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Rolling Stones Keyboardist Chuck Leavell talks about the role that Oregon’s forests are playing as new cross laminated timber buildings are constructed in this pilot episode of America’s Forests with Chuck Leavell. Made possible with grant funding from U.S. Forest Service, the film highlights the trend toward building skyscrapers with wood as well as wildfire prevention and habitat restoration work in Oregon. 

The film begins with a segment about building skyscrapers with wood. Cross laminated timber, or CLT, is made from layers of dried lumber boards stacked in alternating direction at 90-degree angles, glued and pressed to form solid panels. Because the wood fibers run in both directions, these panels have exceptional strength and stability and can be used as walls, roofs, and floors. Lever Architecture, a Portland firm, is constructing a 12-story wood building that will house a community bank, retail shops, and affordable housing. When complete, it will be one of the tallest timber buildings in the United States.

Film host Chuck Leavell is best known for his musical career, which includes work with The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, The Allman Brothers Band, John Mayer, and a host of others. However, he is also a forestry advocate, acclaimed conservationist, and tree farmer. He is also the co-founder of The Mother Nature Network, the world’s leading environmental website.