2025 Dovetail Partners Annual Report

Letter from the President

Looking back on 2025, I am reminded of the value that is created when people come together with curiosity, commitment, and a shared sense of purpose. At Dovetail Partners, our mission, to provide authoritative information about the impacts and tradeoffs of environmental decisions, continues to guide everything we do. And today, that mission feels more vital than ever.

One of our accomplishments in 2025 was launching our first webinar series, built directly from feedback shared through our Reader Survey. You told us what topics mattered most, and we responded with sessions on carbon capture innovations and biochar, impacts of hemp and non‑wood alternative fibers, emerging bioenergy trends, and understanding forest management practices. These conversations were thoughtful, energizing, and hopeful - a reflection of the engaged, informed community that surrounds Dovetail. 

Collaboration remained a defining strength across our initiatives. The Right‑of‑Way Stewardship Council advanced responsible vegetation management and power system reliability with our accredited utilities. The Women’s Forest Congress continued to elevate leadership and innovation through a female lens. The Forest to Tap initiative expanded its outreach to new partners and communities in Northern Minnesota. And through our Fire Adapted Communities work, we supported landowners, fire departments, and local leaders in strengthening wildfire preparedness across the Arrowhead. These partnerships demonstrate what is possible when diverse voices work together toward shared goals.

Our publications this past year reflected both scientific rigor and accessible storytelling. From biochar research to LEED v5 analysis, from agrivoltaics to forest sustainability, our team produced resources that illuminate emerging opportunities and inspire forward‑looking action. Our bioenergy report and analysis highlighted the national capacity to produce up to 1.5 billion tons of biomass annually without compromising food or fiber needs - a powerful insight for climate strategy and rural development in the U.S. 

We were honored to host an exceptional group of guest speakers throughout the year whose expertise enriched our community dialogue. Their insights encouraged meaningful conversations, inspired new ways of thinking, and made a lasting impression.

Looking ahead and as we journey through 2026, wildfire preparedness, economic development, and natural resource stewardship continue to be priorities in our work with communities, business leaders, government agencies, decision-makers, researchers, and many other partners. By collaborating, we are able to meet today's challenges and find inspiring and successful pathways to go forward together.

Thank you for your partnership and support!

-Kathryn (Katie) Fernholz, President/CEO