The timber industry gained a helping hand this week.

The Michigan Forest Products Council, a public affairs group for timber industries, officially began work Tuesday.

“It’s basically to promote and protect the industry,” said Steve Hicks, acting chairman of the council’s board of directors.

Hicks said the council will essentially serve as a representative in the state capital for the industry that provides more than 200,000 jobs and $12 billion.

But people shouldn’t interpret the council’s creation as a sign that the industry is in jeopardy, Hicks said.

“We’re not in trouble,” he said. “There was no voice on matters related to primarily the forest products industry.”

The council has 17 primary members, including such companies as International Paper and Georgia-Pacific Corp.

Despite the large payroll of some of the companies, people need to be told the impact of timber on their lives, said Bill Hennigan, manager of forest operations for Biewer Lumber, another member of the council.

“I’d say we need to get the word out,” he said. “Every one of us uses forest products. If you brush your teeth, you’re using a forest product.”

In addition to just spreading the word, Hennigan said he hopes the council is able to gain some influence at the capitol.

Hennigan cited air, water and taxation issues as questions that need to be addressed.

“They’re issues that affect not only the forestry industry but private landowners,” he said.

The council is also expected to communicate with, and watch over, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

But the DNR is not concerned and actually welcomes the outside voice, said Mindy Koch, director of forest, mineral and fire management.

Koch said the department has worked during the past few years to increase the amount of contact between it and industries.

“Councils and associations like this are very beneficial,” she said. “They represent their constituency, we represent the public.”