TimberWest - November/December 2020

November/December 2020

ON THE CUTTING EDGE

ZB Contract Cutting Coquille, OR

A LOOK INTO FIRE

The Tillamook Forest Center

GUSTAFSON’S FAVORITE OFFICE Gustafson Logging Co., Astoria OR

SPECIAL INSERT:

2021 Industry Calendar

SAWMILLING IN THE AGE OF COVID

ON THE COVER

November/December 2020 Vol. 45 No. 11-12

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Sawmilling in the Age of COVID

Sawmilling in the Age of COVID

Steady log supply, innovative equipment upgrades, fluctuating lumber markets, personnel issues…sawmills have constant challenges. Now add COVID.

On the Cutting Edge

When Zach Brugnoli began researching tethering machines, efficiency and versatility were at the top of his list.

A Look Into Fire

August 14, 1933, a forest fire literally exploded into being near the coastal Northwest Oregon town of Tillamook. It was described as “holocaustic”.

The Great Outdoors - Gustafson’s Favorite Office

Gustafson says, “On the Oregon coast, we have new environments every five minutes. When it’s ugly, it’s ugly, but when it’s beautiful, it’s awesome.”

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Photo of ZB Cutting on a smoky morning - TimberPro feller buncher with Quadco head on the Archie Creek fire in Glide, Oregon.

Emergent Technologies column

On the Cutting Edge

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A look at monitoring, 3D surveys, and digital wildfire training.

6 A look into Fire

Tech Review

A review of track log loaders currently on the market.

Guest Column

2020: A Year We Won’t Forget

DEPARTMENTS Page 4 Page 30 Page 32 Page 36 Page 37 Page 37 Page 37

In the News Machinery Row Association News New Products Calendar of Events Advertiser’s Index Subscription/Reader Service

The Great Outdoors– Gustafson’s Favorite Office

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TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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Lands lost to severe wildfires rise over decades

Reuters reported that pre-current research indicates the yearly land area burned by severe wildfires in the western United States has grown eight times larger in less than four decades, warning that higher temperatures and drier conditions are threatening irreparable forest loss.

According to a study by the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, a government organization, some 210,000 acres burned in 2017, in high severity fires that killed more than 95 percent of trees in their path. The amount of acreage burned in 2017 was up from the 26,000 acres burned in 1985.

As the intensity of fires and temperatures rise due to global warming, the western forests lost in severe blazes may be unable to grow back to what they once were, the research said.

The study’s authors suggested that land managers in western U. S. forests promote the use of controlled burns—fires set intentionally to decrease the chances of more destructive fires and to stimulate regrowth.

Biden-linked team rolls out climate plan for agriculture

A team of former White House and government officials, including members of President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team, recently released a 300-page blueprint for how to leverage agencies to fight climate change.

Called the Climate 21 Project, the memo calls on the upcoming administration to make dramatic changes to USDA’s climate policies that could impact farmers. It also addresses the forest industry by advocating the administration to establish a “Wildfire Commission” co-chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of the Interior and each a Democratic and Republican governor.

This commission would improve watershed health, maintain long-term carbon sequestration on Forest Service lands and “significantly” increase prescribed burning.

The Climate 21 team also suggests creating a market for hazardous fuels to incentivize private landowners to clean up fuels on forest floors. This could include having USDA promote biomass energy as a market for low-value timber and wood residues.

Freres Lumber Market Update: Gradual Improvement in End of Year Plywood Markets

Freres Lumber Company reported that over the past few weeks it has seen a gradual improvement in commodity plywood markets heading into the end of the year. Prices have consolidated, leveled out, and are now moving slightly upward for the first time in over two months.

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In late November most western plywood producers reported good to very good sales.

While sales have been improving incrementally, lumber dimension markets have been on an uptick over the past few weeks. That trend has continued, with sales and shipping pace in the field still strong.

Assuming that current price trends continue, producers are building backbone going into the end of the year. Inventories on all commodities seem to be lean in the field, and expectations for 2021 are bullish on almost all fronts of the industry.

Canadian softwood lumber duties lowered

Woodworking Network reported that the U.S. Department of Commerce, an alliance of large and small American softwood lumber producers, has set a new average duty rate of 8.9 percent on Canadian softwood lumber imports. The new rate is down from the original 20.2 percent average applied back in 2018.

“While the U.S. Lumber Coalition has demonstrated that this calculation understates true levels of subsidies and dumping, these results nonetheless reinforce that the Canadian lumber industry benefits from significant government subsidies and dumps lumber into the U.S. market at unfairly low prices,” stated Zoltan van Heyningen, Executive Director of the U.S. Lumber Coalition.

“The U.S. lumber industry will continue to push for the trade laws to be enforced to the fullest extent possible in the second administrative review to allow U.S. manufacturers and workers the chance to prosper,” said Jason Brochu, U.S. Lumber Coalition Co-Chair and Co-President of Pleasant River Lumber Company.

Feds release plan to reduce wildfires in US West

U.S. officials released an overarching plan for removing or changing vegetation over a huge swath of the U.S. West to stop devastating wildfires on land used for cattle ranching, recreation, and habitat for imperiled sage grouse.

The plan released by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management aims to limit wildfires in a 350,000-square-mile area of mainly sagebrush habitat that includes parts of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada and Utah.

The plan can be used to help OK “project-level” environmental impact statements without having to duplicate previous studies, An electronic copy of the Final PEIS and associated documents is available for public review for 30 days on the BLM Land Use Planning and NEPA register: https://go.usa. gov/x79bp.

Editor: Diane Mettler, diane@forestnet.com Copy Editor: Beth Szyperski Contributing Editors: Barbara Coyner, Lindsay Mohlere, Jack Petree, Nick Smith ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Sales Mgr: James Booth – jbooth@forestnet.com Phone: (604) 506-8631 CEO: Anthony Robinson –robinson@forestnet.com Sales Contact Information: Phone: (604) 990-9970 • Fax: (604) 990-9971 Social Media: Kaitlin Davidson Digital Marketing: Diane Mettler digitalmarketing@forestnet.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Publisher & Production Manager: Sheila Ringdahl – sringdahl@forestnet.com Accounting Manager: Shelina Jessa – accounting@forestnet.com Corporate Office Information: Phone: (425) 778-3388 Fax: (425) 771-3623 timberwest@forestnet.com www.forestnet.com TImberWest Publications, LLC P.O. Box 610 (300 Admiral Way, Suite 105) Edmonds, WA 98020-0610 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Send both OLD and NEW Circulation information to: TimberWest Magazine Attn: Subscriptions P.O. Box 610, Edmonds, WA 98020 Fax: (425) 771-3623 • subscribetw@forestnet.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Advertising created by TimberWest Publications, LLC is the sole property of TimberWest Publications, LLC and may not be copied or reproduced without the express written permission of the publisher.

PUBLISHER’S EDITORIAL STATEMENT: TimberWest reports on the logging and lumber segment of the forest industry in the Western United States with emphasis on the states of AK, WA, OR, ID, MT and CA, providing current information on timber harvesting techniques, sawmill operations, news, legislation, events, people and products pertinent to this market.

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TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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MillProfile

Sawmilling in the Age of COVID

Photo Credit: Alissa Eckert, MSMI; Dan Higgins, MAMS

Idaho’s Bennett Lumber Products Takes Control

By Barbara Coyner

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teady log supply, innovative equipment upgrades, fluctuating lumber markets, personnel issues… sawmills have constant challenges.

Now COVID 19 has been added to

the list.

For mill operators, safety has long been important when it comes to protecting the workforce. A pandemic and its mysterious spread are a whole new ballgame.

Creating Space and Masks

“Because of social distancing here, we have closed the office to anyone outside the office employees and supervisors from the

mill site,” says Heidi Davis, logger payroll administrator at Bennett Lumber Products (BLP), based in Princeton, Idaho. Davis immediately took to her sewing machine to sew dozens of masks for all employees as part of the company’s proactive response to the spreading virus.

“When truck drivers come on the plant, they call the office for directions. Once they are at the scales, they have a window that they go to at the scale shack and get their information through the window. We have masks available if they choose to wear them. As for those out in the mill, we have discouraged large gatherings and congregating, being aware of their arrangements in the lunch rooms, etc. Just common sense stuff mostly.”

Bennett Lumber was in a unique position with mills in two different states, each state handling COVID diffferently.

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TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

For Brett Bennett, BLP vice president, and Teresa Quimby, director of human resources, reaction to the news of the virus’s potential was immediate. Both saw the need to be aggressive, especially in light of the massive COVID outbreak in the South Dakota meatpacking plant.

Bennett’s daughter, Brianna, office manager and fourth generation in the Bennett lumber mill history, also sounded the alarm.

“Everyone thought I was crazy, but I saw my friends in larger cities and on social media, and they were relating just how serious things could become,” she says. “We care about our employees here, and we had to have a plan.”

Finding a Role Model

What makes the Bennett story somewhat

MillProfile

Producing around 160 million board feet of lumber annually, Bennett Lumber put in a USNR scanning and control system within the last couple of years.

unique is that the company has two mills in two different states, Idaho and Washington, and initially, each state was addressing the pandemic differently. The sawmills at both Princeton and at Clarkston, Washington, were deemed essential industries, so both kept operating. But the Clarkston plant was under the dictates of Governor Jay Inslee, who took a rigid stance after the virus first turned up in the Seattle area. The threat of a complete lockdown and extensive testing loomed large, and tracing was part of the strategy.

Meanwhile, in Idaho, Governor Brad Little kept an ear to national trends and also watched for the number of cases and deaths, dictating policy a bit more on the fly. In time, Idaho was put under lockdown, with many businesses ordered to close, while mills continued to operate as essential industries.

One sidelight was that the run on toilet paper gave the timber industry a whole new importance. Indeed, cartoons began to picture logging trucks as hauling “toilet paper in the raw.” As a major pulp mill manufacturing toilet paper, Clearwater Paper at Lewiston, Idaho, became a role model for how to deal with pandemic threats among the workforce.

“We reached out to Clearwater Paper to see what they were doing,” says Brett, noting that other mills were likewise comparing notes and sharing information and ideas. “At Clearwater Paper, they screened everyone who came into the plant. They sanitized and

decontaminated work spaces. They had a very aggressive policy on people entering the mill.”

Brianna adds that the pulp mill employees were tested sometimes, and travel was discouraged as a way to limit the spread of the virus. If employees had any symptoms at all, they were sent home and kept out of the plant. According to Teresa Quimby, OSHA continues to be on the lookout for cases in mills and other industries, which are recordable and reportable, requiring constant monitoring and vigilance at the mills. Clearwater Paper’s policies became the role model for area industries.

“Idaho was more relaxed in its restrictions, giving us room to do what we needed to do,” says Quimby, who also volunteers as a community EMT. “We had to follow Centers for Disease Control and Health Department guidelines, and we had constant updates, sometimes hour by hour. Eventually we got down to memos every other day.”

Because Idaho didn’t have as much testing available at the start, actual numbers were hard to come by, but it appeared cases were more limited, especially in the northern part of the state. The workforce at the Clarkston plant was definitely more vulnerable, in part because the area is more populous. The Inslee approach was also much more rigid in its desire to trace cases. Brett anticipated increased danger and potential cases at Clarkston, so employees were told to stay home if they had even mild symptoms. If a

spouse worked in a medical facility and had higher exposure to risk, the employee was watched more carefully. Initially, the higher incidence of absenteeism at Clarkston did lead to a production slowdown at times, according to Brett.

Challenges Through the Years

For the 80-year-old Bennett Lumber Products enterprise, COVID is just another obstacle requiring decisive and innovative leadership. Founder Guy Bennett began the company at Clarkston, arriving in town with mere pocket change in hand, stepping in to mill ammo boxes for the war. In time, son Frank learned the ropes of lumber production and eventually purchased the sawmill in Princeton in the 1970s. He steered the family-owned business carefully through the spotted owl era, with son Brett in time coming aboard. Now Brett’s two adult children, Brianna and Bryson, have joined the team. Bryson has spent time in various parts of the mill while attending college, and Brianna is using her business degree in office management duties.

Throughout the chapters, the two-mill company has assessed necessary upgrades to make its sawmills more efficient. A mill at Elk City, Idaho, was shuttered during the spotted owl challenges, and the company deftly managed its 60,000-acre land

TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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MillProfile

Always on the hunt for more efficiency, the Bennett team is launching into further upgrades at the planer mill.

EXPERT FOR THE EXTREME

holdings to squeak through the timber crisis as the Forest Service stopped offering sales. Now Brett is back to lobbying for more small timber sales through the Small Business Administration.

“There are [fewer] mills now,” says Brett.

“But there’s lots of timber out there and finally some movement in the Forest Service.

There are too many contractors right now, so we have to find some balance. We’ve been fighting in D.C. because the Forest Service had pressure from big business to eliminate SBA sales as the agency went away from basic timber sales to stewardship and Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) sales. We had to fight to have them counted in the trigger for the SBA sale program, or there wouldn’t be any SBA program. But the SBA sales are important to smaller mills like us.”

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Producing around 160 million board feet of lumber annually, Bennett Lumber put in a USNR scanning and control system within the last couple of years, adding it to the gang saw. The company also replaced the board edger with a new USNR system. The sophisticated optimization equipment allows employees to download Western Wood Products grading rules, and with pricing structures in place, the board edger can analyze each board for best value. Production has shot up.

With both the Princeton and Clarkston mills running white fir, ponderosa pine, and fir/larch, equipment upgrades have allowed the company to manufacture moulding grade for window and door manufacturers. With optimization, production is more flexible and nimble to market demands. The introduction of Imperial Cedar to the lineup years ago allowed the company to cater more to customers who utilize high-end cedar boards.

Always on the hunt for more efficiency, the Bennett team is launching into further upgrades at the planer mill. “We keep updating our technology here,” Brett said, noting that the goal is always to get maximum benefit from each log.

With COVID dictating new employee policies nationwide, Bennett Lumber Products is adding its own rules on how to handle safety in an industrial setting. Actual cases of the virus have not surfaced at either mill, but the threat has been taken seriously during the initial outbreak and any possible resurgence of the pandemic.

“We haven’t seen that the virus has really slowed production,” says Brett. “But we always have to be aware about what we would do if a real case does come along.”

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TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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ContractorProfile

On The Cutting Edge ZB Contract Cutting, Coquille, OR

John Houston with TimberPro TL7750 with a Quado head.

Zach Brugnoli putting a face in an old growth on the 8585 Weyerhaeuser.

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By Lindsay Mohlere

W

hen Zach Brugnoli,

owner of ZB Contract Cutting LLC, located in Coquille, Oregon, began researching tethering machines, efficiency and versatility were at the top of his list.

His search led him to Tim Eastman Mechanical in Castle Rock, Washington, where he was introduced to the TimberMax product line and the new TimberMax T20 winch assist machine.

“I did a lot of research on the TimberMax winch system and their product line. I knew there was nothing in the United States like it, but you’re taking a machine you already have, and making it a dual-purpose machine. All the other winch systems on the

market are just a winch — and that’s it. If you’re not winching, you can’t use it. With the TimberMax, if I’m not using the winch, I can take off some hoses, put the bunching head back on, turn the valve, and get back to bunching trees. You don’t have a machine just sitting. The TimberMax makes it multipurpose. Any time you can do that, you’re money ahead,” Zach says.

The versatility of the TimberMax is a solid plus, according to Zach. The fact that it’s a single line winching system that can assist you working downhill as well as uphill, enables the operator to access ground in a safer and more efficient way.

“The TimberMax gives you more versatility. You can go down or up a hill. It’s the first winch system on the market that will do that,” says Zach.

TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

ContractorProfile The winch is attached to Zach’s 2004 Madill 2200, winching his Tigercat 830. At present, the system has yet to be used going uphill, however, when a job comes up that requires it, Zach is ready.

“When I had the TimberMax installed, it was the first one in the United States, and unless someone’s done it since, we have the only TimberMax winch system in the world on a leveling buncher. You can actually walk it out into the units, getting it off-road to access some steeper, more difficult terrain,” he says, adding that they recently finished a job up Fall Creek out of Myrtle Point, Oregon, that had steep, rocky ground where the short pitches were 80 to 85 percent.

“We’re always going to need hand cutters in the area we’re in, but new technology definitely helps. Anytime a guy can get equipment into a difficult or a dangerous spot where the hand cutters don’t have to deal with it, that’s definitely the better way to go. The TimberMax will open up more opportunities. It will keep the guys that are on the ground safer and increase the logger’s productivity. But, at the end of the day, we’re always going to need hand cutters.”

Building a Business One Chainsaw at a Time

2008 was a tough year, especially for the timber industry. The global financial crisis contributed to a 50-year record low of housing starts and wood product prices, and production fell off the cliff. Employment declined by 71,000 workers, and lumber production fell by almost 50 percent. Despite the dire circumstances of the global economy, 2008 was also the year Zach Brugnoli went into business for himself and started ZB Contract Cutting.

Having grown up in a logging family — Zach’s dad was a hook tender for GD Logging — Zach was fairly certain he knew what he was going to do. The day after he graduated from Myrtle Point High School in 2003, he signed on with Ray Chard Trucking and Excavation to build road.

“I started on my own in 2008. Just me,”

Zach Brugnoli and John Houston spooling cable on the TimberMax Winch head.

(continued on page 12) Back row: Jared Bemetz, John Houston, Randy Ward, Zach Brugnoli, Jesse Austin, Sonny giles, D.C. Phillips, Heriberto Ledesma, Jason Clauson, Ben Wilson, Tim Lapan Front Row: Antonio Ledesma, Wiley Kralicek, Randy Kralicek, Jason Sears, Darwin Giles, James Carrington. Not pictured: Dave Medina, Sergio Soto, Hector Gallo and Alfonso Ledesma TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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ContractorProfile

Left: TimberMax Winch head on the Madill feller buncher. Right: Sonny Giles stands alongside a Tigercat getting ready to start a job on Mink Ridge for Catchmark Timberlands. (continued from page 11) he says. “As the years went on, I slowly had more guys start working for me, and I built it from there. Started with a chainsaw and a pickup.”

As Zach began building a crew, he purchased his first machine, a 2005 Madill 2200 — right before the Horse Prairie Fire blew up in 2017.

“I took it on the Horse Prairie Fire and made some good money putting the fire out,” says Zach . “I figured after that, I’d put some money back into the machine, get it ready for the rest of the year. I had a new undercarriage put on it, and a week out of the shop it burned to the ground. I had to keep moving forward, figure out a way to buy another machine while still paying for the burned one and waiting for the insurance company. It wasn’t easy.”

Zach notes that despite the everyday challenges of business, whether political, environmental, or the rising prices of everything, his plan is to keep growing and moving forward.

“I’ve grown every year I’ve been in

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business, and I’m just going to try to keep it going that way. I don’t want to get too big. I just want to keep moving forward,” he says.

Men and Machines Get the Job Done

Currently, ZB Contract Cutting fields a 2014 Madill 2250C operated by John Huston; a 2005 Madill 2250B operated by Jared Bemetz; a 2016 Tigercat LX830D operated by Sonny Giles; a 2004 2200 Madill buncher that’s fitted for the TimberMax winch system, and a lowboy to do the hauling.

As of this writing, Zach is currently demoing a TimberPro 755. If he buys the TimberPro, it will replace his 2014 Madill.

“I basically want to update equipment and technology to stay ahead of the game,” he says.

If Zach gets the 755, he’ll set that machine up to tether as well, which will give him the versatility to use different machines for different jobs. “Eventually, I’ll have all three machines set up for the TimberMax. I want to be able to bounce the winch machine around between all the bunchers. If

we’re doing two or three different jobs, the TimberMax will be easy to move from job to job. I’m trying to be as productive and costeffective as possible.”

Today, ZB Contract Cutting cuts for CatchMark Timberlands Southwest Oregon, Southport Logging, Roseburg Forrest Products, Lone Rock Timber, and Weyerhaeuser Timberlands, along with a number of gypo loggers including Ray Chard Trucking and Excavating, Henry Logging, Blaylock Inc., Messerle and Sons, Foglio Trucking, and D&H Logging.

Zach employs a crew of around 20, many of whom have worked for ZB Contract Cutting for several years. Pat Ybarra of HWM Equipment Repair is the primary mechanic, and Lynda Arriola has been doing the bookkeeping and running the office for ZB Contract Cutting since Zach started the business in 2008.

“I’ve got a good core group of guys,” says Zach. “In the last five years, I haven’t had much turnover. At the end of the day, if you didn’t have your crew, you wouldn’t have anything.”

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TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

HistorySpotlight

A Look into Fire

By Jack Petree

A

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ugust 14, 1933, a forest fire

literally exploded into being near the coastal Northwest Oregon town of Tillamook. It was described as “holocaustic” by Bonita J. Neiland,

The Tillamook Forest Center

a University of Oregon professor studying the fire in the 1950s. In just a few days, according to Oregon Department of Forestry sources, 240,000 acres were ablaze.

The Burn

In an oddity, fire exploded again in a

subsequent six year cycle (1939, 1945, and 1951), burning additional forest acreages.

Ultimately, about 355,000 total acres were consumed. University of Colorado professor Kenneth A. Erickson reported the estimated 16 billion board ft. of timber lost in the 1933 Tillamook fire amounted to about six times

TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

HistorySpotlight more timber than was destroyed in the Mt. St. Helens eruption of 1980.

Photos of the Tillamook Burn detail an almost total devastation; a nuclear weapon exploded over the area could not have more completely destroyed the forest that existed August 13, the day preceding the burn. In fact, one of the more famous photos of the fire showed a giant mushroom cloud expanding tens of thousands of feet into the air over the burning forest.

Today, most of the land affected by the

Tillamook Burn has been acquired by the state of Oregon to create the Tillamook State Forest. The centerpiece of the forest is a complex anchored by the Tillamook Forest Center (TFC), an educational center functioning as a museum/library/recreation/ tourist attraction funded by the nonprofit Tillamook Forest Heritage Trust, which is a private/public consortium of public entities, forest products firms, individual donors, environmental groups, and representatives of the education and recreation communities.

Left to right: Helicopter seeding, old snags left from past fires, steam donkey on display at museum, fire tower, 1945 high school partners, and student tree planting.

The TFC was created with the express goal to develop “…tools and experiences that help Oregonians better understand and appreciate the Tillamook State Forest and all of Oregon’s state-owned forests.” The TFC is said to be the region’s largest forest-based learning center and outdoor classroom facility, an interpretive and educational center showcasing, “…the legacy of the historic Tillamook Burn and the public spirit behind a monumental reforestation effort that left a permanent imprint on Oregon history while also shaping sustainable forest management today.”

Visitors express surprise at the depth of the experience offered at the center, making it without a doubt, a must-see for anyone interested in forests, wildfires, the environment, and the impacted communities.

As described by the Center’s promoters, “No other place in Oregon or the Northwest provides the forest-based learning opportunities found at the Tillamook Forest Center.

We’re distinguished by our forest surroundings, our focus on forest history, on the power of wildfire, and on the art and science of sustainable forest management today.”

The TFC fully lives up to the hype. A visit allows adults and children alike an amazing variety of experiences including a functioning replica of a traditional fire lookout tower; a first-class display hall combining displays focusing on the fire with additional displays about the forest and logging history; a bridge over the Wilson River, linking the center’s display halls to an extensive trail system; and an amazing, award-winning video about the fire that has to be seen, “smelled,” and felt, to be fully appreciated. The video puts the viewer as close to the scene of an actual fire as can be experienced without actually being singed by the heat.

Yesterday’s Fire – Today’s Issues

Of at least equal importance to the future of forests in the Pacific Northwest, the TFC features a resource seldom seen by the public — an extensive library containing hundreds of original and secondary documents, as well as photographs describing and depicting the Tillamook fire, its consequences, and the steps taken to recover the forest.

Rich in resource material, the TFC library holds thousands of documents that detail the pre-fire forest and the efforts to restore that devastated forest over the course of eight-plus decades following the fire. Also included are the data necessary to assess the success and/or failures of those efforts. In today’s ever-changing world, the TFC may play a key role in shaping the Northwest forest products industry of the future.

The Tillamook Forest Center and the (continued on page 16) TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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HistorySpotlight (continued from page 15) hundreds of thousands of acres of forest complex around it offer future forest Paleo ecologists who study the forests of the past to learn more about the impact various events had on those forests. Findings provided by Paleo ecologists can be used by forest managers today to enhance efforts to provide for the healthy and sustainable forests we all want and need in the future.

The Island

The Tillamook fires were somewhat unique in the level of destruction visited on the forest, but after the fires, a “green island” of about 2,500 acres remained near the center of the burned area. That green island was examined closely and reported on in the early 1950s after investigations by Dr. Neiland.

Neiland’s work, combined with the extensive material contained in the TFC library, can help provide a starting point for investigations into the numerous questions we have today about the impacts of fire (at least on forests similar to the original Tillamook forest), efforts to recover a forest that’s been burned to the ground, and the long-term impacts of those recovery efforts.

It may answer questions such as, “What happens when an old forest dominated by

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The museum helps inform people how to respond to forest fires and restoration today based on the actions taken during the Tillamook events.

Douglas fir, and Noble fir is vaporized in the space of a few days followed by intense recovery efforts on the part of humans to rebuild that forest based on concepts in vogue at the time?” “What went right?” “What went wrong?” “What should come next?”

Most importantly, perhaps, is the opportunity to answer the question, “How can the things we learn today as a result of the Tillamook conflagration and subsequent restoration efforts inform our actions in

response to similar events occurring regularly in the present?”

Climate Change, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Forests

In effect, the Tillamook State Forest is a gigantic laboratory — a laboratory as important today as it has been for the past eight decades.

Policy approaches to forest issues have changed dramatically over time. In 1933

TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

HistorySpotlight

the United States was in the middle of a depression, and jobs were the issue of the day. When the second fire occurred, we were using the forests as a resource to support a multitude of government projects aimed at employing people and restoring a healthy economy. The third fire came the year World War II ended, and we were looking to our forests to supply the immense amount of lumber and other wood products necessary to provide housing for returning troops and their soon to be established families.

Today, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and similar issues have taken

center stage in policy determinations about how best to manage our forests. Photographs of the pre-fire Tillamook forest, of the fire itself, and of the charred remains of the forest can allow for estimates of both the greenhouse gas emissions and the sequestration achieved pre-fire as well as allowing for estimates of the huge spike in emissions occurring since the fire. Data and photos accumulated since the fire can allow for estimates of the greenhouse gas impacts over time of a newly planted and growing forest, while analysis of the forest in place today can provide a wealth of material about the

long-term impacts of the various recovery efforts experimented with at Tillamook. We can learn more about how to utilize our forests for both traditional benefits and greenhouse gas reductions as well.

In short, the Tillamook Forest Center is not only a world-class tourist attraction fulfilling the educational goals set for it, it is likely to become, in the near future, a world-class research facilitator enabling informed decision making regarding the utilization of the nation’s forests in achieving the many services we look to those forests to provide.

TW

TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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ContractorProfile

The Great Outdoors – Gustafson’s Favorite Office Gustafson Logging Co., Astoria, Oregon

“On the Oregon coast, we have new environments every five minutes,” said Chad Gustafson, the third-generation co-owner of Gustafson Logging.

“When it’s ugly, it’s ugly, but when it’s beautiful, it’s awesome.”

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A

long the Oregon coast, the weather can turn on a dime. Fog, sleet, and rain can roll in from the ocean tides in a matter of minutes.

Logging crews must roll with the punches, no matter the weather. That’s the case for Gustafson Logging Co., a forestry contractor based in Astoria, Oregon.

“On the Oregon coast, we have new environments every five minutes,” said Chad Gustafson, the third-generation co-owner of Gustafson Logging. “When it’s ugly, it’s ugly, but when it’s beautiful, it’s awesome.”

Even though the weather can be tough, Gustafson wouldn’t trade it for the world.

“It’s always something different. I love it.

Working outdoors beats the dreariness of an office any day,” he said.

While the weather may change, one thing remains steady for the Gustafson family — their passion for the forestry industry, as the business has been passed down to its third generation.

“Currently, my father Mark and I are co-owners of the business. My grandfather Duane started the business in 1974,” Gustafson said. “It’s what the United States was built on, in my opinion. It’s hard, honest work, and it’s been a great run. When you’re bred, born, and grow into something, you do it for the love of it.”

TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

(continued on page 20)

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ContractorProfile Gustafson’s fleet includes two HTH624C 4x4 Waratah heads on 3156G John Deere carriers.

(continued from page 18) And it’s not just the Gustafson men of the family who love the business.

“When my grandfather started the company, my grandmother was right out there with him,” Gustafson said. “It was just the two of them for a while. He would fell the

timber, while she was on the landing to bump knots and clean up the logs to get them ready to ship.”

Today, Gustafson Logging has grown to 25 employees, including Gustafson’s wife.

“We work hand-in-hand every day, as much as we can stand each other,” Gustafson smiled.

Overhead view of a Gustafson cable logging operation.

Raising the Game

To tackle clearcutting on steep slopes, the Gustafson crew runs a skyline logging operation. At one of their sites located three miles south of Rockaway Beach, Oregon, you can watch the silhouette of the carriage effortlessly transport 20-foot logs across the cable.

“We use a 70-foot tower and a five-man line system,” Gustafson said. “We hang the skyline out about 900 feet so that we are yarding logs about 700 feet in distance.”

From there, they cut and sort the logs to send to the mill where the mix of spruce and hemlock is processed and manufactured into shipping crates distributed all over the world.

Go Big or Go Home

20

When it comes to purchasing equipment, Gustafson’s mantra is “go big.” With a fleet including two HTH624C 4x4 Waratah heads on 3156G John Deere carriers, Gustafson is all about having power.

“In this industry, you usually need a larger machine than what you think,” he said. “The type of wood we work in has strong limbs and is very heavy. The Waratah has the power to get right through it.”

They purchased their first head in 2013 and have stuck with Waratah since. Not only have they stuck with the same brand, they have also stayed with the same dealer.

Papé Machinery Construction & Forestry is Gustafson’s dealer of choice to make it happen.

TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

ContractorProfile “We choose Waratah because of speed, dependability, and longevity,” he said. “It’s the name that everybody kept bringing up when we were making our purchasing decision.”

He adds, “The Waratah is probably our most reliable thing out here. They just last.

And that’s what keeps us drawn to them and keeps us coming back.”

Accuracy and Ease

Within the industry, accuracy has a huge impact on output. Gustafson has found that the Waratah heads’ software has led to increased accuracy.

“Pretty much our whole livelihood is based on being as perfect as possible. With the Waratahs, the computer systems work flawlessly,” Gustafson said. “We get out twice a day to measure logs to make sure that our processors are cutting correctly, and most of the logs are spot on.”

Gustafson also appreciates simplified serviceability to maintain uptime. “When you open up the hood, it’s all right in front of you. Five minutes here and ten minutes there has really been all that’s needed.”

If outside support is needed, Gustafson has been happy with how quickly his crew is back up and running. “Waratah’s service

is impeccable. We can call, and they walk us through almost everything because of their knowledge of the machine. It’s outstanding to get that support.”

Logger and Proud of It

Gustafson is proud to continue investing in and growing his logging business. His passion for the industry and the outdoors is clear, as he spends time off the clock in his small town hunting razor clams on the beach with his family, like a true coastal Oregonian.

“We’re not big city people, we’re small city people,” Gustafson said. “We take care of each other, and we just want to make an honest living and see the business go on.”

Not only does Gustafson wish for the business to continue, he also wants to share the beauty of the woods with generations to come.

“Oregon has the most stringent laws as far as logging, taking care of the land and keeping everything tidy with drinking water and soil conditions,” Gustafson said. “We care about the woods, and we want to come out here in a hundred years and have it become even better than it is now. And it can be. That’s what drives us to get up every day.”

TW

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www.gemchainbar.com 800-455-8471 TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

21

Monitoring, 3D Surveys, and Digital Wildfire Training

22

TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

EmergentTechnologies

By Lindsay Mohlere

N

ew technology comes in many forms. In this column, we are going to take a look at three of the latest.

Tigercat’s New Portal

Tigercat has just added a little bit of polish to its telematics packages with the introduction of the new RemoteLog portal.

RemoteLog allows users to remotely monitor and manage fleet machines off-site, while on the road or at the office. The new enhancements to the portal include a new diagnostic dashboard designed to be more user friendly with a single click to bring up technical information for any fault code. The portal offers a one-stop machine summary report containing operating time, production metrics, total fuel consumption, and much more on a weekly basis.

The enhancements also give you the ability to track how much you are producing with your machines. Mulchers now report mulched land area to give you a sense of their productivity. Harvesters and processors report production volumes and stem counts, while forwarders report the number of loads carried.

New machines have an initial subscription to RemoteLog, which can be renewed at subscription end.

Tigercat’s LogOn enables access to detailed machine data and diagnostic tools using a wi-fi capable device within about 50 feet of the machines. LogOn is available through the Tigercat app and comes as standard equipment on 2020 machines.

Along with the newest and coolest telematics, Tigercat also launched the 2.2 version of the Tigercat App with multilingual capability, customizable features, and an upgraded user experience.

Research scientists used the groundbased lasers at three forest sites in Northern California and hope the data will help them more precisely monitor the impacts of climate change on redwood forests, which represent some of the highest biomass ecosystems on Earth.

Compared with detailed manual crown mapping of 3-D tree structure, which involves either cutting and weighing trees piece by piece or using expert climbers to provide manual measurements, the TLS estimates agree within two percent AGB.

Scientists suggest future tree survey could combine selective 3-D crown mapping efforts with laser-based measurements.

Knowing how much carbon is stored in different tree species will help answer big questions within the climate science in response to rising CO2 levels are, whether and where more trees should be planted, and how best to conserve existing forests.

(continue on page 24)

Lasers Used to Survey Biomass of Northern California Redwoods

According to research journal Scientific Reports, researchers have conducted a threedimensional survey using 3-D terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) to estimate the volume and above-ground biomass of the California Redwoods, the world’s biggest trees.

Large trees are disproportionately important in terms of their above-ground biomass (AGB) and carbon storage, as well as their wider impact on ecosystem structure. They are also very hard to measure and so tend to be underrepresented in measurements and models of AGB. California’s giant redwood trees play an outsized role in above-ground carbon sequestration and have a larger impact on their ecosystems than their nongiant neighbors.

TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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ContractorProfile (continued from page 23)

Digital Wildfire Risk Reduction Training

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has recently received a large grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to transform its classroombased wildfire risk reduction training into a digital learning experience for Americans living and working in the wildland/urban interface (WUI).

WUI is an area where human-made structures and infrastructure are in, or adjacent to, areas that are prone to wildfire. From 1990 to 2010, the WUI grew rapidly with increases of 41 percent in home and 33 percent in land, making it the fastest growing land-use type in the lower 48.

According to a study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), individual homeowner efforts can make a huge difference not only in the

survivability of their own homes, but in their neighbors’ homes as well.

NFPA will develop three training programs — for homeowners, business owners, and public safety personnel. They will cover WUI fire mitigation practices using interactive web-based training and engaging simulations in a 3-D virtual environment.

The training modules will be experiential, a process of learning through experience such as hands-on or simulations.

The two-day course, which is based on fire science research into how homes and other structures ignite during wildfires, covers wildfire behavior, structure exposure, and the concept of the Home Ignition Zone.

Attendees learn how to analyze wildfire risks to structures and provide actionable advice to property owners through an activity-rich curriculum.

The transformation project will be conducted in partnership with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, an independent, nonprofit, scientific research and communications organization, and it will be overseen by a technical advisory panel of experts.

COVID19 and Fire Season Recap

As we head into the new year with the ugly Covid19 spiking up across the nation, it’s interesting to note that virus safety restrictions and safety protocols placed on 24

wildland firefighting operations at the beginning of fire season seem to have paid off for thousands of firefighters battling the unprecedented and tragic fires of 2020.

The protocols, which included physical distancing and wearing face coverings, demanded smaller camps and multiple staging areas with fewer people. A “Module as One” concept was also applied. This concept was initiated where crews were treated as a family unit, not as individuals, and as such, stayed away from other crews not in the module.

If one crew member became infected, the whole module isolated.

According to Wildfire Today, as of November, the Forest Service reports that at least 219 USFS personnel involved in firefighting have tested positive for the virus.

CAL Fire has reported 141 cases. Oregon Department of Forestry reports that “among all wildland firefighters in Oregon this summer — not just ODF personnel — only seven have tested positive.

National Park Service, BLM, and private firefighting outfits have not yet provided updated infection numbers.

That’s a Wrap!

Source: UPI, Scientific Journal, Wildfire Today, FEMA, NFPA Talk back at twfirecolumn @gmail.com.

Stay safe out there.

TW

TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

Track Log Loaders

Barko

The 595B Crawler is Barko’s largest and most powerful tracked log loader. Designed with precision in mind and built for serious work, this loader gets difficult jobs done with a load sensing hydraulic system tuned to perform efficiently and maximize loader production. Smooth controls improve performance and a large D7 undercarriage provides a stable footing. The enhanced operator cab features a spacious interior, premium seat and great visibility. It was created with input from experienced forestry professionals to help reduce operator fatigue and keep you working safely.

The Barko 595B Crawler is powered by a fuel-efficient 173 HP Cummins QSB6.7 Tier 4 Final diesel engine, which provides more than enough power for the task at hand while delivering superior fuel economy.

With high-quality components from industry-leading suppliers, the 595B Crawler is designed to work under the toughest conditions. Easy-access service doors simplify regular maintenance and daily inspections, whether you’re at the shop, in the mill yard or working out in the woods. For customers looking for a smaller log loader the Barko 495B Crawler is a solid option. Additional Barko loader models are available in truck/ trailer mount, mobile carriers, and stationary configurations along with Barko StrongArm Grapples. www.barko.com

Caterpillar

Caterpillar offers a wide range of log loaders: the 538, 548, 558 and the 568.

The 538 weighs in at 69,401 pounds and is equipped with a 164 HP engine. Its maximum reach at reach at grapple mount on heel on ground level is 38’4”. Component layout and back-to-back main hydraulic control valve reduces oil flow restrictions and aids in great fuel economy.

The 548 is powered by a Cat C7.1 engine 26

and has 204 HP. It has up to 19 percent high swing torque. That increase on General Forestry configuration provides added power to move trees. It also has a 989 L (261 gal) counterweigh fuel tank for extended machine operator and maximum uptime.

The 558 also has a Cat C7.1 engine, but has 239 HP. It has up to 35 percent higher swing torque and up to 12 percent more cooling capacity. Its heavy life mode features increased lift capacity to handle larger payloads with improved control.

The 568 is powered by a Cat C9.3 engine, and has a net flywheel power of 291 HP, and

gross power of 319 HP. It offers the flexibility of running on either ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel with 15 ppm of sulfur or less or bio diesel (B20) fuel blended with ULSD. www.cat.com

Doosan

Doosan Infracore North America, LLC, offers the DX300LL-5 and DX380LL-5.

The DX300LL-5 log loader features a fully guarded, heavy-duty undercarriage and upper structure designed specifically for forestry applications. It’s equipped with highwalker undercarriage design. Tracks feature heavy-duty links with double grouser shoes and full-length track guiding guards. The DX300LL-5 has heavy-duty top rollers with special clean-out brackets.

To help save diesel fuel, auto-shutdown comes standard. When enabled, the feature will shut down the loader’s engine when the preset idle time is met. Operators can configure the idle time from 3 to 60 minutes.

The high-pressure common rail fuel injected engine teams with the EPOS (Electronic Power Optimizing System) for optimum power and fuel savings. The EPOS provides four work modes, auto-idle and machine diagnostics. It works more effectively with multiple operating modes, easy to

read display and precise control levers.

Created to take on difficult terrain, the DX380LL-5 features a high and wide undercarriage design. The undercarriage allows the DX380LL-5 to clear stumps, branches and traverse small inclines while maximizing stability. The tracks feature durable links with double grouser shoes and full-length rock guards. The undercarriage also has heavy-duty top rollers with special cleanout brackets to reduce the risk of downtime while traveling on challenging terrain.

The DX380LL-5 offers high swing torque and long reach for quick picking, moving and placing of heavy loads. Like the DX380LL-3 the auto-shutdown turns off the engine during idle time reduce fuel. na.doosanequipment.com

ELTEC

ELTEC Log Loaders have been designed to simplify the daily foresters’ work.

Combining advanced technical features, ELTEC Log Loaders offer a comfortable working environment, which allows moving to another level of performance in the forestry.

The load loaders are powered by a Cummins QSL9 T4 (or T3) diesel engine with 320 HP. They have a fuel capacity of 394 gallons and traction drive torque of 100,000 lbs./ft. Speed ranges from 1.4 to 2.5 mph, and they feature a side by side heavyduty cooling system. They have a large capacity swing bearing of 61”, and continuous 8 rpm rotation.

TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

TechReview The result of higher cooling capacity, a better operating environment, stronger undercarriage components and extremely efficient hydraulic circuits is higher production, uptime and fuel efficiency. www.technologieselement.com

Hitachi

The Hitachi ZX310F-6 is a 249 HP log loader with a swing torque of 88,507 lb. ft.

It has a drawbar pull of 66,910 lbs. and is powered by an Isuzu 6HK1 engine.

Available as a forestry excavator or log loader, the ZX310F-6 is purpose-built with productivity-boosting advantages, including

a fuel-efficient Final Tier 4 Isuzu engine; no diesel particulate filer (DPF) needed.

It features two newly designed operator

stations with additional legroom, new ergonomic controls, a multi-language color LCD monitor that provides intuitive access to machine data and functions, and more. It also has ground level access to all filters and test ports, a completely revamped electrical system with 35 percent fewer components that increases system reliability, as well as a tough structure that is built to last. www. hitachiconstruction.com

John Deere

The G-Series Forestry Swing Machines, available in a log loader or forestry excavator configuration, are purpose-built with loggers’ needs in mind. On the log loader models, the rear-entry cab features floormounted windows, increasing visibility to the tracks. Other features in the quiet, climate-controlled cabs include ergonomic controls, outstanding window clarity, isolation mounting, and LED lighting.

Increasing stability, the 2656G and 2156G machines include a longer track option. Reducing downtime and maintenance life, the 2156G and 3156G are designed with larger lower rollers. Additionally, the 3156G and 3756G models are available with hydraulic plumbing for processing heads. The larger models feature a powerful 9.0-liter engine, while the smaller machines

boast a 6.8-liter engine. The increased tractive effort on the 2156G and 2656G models helps with overcoming steep terrain and deep snowy conditions.

Convenient ground-level servicing, filters, fluid-fill locations, and grease points reduce daily checks and maintenance. The hinged AC condenser eases the cleanout of debris by swinging out along with the removable engine-compartment screen. A reduction in electrical components increases uptime, while the efficient hydraulic management systems increase airflow and lower operating temperatures. Service bays featuring drop-down work platforms and LED service lights improve long-term durability and increase uptime. www.johndeere.com (continued on page 28)

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Engineered Bridge Solutions • Any span • Any load rating • Rapid, easy installation • Prefabricated steel and concrete bridges TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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TechReview (continued from page 27)

Kobelco

A new line-up specially equipped for forestry and hilly terrain work has been added to the SK excavator series famous for outstanding productivity and extremely low fuel consumption. The High & Wide Specification series have the generous ground clearance needed to penetrate sites littered with stumps or rocks. The extra crawler width ensures excellent stability, contributing to

uninterrupted working and greater lifting capacity. Durability is significantly improved with full track guides and larger upper rollers for the crawlers, to prevent de-tracking.

With double grouser shoes used for better grip, these machines are designed to work smoothly over the roughest ground.

The crawlers are designed to provide unbeatable durability to take on the harshest terrain. They feature full track guides to eliminate de-tracking concerns, a reinforced guide frame built to withstand heavy impact, and large, double-support, outer flanged upper rollers unfazed by powerful vibrations. www.feenaughty.com

or 34’6”-ft reach road builder configurations.

Operating weights range from 82,410 lb. to 87,370 lb., depending on front/application.

The PC290LL-11 features include a high capacity cooling system, high drawbar pull, robust forestry-specific guarding, a narrow 11’7” transport width, modern cab with comfortable operator controls, and Komtrax 5.0 machine monitoring technology.

Powerful PC360-class final drives generate 64,250 lbs. of drawbar pull for excellent shovel logging and rough terrain performance. A rugged PC390-class swing motor and drive delivers high swing torque for superior log loading and road building performance.

The Komatsu OSHA certified forestry cab provides a spacious and comfortable working environment. The cab is available with a 48” hydraulic tilt or a 7” fixed cab riser.

LED lighting provides brilliant illumination in low light working conditions for increased productivity.

Complimentary Komatsu CARE® program covers the machine for the first three years or 2000 hours, whichever comes first, including scheduled factory maintenance, inspections and more. www.KomatsuForest.us

HP 5040 TL. Reaches range from 35’9” to 44’8”, and maximum lift capacity ranges from 26,900 lbs. to 39,400 lbs. www.lbxco.com

Link-Belt

capabilities. It has a 60” high capacity swing bearing, 102,000 ft. lbs. swing torque, and a lift capacity of 44,470 lbs. at 15 ft. Boom reach is BNT – 36’ and 40’6” heel.

Madill’s purpose built 4000 weighs 106,000 lbs. and also offers an excellent power to weight ratio for outstanding overall performance. It’s powered by a Volvo TAD1371VE 13 liter Tier 4 engine. It has a 67” high capacity swing bearing, 139,000 ft. lbs. swing torque, and a lift capacity of 49,930 lbs. at 20 ft. Boom reach is BNT – 39’ and 44’ heel. www.madillequipment.com

The new Link-Belt 40 Series Forestry machines are tough and dependable workhorses. They include the 3240 TL, 3740 TL, 4040 TL, 4640 TL and the 5040 TL. They feature powerful, fuel-efficient Final Tier 4 engines that don’t require a DPF, matched

Komatsu

Komatsu America Corp’s PC290LL-11 is an extremely productive and versatile tracked carrier within the Komatsu log loader/forestry excavator/road builder product lineup. It features a 196-net HP, EPA Tier 4 Final, Komatsu SAA6D107E-3 engine, and is available with a 31’7” reach processing, 39’11” reach live heel log loader,

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Madill

Maddill offers the 3000 and 4000 Log Loader. Madill’s purpose built 3000 weighs in at 95,000 lbs. and offers an excellent power to weight ratio which enables outstanding overall performance. With its Volvo TAD873VE 8 liter Tier 4 engine, the 3000 provides superior hydraulic flow for exceptional lift power, swing torque, and tractive effort, which results in high productivity

Tigercat

to a 55 percent larger fuel tank that keeps you working longer. 40-Series offers up to 12 percent improved cycle times, best-inclass swing torque, 17 percent draw bar pull increase and up to 10 percent better fuel economy.

Other features include a 7” high-definition color monitor, rear view camera and Oregon OSHA/WCB/ROPS compliant forestry cab. Easy maintenance and access with remote filters, convenient sampling ports and complimentary RemoteCARE® telematics included with no subscription fees.

The machines range from the 77,330 lb.160 hp 3240 TL to the 109,600 lb. 268

Tigercat offers several options. First, the 875 Logger is an 80,000 lb. carrier with two boom options for loading or processing applications. It features the Tigercat FPT N67 engine, which is fully supported by Tigercat.

Designed for extremely fuel efficient operation, the 875 is equipped with variable speed cooling and Tigercat’s unique closed loop energy recovery swing system.

The twin swing drive system provides powerful swing torque and reduced gear tooth loads. The F7-150 heavy duty forestry undercarriage provides a stable base of operations.

The 94,000 lb. Tigercat 880D Logger is a multi-purpose carrier designed for loading, shovel logging and processing. It is

TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

(continued on page 30)

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TechReview (continued from page 28) purpose-built to eliminate the design compromises found in excavator conversions.

The 880D can be configured as a loader with various power clam and butt-n-top grapple options. The boom geometry and cab positioning provide unmatched right-hand side visibility. Equipped with a live heel boom system, the 880D is a highly capable shovel logger with excellent stability, tractive effort and swing torque. It can also be configured as high capacity processor capable of running large harvesting heads in demanding duty cycles.

Weighing 105,000 lbs., the 890 is the largest, highest capacity machine in Tigercat’s purpose built logger product line. It can be configured for loading, shovel logging or processing. The Tigercat FPT C87 engine provides generous power.

The large swing bearing provides increased capacity and swing torque. The twin swing drive system reduces gear tooth loads. A massive single-piece, forged pedestal strengthens the undercarriage and improves durability. www.tigercat.com TW

New Leadership for AWC’s Board

The American Wood Council (AWC) announced the election of Charles Ingram Lumber Co. Vice President T. Furman Brodie as the Chairman of AWC Board of Directors for a oneyear term, effective January 1, 2021.

Newly appointed President and CEO of Potlatch Deltic Eric Cremers was elected First Vice-Chairman, and President and CEO of TR Miller Mill Company Ricky Stanley was elected as Second Vice-Chairman. LP Corporation’s Executive Vice President Neil Sherman will serve as the Immediate Past Chairman.

Fred Stimpson, President of Canfor Southern Pine, was elected to a third two-year term.

Fecon Adds Two New VPs

Fecon recently announced the hiring of new personnel including Robert Soehner as VP of Operations, and Mike Kucharski as VP of Dealer Development, both new positions within the company.

Soehner has served in a variety of continuous improvement and leadership roles including positions of increasing responsibility at GE, Henny Penny, Harmon, and most recently as VP of Operations at Skillcraft.

Kucharski, who has extensive experience in dealer development, has spent the past 16 years with Caterpillar or its dealers, most recently working on the post-purchase experience for Caterpillar.

“We’re excited to welcome Rob and Mike to the Fecon team,” said CEO Bob Dieckman. “Their extensive industry experience and positive attitudes will be assets as we strive to grow the company through enhanced customer experiences.”

Con-Vey Appoints New Project Manager

Con-Vey is excited to announce their new Project Manager: Parker Massie. Although not a new role for the company, this is a new position for Massie who was previously a Mechanical Engineer at Con-Vey since August 2019.

With his work background as well as a Bachelors from Oregon Institute of Technology in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business Management, Massie has the technical knowledge and experience to make this transition to Project Manager a seamless one.

“We know that Parker will be a great fit for this position and help fill the gap needed in our team,” said Mechanical Engineering Manager, Spencer Heard.

Con-Vey’s President & CEO, Dave Larecy, also shared that “this will be a good growth area for Parker to learn a wider scope of the company’s operations and projects.” Larecy continued on by saying that Massie’s “mechanical engineering and technical background will be an asset as he navigates this new role, fields questions coming from customers, and collaborates with our customers to support and facilitate projects.”

TW 30

TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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NWPCA and the Pallet Foundation Announce Environmental Product Declaration for U.S. Wooden Pallets

The National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) and the Pallet Foundation presented an Environmental Product Declaration for U.S. wooden pallets that reinforces the environmental attributes of wooden pallets for the supply chain and procurement industries. This document, certified by UL and produced in conjunction with Forest Products Lab, the research wing of the U.S. Forest Service, is the first of its kind for a product in the distribution packaging space. This declaration speaks to the quantitative impact that wooden pallets have on the environment beyond their reusable, recyclable and biodegradable qualities.

EPDs provide consumers and professionals with transparent and product-specific environmental information through an independent validation from a third-party organization. A critical component of the wooden pallet EPD study is a life cycle assessment, measuring the impacts of a wooden pallet’s product stages of gathering, transporting and manufacturing raw materials, the use and repair of the pallet, as well as its end of life usage.

When considering its life cycle, wooden pallets can have a potential net carbon

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positive impact. Through the unique properties of wood, carbon offsets may be achieved by the reuse of pallet materials and substituting wood fuel from pallet waste (e.g., unusable pallets) for natural gas.

Forest History Society’s New Board Members

At the Fall 2020 board meeting the FHS Board of Directors welcomed a number of new members including: John Cook, currently the executive director of Forest Assets and vice president of the Natural Resources Foundation for the College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University; Neal Ewald, the chief operating officer and senior vice president at Green Diamond Resource Company in California; Steve Hicks, president and CEO of J.M. Longyear LLC, in Marquette Michigan; and Rachel Kline, a supervisory historian for the Forest Service Enterprise Program in Colorado.

BLM Policy Supports Post-Fire Forest Recovery and Reforestation

The American Forest Resource Council applauded the Bureau of Land Management for finalizing a new rule expediting postfire recovery and reforestation efforts on federal lands. Specifically, the rule creates a

new 3,000-acre categorical exclusion (CX) under the National Environmental Policy Act to help expedite the removal and sale of dead and dying trees on BLM O&C lands in Western Oregon.

Over 125,000 acres of BLM-managed O&C timberlands burned during the 2020 wildfire season. AFRC President Travis Joseph said the new 3,000-acre CX will improve the ability of the BLM’s professional foresters to recover and restore the small portion of lands that are managed for timber harvests under an Obama-era resource management plan. It is also the same size as measures enacted in the 2014 and 2019 Farm Bills, which are available only to the U.S. Forest Service.

ThruTheTrees Video Winners

The newly formed ThrutheTrees video contest, where high school students are invited to create a short video that provides information about the value of a career in the forest products sector, has just announced its first winners. Grand prize went to Jordan Neilson of Idaho; second prize to Tressa Geyer and Zoey Brott of Oregon, and third prize went to both Aiden Shamek of Oregon, and Alicia Gordon and Lucas Forshee of Oregon.

To view the winning videos just go to www.ThrutheTrees.org.

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TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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Waratah Forestry Equipment Debuts New Equipment

Waratah Forestry Equipment recently introduced the new H424, a highly maneuverable harvester head specially designed for mid-sized wheeled and tracked machines.

With an excellent power-to-weight ratio, the H424 makes quick work of second thinnings and early regeneration cuttings, as well as processing or debarking applications.

A combination of features including a PerformanceEvo (PEVO) valve, Supercut 100S saw unit, and highly durable mainframe make it great for amplified productivity and durability.”

One of the main features of the H424 is the new SuperCut 100S saw unit, which provides automatic chain lubrication and tensioning for improved performance and increased uptime. The H424 has a cutting capacity of 24.4” superb performance.

Waratah also debuted a new model configuration of the HTH623C harvester head.

The new HTH623C loader processor (LP) features a wide delimb opening for increased productivity while its short tilt frame improves reach for higher deck piles, making it more maneuverable and ideal for tight spaces.

The HTH623C LP takes great features of the HTH623C harvester head and expands on those for loading and processing applications with a shorter tilt frame and a larger maximum delimb opening.

One of the biggest differences from the HTH623C harvester head is the large delimb opening on the HTH623C LP, which allows for multiple logs. The maximum delimb opening is 37”— 9” larger than the HTH623C’s. www.waratah.com

Olofsfors Improves Blue Lines Series

Olofsfors Inc. is adding a powerful ¾” bar to its Blue Line series‚ the Blue Line Vyking™ Slasker Bar. Specially designed for ground saws, the Vyking™ Slasher Bar has proven to be a reliable and productive saw bar in all conditions. The Vyking’s advanced metal alloy and the specific tempering technique is one the company believes operators will truly benefit from it. The Blue Line Vyking™ Slasher Bar can handle any tree species, length, diameter and operation.

The Vyking’s revolutionary endurance rails with its 60-degree rail angle, minimizes the chain wear on the bar. This small but ingenious change in the rail cut angle ensures less maintenance and longer life span. www. olofsfors.com Rottne Industri introduces new warranty Rottne Industri AB introduces new warranty terms for its newly produced forestry machines. The new basic warranty foresees 36

47 meters and a turning radius of 360 degrees. www.ponsse.com

Fecon® Stumpex®

that Rottne Industri will replace free of charge either the machine parts that break down due to manufacturing, or material defects up to 3,000 working hours.

Previously, the warranty was 2,000 hours for the parts themselves and up to 1,000 hours for the work, so it is a significant improvement. Now the company compensate the machine owner for the work it takes to change the part up to 3,000 hours and the company is also responsible for the travel cost for the service technician, up to 186 miles per warranty case, until the machine has worked for 500 hours. www.rottne.com

Fecon® has upgraded their Stumpex® auger-type stump grinder to include a 2-Speed hydraulic motor for faster stump removal, especially on soft woods. Designed to maximize 100 percent of machine output, the Stumpex® 2-Speed improves cut time by up to 50 percent, removing 24-inch stumps in less than 3 minutes.

In addition to faster stump processing, the new model reduces wear on blades and cones, allowing longer service life and extending the intervals between blade sharpening. It is ideal for skid steer loaders and

PONSSE Firefighting equipment for forwarders

Ponsse is introducing firefighting equipment to be installed in the load spaces of forwarders for extinguishing wildfires.

“Forest machine is the most natural and effective way to access a forest fire area. Operations in difficult terrain come as second nature to them, and they have more than enough capacity in their hydraulic system for demanding conditions”, says Juha Haverinen, Ponsse´s product manager of forwarders. “When the rescue authorities asked us if we were willing to develop this product together, we were ready right from the beginning, because rescue professionals and our customers had a clear demand for firefighting equipment.”

The firefighting equipment is available for PONSSE Buffalo and PONSSE Elephant forwarders. The minimum loader requirement is PONSSE K90+.

The firefighting equipment is delivered to

the fire location as a single package – and after it has been connected to forest machine hydraulics, the equipment is ready to operate. The 10 m³ water tank of the firefighting equipment can be filled with its own pump from a natural water source or the tank of a fire truck. The water cannon has a range of

compact tracked loaders with 60+ horsepower. Carriers with lower flow will achieve drastically increased cutting time compared to fixed displacement motors. Easily transported in a pickup truck, Stumpex® 2-Speed stump grinders are ideal for arborists, landscapers, land improvement companies, parks and recreation departments, golf courses, municipalities, and wherever safe, efficient stump removal is desired. www.Fecon.com

Portable Security Gates

American made Battery Operated Barriers are designed to keep unauthorized vehicles out while easily letting logging vehicles pass. The portable gates are also used for security, staging, parking, during emergencies, and for numerous day-to-day applications. Built for harsh environments, the safety gates are 100 percent self-contained, instantly deployed, and can be used in any type of weather. With the solar option, the units can function day and night without the need for external power or charging.

The safety gates have standard features that include a reflective arm and tower for night duty, adjustable levelers, security anchor points, high impact urethane coating, enclosed battery box with security chain loops and ultraheavy duty components.

Battery Operated Barriers have numerous options like wheel kits, wired control, radio control, auto exit sensors, keypad/card, and many others. www.batteryoperatedbarrier.com

TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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Classified

CALENDAR January 12-14 Associated California Loggers 47th Annual Meeting, Reno NV 916-441-7940 www.californialoggers.com January 15-18 Western Pallet Association Annual Meeting, Rancho Mirage, CA 360-335-0208 www.westernpallet.org

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AD INDEX COMPANY PG# ALLIANCE TIRE................................................. 8 CASCADE TRADER......................................... 17 GEM CHAIN.................................................... 21 HARVESTTECH AD.......................................... 33 JOHN DEERE.................................................... 9 JORAL........................................................... 30 KOMATSU AMERICA....................................... 25 LBX / TRIAD / BEJAC...................................... 40 MAXAM TIRE NA............................................ 23 OLOFSFORS................................................... 16 PETERSON..................................................... 39 PIERCE PACIFIC................................................ 5 PONSSE......................................................... 29 PROLENC - LOAD BINDER.............................. 21 QUADCO GROUP - TOOLS................................ 2 RAPID-SPAN.................................................. 27 RITCHIE BROS FINANCIAL SERVICES.............. 31 TIGERCAT / TRIAD.......................................... 19 TIMBERMAX................................................... 13 WCLA............................................................ 12 WHITE MOUNTAIN CHAIN............................... 32 CALENDAR JANUARY.............................KOMATSU AMERICA FEBRUARY.................................... CATERPILLAR MARCH.......... DC EQUIP. / MODERN MACHINERY APRIL..................................... LBX/TRIAD/BEJAC MAY..........................................QUADCO GROUP JUNE..............................FEENAUGHTY/DOOSAN JULY.............................................SENNEBOGEN AUGUST................................NELSON PAINT CO. SEPTEMBER................................... SOUTHSTAR OCTOBER.........................................TIMBERPRO NOVEMBER...........................................BRIKERS DECEMBER..........................................LOG MAX

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GuestColumnist

2020: A Year We Won’t Forget

By Nick Smith

F

rom a global pandemic to devastating wildfires, 2020 was a year we will never forget, and it will impact the forest products sector for years to come.

But as the saying goes, where there are challenges, there are opportunities.

A Global Pandemic and an Essential Industry

For much of 2020, we all grappled with the many effects of COVID-19. In some respects it was an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of our industry. The shortage of toilet paper, medical supplies, and other wood- and paper-based products showed how forest products are truly essential during a national emergency.

The pandemic also contributed to a historic market run on lumber products. When the economy effectively shut down in the spring, lumber inventories quickly depleted as sawmills reduced or suspended production. Market analysts did not expect a surge in lumber demand as Americans increasingly turned to home improvement projects during quarantine. Prices skyrocketed as producers and sellers scrambled to meet unexpected demand. Analysts also underestimated a resilient housing market supported by low mortgage interest rates.

Lumber prices have since cooled a bit, though key links in the supply chain have struggled. According to the American Loggers Council, virtually all raw material delivered by loggers and truckers experienced price drops greater than five percent in 2020 compared to 2019, resulting in nearly a $2 billion loss in revenue. Reduced demand for some wood- and paper-products, combined with major mill closures and curtailments throughout the country, inflicted severe financial pain, especially on many of

38

our small, family-owned forest contractors.

Even manufacturers of high-demand wood products have not been immune to COVID-19, as mills have worked to scale up production while navigating through a patchwork of state and local workplace rules.

Some mills have also experienced difficulty retaining and bringing back workers after curtailments in the spring.

Industry Grapples with Devastating Wildfire Season

If a global pandemic wasn’t enough, we are now dealing with the aftermath of a wildfire season that will have profound impacts on our industry in the years ahead. Millions of acres burned in California, Oregon, and Washington in what is being called a “generational event” that has cost lives, destroyed thousands of homes, and scorched many productive forestlands, not to mention many scenic wonders, wildlife habitat, and other natural resources.

The industry is still estimating the damage, but we are beginning to grasp the short-term impacts. In Oregon, Matt Hill of Douglas Timber Operators figures the fires burned 15 billion board feet of wood, enough to build one million homes. And this year’s fires burned an unusual amount of private timberlands, including 400,000 acres in Western Oregon.

Federal lands, as usual, were heavily affected, consuming 60 percent of total acres and burning through current and future timber sales on lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.

Rex Storm, executive vice president of Associated Oregon Loggers (AOL), says the 2020 wildfires disrupted or displaced an estimated 360 million board feet of harvest capacity. Storm also estimates forest contractors suffered an economic impact of over $100 million due to burned assets, idled operations, remobilization, and other costs.

Unfortunately some forest contracting businesses will never recover.

Current capacity is now stretched thin as many loggers shift from “green” timber harvest to post-fire restoration efforts on private lands, including road hazard clearing, recovery of black logs, and other activities.

Private lands will soon be replanted, though a shortage of seedlings and labor may delay reforestation efforts for years. A short-term glut of black logs will eventually give way to a shortage of green logs, and many are wondering where logs will be sourced five to 10 years from now.

The Future Brings Challenges and Opportunities

If there is any good news to come from this catastrophe, AOL’s Rex Storm believes the impacts to logging capacity will lead to new reinvestments and rebuilding in labor, technology, equity, and compensation in the contracting sector. Our industry has many entrepreneurs who are accustomed to innovating and adapting during changing times.

Demand for wood products is as strong as ever, and market forecasts for a range of products from paper products to furniture are upbeat. The need for home construction continues to be exceptionally robust as we reach the second year of COVID-19.

And the development of advanced wood products, such as cross-laminated timber, is encouraging as architects and developers increasingly turn to sustainable and renewable building materials.

Policymakers are increasingly interested in active forest management as a solution for bending the curve of catastrophic wildfires, as well as for responding to the impacts of climate change. We will continue to educate elected officials and the general public about the need to actively manage our federal lands, both to restore the health of our forests as well as to contribute to our regional woodbasket. Promoting active forest management and wood products are both key to achieving stronger markets across the supply chain.

2020 was a year we won’t forget, and we are all looking forward to 2021 in hopes of better days ahead. By working together, we can overcome the many short-term challenges while positioning our entire industry for a stronger future.

Nick Smith is Executive Director of Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities and provides public affairs services to the American Forest Resource Council in Portland, Oregon.

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TimberWest Magazine — November/December 2020 — www.forestnet.com

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