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Oregon Mass Timber Coalition and All Access with Andy Garcia

Public Television is set to unveil an exciting new segment of "All Access with Andy Garcia," focusing on the Oregon Mass Timber Coalition and its role in transforming the construction industry. This segment will provide viewers with an in-depth exploration of mass timber—an advancing, eco-friendly construction material—and its potential to reshape modern building practices.

On March 3, 2026, this segment will take audiences behind the scenes of one of the most significant shifts in construction to date, emphasizing how mass timber is emerging as a primary structural material in both commercial and residential developments. The collaboration aims to shed light on the science behind large-scale wood engineering, tracing the journey from sustainable forestry to high-tech manufacturing.

The filming, conducted in February 2026, focused on the industrial corridors of Oregon's Willamette Valley and North Portland. These regions boast a unique blend of sustainable forestry practices combined with advanced timber production technologies. The documentary highlights the precision needed to manufacture mass timber components, emphasizing their potential to compete with traditional materials like steel and concrete. According to Marcus Kauffman, the Communication Officer for the Oregon Mass Timber Coalition, “Oregon is the epicenter of mass timber construction. Over the last ten years, the industry has matured significantly, fostering a growing network of skilled architects, engineers, and manufacturers.”

With over 2,500 mass timber buildings already constructed across the United States, this sustainable building practice is inching closer to mainstream acceptance. The segment aims to illuminate the crucial relationship between forestry health and responsible timber manufacturing, illustrating how the demand for mass timber encourages the preservation and maintenance of healthy forest ecosystems. This is not only vital to fighting wildfires but also essential for enhancing biodiversity.

By dispelling common myths surrounding deforestation, the broadcast will clarify how stringent forestry regulations and replanting efforts guarantee an ongoing supply of timber. Most importantly, the segment will address the fire-resistant qualities of mass timber, presenting factual information that counters prevalent concerns and showcasing why this innovative material is increasingly preferred by architects and city planners.

Additionally, the program aims to discuss the technological advancements revitalizing the timber industry. With the integration of AI and automated fabrication techniques, the sector is evolving to create high-wage job opportunities for a new, tech-oriented workforce. This partnership between modern technology and traditional timber production facilitates a reinvigoration of communities that rely on timber, transforming the industry into a beacon of innovation.

Through the lens of All Access with Andy Garcia and the Oregon Mass Timber Coalition, viewers will gain valuable insights into the engineering and ecological strategies behind mass timber construction—one that aspires to foster a more sustainable and resilient future.

About All Access with Andy Garcia

"All Access with Andy Garcia" is an independent educational series aired on Public Television stations throughout the United States. Hosted by Andy Garcia, the show showcases stories of innovation and progress, offering insightful perspectives on the individuals and technologies shaping contemporary society. More information can be found at allaccessptv.com.

About Oregon Mass Timber Coalition

The Oregon Mass Timber Coalition comprises partnerships between top research universities and government agencies in Oregon aimed to bolster and expand the state's thriving mass timber industry. Their vision encompasses job creation, sustainable forestry, and the promotion of prefabricated housing solutions. Recently, the Coalition was awarded $41.4 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant program. To learn more about their initiatives, visit masstimbercoalition.org.