Redwood Mill Earns Rep

(Continuetl jiont puge l8) nership of Big Creek Timber orvns the land and timber. rvho serves as vice president. continue to work in the family business. rvhich is norv in its seventh generation. "We just rvanted to maintain healthl' reds'ood forests and make them productive." Lud McCrarl said. "We plan to sta) * ith it as long as u'e possibll' can."

Over the years, Big Creek has gained a reputation as an environmentally responsible company. winning several environmental awards. Ten years ago, Big Creek became one of the first redwood product suppliers to be accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council.

"You can fly over the forests in this area and not see any sign of cutting," said McCrary. "We practice selective harvesting, not clear cutting, and actually cut less trees than is prescribed."

According to McCrary, once a redwood tree is harvested, sprouts will grow from the roots and encircle the stump. "In most of the stands, you get far more trees than you need, so you have to thin them out as they get bigger," he said. "Fifty or 60 years later. you have a marketable-size tree."

Actual replanting, he said, only takes place in stands that don't have enough trees or where the stands are thin.

Lud McCrary and brother Bud.