



    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/

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    10 mins
  • A New Era for American Forests with Hilary Franz
    Oct 7 2025

    In Episode 20 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen interviews Hilary Franz, former Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands and now CEO of American Forests, as she shares her journey from managing millions of acres of public lands to leading one of the nation’s oldest conservation organizations.

    Tune in to learn more about Hilary’s insights and the future of forest restoration efforts.


    TIMESTAMPS

    [00:01:41] Public lands management in Washington.

    [00:06:04] Sustainable forest management benefits schools.

    [00:08:30] Government efficiency and accountability.

    [00:12:54] Overcoming fear of failure.

    [00:17:35] Collaborative forest management efforts.

    [00:22:18] Forest health and restoration.

    [00:25:23] Listen, learn, then lead.

    [00:29:40] Engaging beyond political divides.

    [00:35:02] Forest restoration and wildfire response.

    [00:38:10] Forest management perspectives.

    [00:43:10] America's forest threats today.

    [00:45:48] National wildfire response strategies.

    [00:50:00] Active management of national forests.

    [00:53:04] Seedling nurseries and reforestation.


    QUOTES

    • "We have the ability to grow and utilize and be stewards of the land while we're building our schools from products that we created right here in the state." -Russ Vaagen
    • "Our forests don't play politics, and we should play politics with our forests." -Hilary Franz
    • "The amazing thing about our forests is they are resilient and they reforest themselves." -Russ Vaagen


    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/


    Hilary Franz

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HilarySMFranz/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilaryfranz/?hl=en

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilary-franz/


    WEBSITE


    Vaagen Timbers, LLC: https://vaagentimbers.com/


    American Forests: https://www.americanforests.org/



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    55 mins
  • What's Wrong with Our Firefighting
    Sep 30 2025

    In Episode 19 of Forest To Frame, Russ Vaagen dives deep into the pressing issues surrounding wildfires and firefighting in the Intermountain West. As we transition into the fall season, the impact of wildfires continues to linger, affecting air quality and community health.

    Tune in for an insightful look at the impacts of wildfires and the ongoing efforts of firefighting crews in the region.


    TIMESTAMPS

    [00:01:02] Wildfire and firefighting challenges.

    [00:04:43] Wildfire management and private land.

    [00:09:08] Firefighting practices and accountability.

    [00:12:57] Forest restoration and wildfire management.

    [00:17:05] Forest management challenges.


    QUOTES

    • “The incentive to restore our forests while still maintaining a firefighting force that actually pays more than your job to restore the forest, I think, is a perverse incentive.”
    • "The forests need our help. They don't need us to help burn it down."


    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/


    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
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