At Urban Evolutions, our deep Midwest roots inspire our unwavering commitment to responsible wood sourcing. Nestled in a region renowned for its diverse forests, we've made it our mission to showcase the beauty of Midwest hardwoods while preserving our forest health. As a complement to our salvaged wood supply, we've cultivated relationships with Midwest lumber suppliers who lead through responsible forestry, including Menominee Tribal Enterprises.
Since 1865, Menominee Tribal Enterprises has been committed to the practices and principles of integrated sustainable forest management. Through sustained yield management and generations of silvicultural research, they maintain one of the most sustainable forest ecosystems in the world, right in our home state of Wisconsin.
Menominee Tribal Enterprises’ forest managers and silviculturists follow traditional beliefs of sustainability as the foundation of their management strategies.
"The 150-year history of the resource use and management of the Menominee forest stands as a practical example of sustainable forestry – forestry that is ecologically viable, economically feasible, and socially desirable. This refers not only to forest products and social benefits, but also to wildlife, site productivity, and other ecosystems."
- Marshal Pecore, Forest Manager, Menominee Tribal Enterprises
At Urban Evolutions, we source Wisconsin red oak from Menominee Tribal Enterprises for our UE Live Sawn Collection. Red oak is an abundant species in Central and Northern Wisconsin, but it is frequently sold for low-grade applications as compared to its popular cousin, white oak. Through curated layup and finish selection, we use Menominee-sourced red oak to offer a clean, consistent grade of material that provides warmth and character on par with white oak.
“We are proud to offer this locally sourced, regenerative alternative to traditional oak paneling. while celebrating the shining example of climate-smart forestry demonstrated by Menominee Tribal Enterprises”
- Emma Kiel, Inventory and Sustainability Coordinator, Urban Evolutions
Explore the warmth and character of our Live Sawn Red Oak Wood Veneer Paneling.