Northland Pines to celebrate sawmill initiative with ribbon cutting

The Northland Pines School District will celebrate its new sawmill initiative with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house Thursday, Oct. 22, at 3 p.m. at Northland Pines Middle/High School in Eagle River.

The initiative, which includes a Wood-Mizer portable sawmill, will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities while developing skills in forestry, manufacturing and the skilled trades.

Spearheaded by technology education teachers Devin Fuchs, Tim Lehman and Josh Fuller, the project originated during a professional development day in fall 2024, when technology education departments from several area schools discussed the possibility of purchasing a portable sawmill to share.

Northland Pines decided to pursue the initiative in fall 2025, with plans to use the sawmill as a cross-curricular learning tool for technology education, science and math students.

Students will gain experience processing logs into usable lumber while developing skills in measurement, data analysis, materials science, production planning and equipment operation and maintenance.

With access to a variety of tree species through the Northland Pines School Forest and community partners, students will be able to mill lumber for classroom and student-led projects, ranging from cutting boards and clocks to furniture and other woodworking creations.

The initiative also aims to promote sustainability through responsible material use while introducing students to potential careers in the skilled trades, engineering, manufacturing and natural resource management.

The project received support from local businesses, including Waldmann Construction, Pukall Lumber Company, Headwaters Builders Association and Andersen Built. 

Contributions have included monetary and equipment donations, materials, labor, kiln space and educational partnerships.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will recognize the donors, educators, students and community members who helped bring the initiative to life.

The public is invited to attend, tour the facility and learn more about the program.

Northland Pines Middle/High School is located at 1800 Pleasure Island Road, Eagle River.