Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

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November 2014

One-two logging punch at Mattey Bros. Logging with new harvesting equipment

Award-winning sawmill partnership in Quebec SPECIAL INSERT: 2015 DK-SPEC WALL CALENDAR

Malakwa mill resurrection in British Columbia Fort Nelson, B.C.: Ample wood supplies, forest companies wanted

With this issue…

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FEATURES November 2014 Volume 45 • No. 7 Editor Paul MacDonald Contributing Editors Jim Stirling Tony Kryzanowski George Fullerton Tech Update Editor Tony Kryzanowski

Publisher Rob Stanhope E-mail: stanhope@forestnet.com Phone: (604) 990-9970 Fax: (604) 990-9971 Sales Associates James Booth (604) 990-9970 E-mail: jbooth@forestnet.com Perry Rosehill (604) 613-3001 E-mail: rosehill@forestnet.com

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On the Cover:

Sawmills in the Canadian forest industry continued to be active places this fall, thanks to healthy U.S. housing starts— which were recently over the one million mark for the third time this year—and continuing demand for lumber from China, as well as steady demand from other markets. Add to this a lower loonie, and the outlook for the industry looks reasonably bright going into 2015.

(Millyard photo by Tony Kryzanowski)

4 Spotlight – Fort Nelson wants your sawmill

If you’re looking to set up a sawmill operation, B.C.’s Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and the town of Fort Nelson want to talk to you—and they have a basket of sustainable green timber in their back pocket.

8 One-two punch in

harvesting equipment

B.C.’s Mattey Bros. Logging has a relatively new one-two punch on the harvesting end these days, in the form of a John Deere 959K tracked feller buncher and an 870C Tigercat tracked buncher, and both machines are delivering the goods.

18 Harvesting

trees—and crops

A logging and farming combination approach to business is working well for brothers Marcel and Alain Chalifour of logging contactor Almar Limbing in Saskatchewan, with the brothers sometimes dividing their time between harvesting trees, and crops.

22

Malakwa mill resurrection

A sawmill in the small B.C. Interior town of Malakwa has been resurrected with some capital—and plenty of hard work— and is now producing green hemlock lumber for the Chinese market.

28 Ready for Mother

Nature

B.C. Interior logging contractor John Himech Logging Ltd has to be ready for whatever Mother Nature sends their way—including wildfires that can throw harvesting schedules out of whack.

34

Award-winning sawmill partnership

The award-winning Opitciwan sawmill partnership between Resolute Forest Products and the Atkamekw Council of Obedjiwan Quebec First Nations stands out as a model for other First Nations/forest industry partnerships across Canada.

39 The Edge

Included in The Edge, Canada’s leading publication on research in the forest industry, are stories from the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions…

54 The Last Word

Jim Stirling talks about how B.C.’s Forest Practices Board keeps an eye on the forests.

DEPARTMENTS

Calendar.........................................................................................................7 New & Noted: at Timber Processing and Energy Expo in Portland, Oregon...............42 Suppliernewsline..........................................................................................48 Classifieds / Employment Opportunities.......................................................52 Ad Index ......................................................................................................53 Reader Service/Subscriptions.......................................................................53 Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

3

spotlight

Fort Nelson

wants your sawmill If you’re looking to set up a sawmill operation, B.C.’s Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and the town of Fort Nelson want to talk to you—and they have a basket of sustainable green timber in their back pocket.

By Jim Stirling

T

he Northern Rockies Regional Municipality is taking the bull by its proverbial horns. Frustrated by provincial government inertia and driven by the determination to re-ignite its forest industry, the regional municipality is now independently seeking industrial partners to unlock the potential of its forgotten forests.

It’s circulating an information package to introduce forest industry investors to the substantial storehouse of available healthy green forests in northeastern British Columbia.

As well, the regional municipality says its major community of Fort Nelson has the sustainable support infrastructure required for the development of its underutilized forest resources.

The forest industry used to be part of Fort Nelson’s economy. The town has supported the industry in one form or other for at least half a century.

Since the 1970s, Fort Nelson has been home to various sizes and types of sawmills, a plywood plant, a chopstick manufacturing mill and an OSB plant.

But then along came 2008 and the global downturn. The major forest company in Fort Nelson—Canfor—pulled out. The industry ground to a halt. Local loggers had to look to the oil and gas patch and other ways to make ends meet.

B.C.’s Liberal government has continued cutting funding for forestry and whittling down the numbers of ministry staff in the districts. Fort Nelson has gone from 26 to eight in about eight years.

The northern spirit of self reliance kicked in when the regional municipality didn’t receive any encouragement from

to page 6

Fort Nelson, B.C. has been home to a variety of forest industry facilities over the years—and now stands ready to kickstart new industry facilities in the town.

4

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

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spotlight from page 4 Victoria to promote forest industry development in its area.

“We decided to go ahead and do something about it,” recalled Jack Stevenson, director of community planning and development with the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality in Fort Nelson. “We are used to doing for ourselves. We are neglecting a resource that can help our region.”

The staff at the local office of the Ministry of Forests & Natural Resource Operations supported the Northern Rockies initiative. “They’ve gone out of their way to help,” said Stevenson.

The Fort Nelson Timber Supply Area (TSA) represents about 9.8 million hectares of northeastern B.C. About 5.7 million cubic metres is categorized as productive forest with a current timber harvesting land base of about 1.4 million hectares. Spruce is the dominant conifer, followed by pine, and there’s a significant deciduous specie component of aspen, cottonwood and birch.

The pine is spread unevenly in the TSA (about 23 per cent) with the highest concentrations in the forests west of the

mountains. Much of it is inaccessible and small diameter. “The mountain pine beetle crossed over our southern boundary a few years ago. It continued north this year, but is sporadic due to the nature of our eastern pine stands. It (the beetle epidemic) may have lost some of its vigour as it deals with cooler climates,” speculated Steve Lindsey, forest district manager in Fort Nelson.

The AAC for the Timber Supply Area was around 1.625 million cubic metres when the recession hit and the bottom fell out from the U.S. housing market.

“Given that the forest resource in the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality has been largely untouched by the mountain pine beetle and harvesting has been minimal in the last six years, our available basket of sustainable green timber provides a significant investment opportunity,” emphasized Bill Streeper, Mayor of Fort Nelson.

Administering a TSA with a limited history of development has its challenges and opportunities, as the regional municipality’s forestry overview candidly states. “The relatively short operational experience in this extensive and geographically isolated TSA presents difficulty in defining economically harvestable stands, which adds

More Information? Action Card #102

6

uncertainty to the level of harvest that may reasonably be expected to be achieved.

“On the other hand,” it adds, “a benefit of the early stage of development is a preponderance in the TSA of extensive areas of older timber that remain undeveloped across the landscape, affording many alternative options and much flexibility for resource management in the TSA.” The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality knows potential investors must look beyond the nature of the forest resource itself before making decisions. Fort Nelson can claim solid advantages there, too. The municipality of about 5,300 residents is a road and air transportation hub and the northern freight terminus of CN Rail. It has a full range of housing, service, educational, leisure and retail amenities.

In 2013, Northern Rockies concluded a cost sharing Infrastructure Development Contribution Agreement with the provincial government. The accord allows for the investment of a growth-driven $10 million per year for 20 years to accommodate demands for municipal services.

“We anticipate the region will become a cornerstone for economic growth,” notes the forestry overview package. The vision

More Information? Action Card #103

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

spotlight includes the growing role of a forest industry in the northeast.

Jack Stevenson, along with Mike Gilbert, community development officer, are not anticipating their forestry investment appeal will attract another single integrated forest giant. “We see clustering as a possible model. A 100 per cent usage of the resource is the target,” explained Gilbert. That may well include a sawmill, creating products for markets best suited to the available fibre.

CALENDAR

“Because of our distance from market, we need to add value at this end,” he continued. “We’re trying to build a resilient and diverse sector that will create a stable employment base.”

Initial reaction to the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality’s efforts have been encouraging, reported Stevenson and Gilbert.

“We can’t be specific at this stage but in general terms we’ve heard from those interested in producing lumber and

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innovative technologies, like biofuels,” said Gilbert.

The regional municipality is formulating follow-up strategies to the original introductory foray into the forest investment communities. “We don’t delude ourselves. We know it will take time and we’re prepared for that,” declared Gilbert.

“We’re in it for the long haul.”

For more information consult www. northernrockies.ca …and follow the forestry investment links.

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contractorprofile

One-Two

punch

in harvesting equipment

B.C.’s Mattey Bros. Logging has a relatively new one-two punch on the harvesting end these days, in the form of a John Deere 959K tracked feller buncher and an 870C Tigercat tracked buncher, and both machines are delivering the goods.

Mattey Bros. Logging’s 959K tracked buncher working in steep slopes in B.C’s Southern Interior (photo courtesy of Mattey Bros Logging).

8

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

contractorprofile John Deere equipment is not new to Mattey Bros—the contractor has had a long and successful relationship with Deere, and B.C. Deere equipment dealer, Brandt Tractor. In fact, they’ve dealt with the same sales person at the company for decades, and the Deere equipment has worked well, year-in, year-out, in the steep slopes, hot weather and deep snow of the Southern Interior.

In addition to the 959K machine, Mattey Bros also have two other Deere machines, an 853 buncher and a 903 buncher.

The Tigercat 870C buncher is new to the operation—it’s their first piece of Tigercat equipment and, so far, it’s proving its stuff. “We had not been looking specifically for purpose-built equipment,” said Danny Mattey. “It was a matter of what works.” And opportunity. The 870C was doing contract work for them, and they bought the machine from its owner.

“It only had a couple of thousand hours on it,” says Danny. “And it’s always good to try something different.”

Both of the bunchers bring some solid power and features with them.

The 959K, part of Deere’s 900 series

By Paul MacDonald

M

attey Bros. Logging of Chase, B.C. has a relatively new onetwo punch on the harvesting end these days.

Over the last year or so, the logging contractor, based in the Shuswap Region in B.C.’s Southern Interior, has introduced a John Deere 959K tracked feller buncher and an 870C Tigercat tracked buncher, both tilting machines, into their equipment line-up. And both machines, according to Mattey Bros.’ Danny Mattey, and his son, Dan, are delivering the goods in both the licencee harvesting they do, as well as in timber sales.

of machines, is equipped with a John Deere PowerTech 6090H engine delivering 286 hp, has maximum boom depth of 29 ft. 4 inches, and tractive effort of 86,300 lbf.

The 959K, along with its 900 series siblings, is said to lower daily operating costs and simplify maintenance, with what Deere says is best-in-class fuel efficiency.

Easy, wide-open access to checkpoints makes quick work of daily checks, while a clean hydraulics layout, common hydraulic components, and spin-on filters ease maintenance.

The leveling system on the 959K keeps the upper frame parallel to the ground, even when the tracks are climbing or tilting. The system tilts 26 degrees forward, seven degrees rearward, and 14 degrees to either side, keeping the operator in a comfortable, level position Visibility is good, due to the wide expanse of front and side glass, a skylight, and a bottom window. Joysticks and loweffort controls with backlit indicators are

to page 10

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Making the initial deal for equipment such as the 959K is important, but of course the service that follows is key to the equipment being efficient and productive for Mattey Bros. “We get good service from Brandt Tractor—they have a branch just down the highway in Kamloops,” says Danny.

Tigercat’s 870C feller buncher is said to be suited to high production final felling in difficult and demanding forest conditions. A Cummins QSL9 Tier III engine delivers 300 hp. It features 75,000 lbf tractive effort for high performance in extreme terrain.

The 870C has a refined, efficient hydraulic system, high capacity cooling, good access to all major components, and a superior operator’s station, says Tigercat.

The 870C is the result of over a decade of ongoing engineering enhancements and field testing and in some of the harshest forest environments. The 870C performs exceptionally well in a wide variety of applications from demanding high cycle felling applications to tall, oversize timber, according to Tigercat.

Tigercat says the machines operate in the tropics and Siberia at both temperature extremes, so the 870C buncher at Mattey Bros should do just fine in the B.C. Interior, with its extreme hot and cold temperatures.

The machine features Tigercat’s ER boom system with operator controlled on/ off switch. ER technology reduces boom cycle times, increases productivity, reduces fuel consumption and requires less

to page 12

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contractorprofile from page 10

Mattey Bros. Logging has a four-bay service shop on the outskirts of the town of Chase, right on the Trans-Canada Highway, which is often central to where they are logging—but sometimes not. They have a service truck, with a heavy duty mechanic, that takes care of the more further out operations.

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effort from the operator. It has twin swing drives for powerful swing torque and reduced pinion loads for extended swing system life.

The 870C has dedicated pumps for both saw and clamp arms, and features the Tigercat-built FH400 forest duty undercarriage with long track frames and wide stance carbody. In B.C., the Tigercat dealer is Inland Kenworth Parker Pacific Equipment, which also has a branch in nearby Kamloops.

“Pretty much everyone is in Kamloops,” says Danny, which is a big help for them. They can usually get parts the same day, or at the latest, the next day. “That helps us to keep the equipment up and running. We keep an inventory of minor parts around the shop, and we can usually patch things together if we have a problem, if we have to wait. But we don’t have to wait very often.”

Mattey Bros also has a good sized equipment boneyard, which comes in handy on a regular basis. They’ve reached in there for a skidder rear end, as well as smaller items, such as cylinders.

On the processing side of the operation, Deere 2154 carriers with Waratah 622B heads are their choice of production machine. They also have an older Volvo 210BF carrier, with a Waratah head.

The Waratah heads, like the Deere equipment, have proven to be solid performers.

“We’ve tried out the Southstar head, and it worked fine, too,” says Danny. “But we’d have to go with their bigger head if we went with Southstar, so that would mean some other changes in the operation, such as going to larger carriers. At this point, the 622B heads do everything we need to do.”

While they do some timber sales work for nearby North Enderby Timber, most of their work is for Canoe Forest Products Ltd., near Salmon Arm, in the Okanagan Timber Supply Area, surrounding Shuswap Lake. In 2012, Canoe Forest Products joined the Kelowna-based Gorman Family of Companies, when Federated Co-operatives sold its forest products operations.

Working in the Canoe licence, Danny said they are harvesting good stands of big fir, very few of which can’t be handled by the bunchers. He noted that sometimes double cutting is required with the bigger wood.

to page 14 12

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

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contractorprofile from page 12 In this area of B.C. they have not seen much in the way of beetle killed wood on the licence, though they have run into a fair bit of it from time to time doing the timber sales.

Like every logging operation, Mattey Bros pulled in the reins in terms of equipment spending during the downturn. “We did what we could, but you still have to keep everything in good shape and you can’t be broke down—you have to do what you need to do to make the operation work,” says Danny.

But it has now made some solid investments, with the buncher purchases in the last year or so. They also replaced two skidders, picking up two Deere 748 H skidders, from Brandt Tractor. “We’re doing fine with loaders right now—we usually try to have a spare loader around.”

They have a four-bay service shop on the outskirts of the town of Chase, right on the Trans-Canada Highway.

“The shop is sometimes central to where we’re logging—and sometimes it’s not,” says Danny. He notes they have had logging operations spread all over the

region, from Golden to the east, Lumby to the south, and Clearwater in the north.

“The work we do for Canoe is fairly close by, though, so the shop works well for that. Otherwise, we just get out there and fix the equipment, wherever it is.”

They have a service truck, with a heavy duty mechanic, that takes care of the more further out operations, and two heavy duty mechanics are usually at the shop.

They work to get all the equipment in to the shop at least once a year. “If we can get them in during break-up in the spring, we’ll go over them then and do hose work and anything else. And if some of the machines are working through breakup, we’ll work to get them in afterwards, to do what we might need to get done.”

Danny says their equipment operators, most of whom are very long term, are good at spotting maintenance issues in advance, and giving the shop or service truck a head’s up about any problems.

He notes that many employees have been with the company for 20 years or longer; his foreman, Dale Becker, has been with the operation for 35 years.

Even though Mattey Bros is working

More Information? Action Card #109

14

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

with a solid crew these days, Danny reinforces what the industry itself has been saying about finding qualified operators and mechanics—in short, they are going to be tough to find.

The operation has an advantage in that it is located in one of the most beautiful spots in B.C. The office and shop is just up the hill from Little Shuswap Lake. For anyone into the outdoors, it’s paradise.

And it’s very much a paradise compared to some of the somewhat dismal workplaces in Alberta’s oil patch, which has been successful at drawing workers away from B.C. “It can be a challenge getting people, especially if you’re trying to do more work,” says Danny.

In 2013, they increased volume, logging on five sides vs. the usual four sides.

“It worked fine, but there’s just that much more to look after,” said Danny. And with the extra people and equipment that can be involved, sometimes it’s a question whether the profit margin is sufficient for the extra effort. Taking on additional volume can help spread the costs over more operations, though.

“When it works, it helps,” says Danny.

“But you have to be careful because it doesn’t always work.”

As with all contractors, fuel costs are a concern. Even though oil prices have come to page 16

contractorprofile

Danny Mattey (above, left) has spent almost 50 years in the logging business. These days, Danny oversees the shop and son, Dan, takes care of operations in the bush. Above is Danny, Dan (right) and Dan’s son, Gavin.

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contractorprofile

The Tigercat 870C tracked buncher is the first piece of Tigercat equipment for Mattey Bros Logging, and the purpose-built machine is proving its stuff in steep ground in the B.C. Interior (above). The 870C features the Tigercat-built FH400 forest duty undercarriage. from page 14 down substantially in the last six months or so, that has yet to translate into much lower prices at the pump. The new John Deere and Tigercat bunchers are more fuel efficient though. That, along with their higher productivity, means they are getting more production for every litre of fuel used.

An issue Danny sees coming up for the industry is Diesel Emission Control Systems (DECS), which they are going to have to contend with, as well.

But DECS is just the latest thing for Danny to deal with in his decades-long career in the logging industry, which spans almost 50 years. He was born in Chase, as was his father, who started a pole business in 1932, and then moved into the woods, doing horse logging. Danny’s grandfather was also involved in the forest industry.

The horse logging was soon replaced with horse power, with the skidding done

by Cat dozers. Danny’s son, Dan, started working in the operation while he was still a teenager. These days, working with hauling foreman Bob McLellan, Dan takes

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care of operations in the bush, while Danny holds the fort at the shop, and takes care of their 12 Western Star Trucks, from James Western Star in Kamloops.

They also use a number of hired trucks in their logging operations.

Overseeing the trucks is fitting since Danny started out his career in the seat of a logging truck. He’s also turned his fair share of wrenches. At this point, he’s done pretty well everything you need to do in logging, with the exception of operating harvesting equipment.

Danny recently turned 65, and has no plans to retire. “I really like what I’m doing—why would I want to retire?” His father worked in the business until he was 82.

And he’s also witnessing the next generation of the Mattey Family—Dan’s son, Gavin—starting to get involved in the business, which he understandably takes pride in. “From my grandfather to Gavin, that is five generations in the industry,” he says.

And when the time is right, Danny and Dan are ready to pass on what they know, about how to best operate a logging business.

Danny says there are really no secrets.

“It’s just about getting out there and getting it done. You make sure the guys have what they need in terms of equipment, and make sure they get home safe at night.”

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loggingprofile

arvesting trees— and crops

A logging and farming combination approach to business is working well for brothers Marcel and Alain Chalifour of logging contactor Almar Limbing in Saskatchewan, with the brothers sometimes dividing their time between harvesting trees, and crops.

By Tony Kryzanowski

S

askatchewan is known for its cooperative spirit, and one place where that co-operation is very evident is at Almar Limbing, a stump-to-roadside contractor owned by two brothers who also manage a large farming operation, which includes a herd of 250 elk.

Marcel and Alain Chalifour own Almar Limbing, which is based in Leoville, southeast of Meadow Lake, about 300 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon. They log both hardwood and softwood under contract to a woodlands management company called Mistik Management in areas both north and south of Meadow Lake.

While they have a decided preference for Tigercat equipment for harvesting, skidding, and for their processor carriers, they use multiple brands of processor heads.

Their fleet has three Tigercat TH575 processing heads, which includes the prototype purchased by the company in 2007. It is still being used and has over 18,000 hours on it. The prototype is mounted on a Tigercat H860C carrier and one of the newer units is mounted on an H855C carrier. However, as one example of the innovative thinking that takes place at Almar Limbing, one is also mounted on a modified Tigercat feller buncher.

Something else that is rather unique at Almar Limbing is that they operate all their processors in one area, making for an unusual scene of solid iron coming

over the hill where up to nine processors are stationed along the roadway and working at various points. Alain says that the reason they have all their processors working this way is so that if something breaks down and it needs repair, there’s no driving to get to the unit. Also, it allows

Alain Chalifour (right) and his brother, Marcel, take turns working in the bush.

Andre and Marcel own Almar Limbing, and alternate each week between their logging business and farm business.

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

the company to move a processor into the broken down processor’s spot almost immediately, if needed.

They are always on the look-out for a good deal on processor heads, often finding one—as long as the head can do the job to mill specifications and is something

loggingprofile Almar Limbing’s Tigercat feller bunchers work well on a steady diet of both hardwood and softwood logs. They log hardwood and softwood under contract to woodlands management company Mistik Management in areas around Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan.

they can maintain. They have been logging since 1991 so they understand how an attachment should perform, no matter what the brand name is on the head, just as long as they can find parts.

The family has a long history in logging.

Marcel is the older brother and he started working in the industry by sub-contracting his services as a chainsaw operator, working with several partners who owned and operated line skidders. A pulp mill was built in Meadow Lake in 1991 and they wanted their contractors to adopt mechanical harvesting methods. Marcel purchased a delimber and continued to sub-contract his services.

“We operated delimbers until 1996 and then we bought out the A. Heppner and Sons logging contract,” says Alain.

“We’ve been working for Mistik throughout all the years, with a bit of work for Tolko when we had time.”

Meadow Lake and area has a large, established forest industry. The Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) owns and operates a sawmill, NorSask Forest Products, Tolko Industries operates an oriented strandboard plant, and Paper Excellence Group operates a mechanical pulp mill.

Mistik Management has a contract to look after woodlands operations for NorSask, Meadow Lake Mechanical Pulp, as well as L & M Wood Products in Glaslyn, Saskatchewan, which is about an hour south of Meadow Lake. As part of its overall forest management duties, Mistik hires and supervises logging and log haul contractors.

The Chalifour brothers alternate, each spending a week working either in the logging side of the business or on the farm. That way, they both have a good understanding of what needs to be done on each side of the business and if either one needs to take some time off, there is always someone to back them up.

“This type of combination probably requires a partnership because it would be quite tough to manage on your own,” says Alain. “The busy time is obviously in the fall.”

Almar Limbing logs year round except for spring break up, which is good timing since that’s when the Chalifours seed their crops and bring their entire logging fleet into the yard for extensive maintenance work prior to taking them back to the bush about mid-June. The only time either brother will be away from the

logging business for any length of time is during harvest—but Alain says they have a good logging crew capable of maintaining production during that time, plus Marcel’s son, Brodey, is one of their logging equipment operators. They crop 1500 acres of grain in the Leoville area, and come harvest time, their father, Andre, also lends a hand. Alain’s son, Braydon, also helps out in the logging business, operating equipment in the summers before returning to school.

They manage a logging camp about an hour from Meadow Lake and rarely work weekends. Given the camp’s close proximity to town and their work schedule, this helps them retain employees, in an environment where there is considerable competition for workers from the nearby oil and gas industry. They have 18 employees, and several have been with the company over 15 years.

Almar Limbing harvests about 300,000 cubic metres annually, which is about three times more than when they first started out. They harvest poplar, spruce and jack pine, with about three quarters being hardwood destined for the pulp mill in Meadow Lake and one quarter softwood shipped to NorSask Forest Products.

The average diameter of the logs is about 14”.

“We were fortunate to be working for Mistik during the downturn because they were one of the few companies that kept logging,” says Alain. “It definitely was slower, but we kept on working.” They were able to keep working because so much of their harvest is hardwood. The

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loggingprofile

A Tigercat 630D skidder at work for Almar Limbing. The company purchased its first Tigercat skidder in 1998; the owners were very satisfied with its performance and uptime, and the transition to the brand’s dominance within Almar Limbing’s fleet evolved from there.

downturn was largely driven by a sudden drop in housing starts in the United States and severely curtailed demand for softwood lumber. The company was harvesting a lot less softwood for NorSask during that time.

There are two primary sorts in their cutblocks, those being hardwood and softwood and this is handled by the skidders. The softwood is processed into 16’ and 8’ lengths with the focus on producing as many 16’ logs as possible because they are easier to load, while the hardwood is decked tree length.

Their fleet consists of one Tigercat 870C feller buncher, two Tigercat 860C feller bunchers, four Tigercat 630D skidders, and one Tigercat 630C skidder that is used primarily as a spare.

For processing heads, Almar Limbing has three Tigercat TH575 processing heads mounted on two Tigercat carriers and, as mentioned a converted feller buncher.

They also have four New Holland 215 processor carriers with Denharco DHT650 processing heads, one Kobelco processor carrier with another DHT650 Denharco processing head, and one Komatsu PC200 processor carrier with a Southstar model 500 processing head.

“We probably own some of the only Denharco processing heads in Canada,” says Alain. He says the manufacturer was experiencing some financial difficulties at the time that Almar Limbing was looking to add to their processor fleet. They were familiar with the product and were able to acquire five heads at substantially discounted prices. Denharco delimbers are still available and marketed through Pierce Pacific.

Rounding out Almar Limbing’s fleet are a John Deere 2054 carrier with a Lim-mit 2100 delimber, and a Komatsu PC220 carrier with a Lim-mit 2100 delimber.

Alain says prior to Tigercat manufacturing purpose-built carriers for processors, they typically would use a feller buncher carrier. Given Almar Limbing’s familiarity with that approach, when it came time to purchase the new Tigercat 870C feller buncher recently, they simply converted their old 860C feller buncher to work as a processor.

“To trade in that buncher, you don’t get much money, so we decided to just try it as a processor and see how that would work for us,” he says. “It’s quite a difference in price when you purchase just a boom, stick and a head versus a complete unit. We still have some tweaking to do, but I think it will work out fine.”

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

from page 19

Alain adds that not a lot of tweaking was required other than replacing a pump and a few valves, as well as installation of the computer system to operate the processing head. They were able to do most of the work themselves, with the final touches handled by Almar Limbing’s mechanic working with a Tigercat technician.

The company purchased its first Tigercat skidder in 1998; the owners were very satisfied with its performance and uptime, and the transition to the brand’s dominance within Almar Limbing’s fleet evolved from there. Alain says one reason why they have continued to favor the brand is because Tigercat has consistently been working hard to upgrade and improve its equipment, even through the downturn.

“We look for uptime,” says Alain with regard to what they expect from their equipment. “We spend our spring conducting preventative maintenance to try to eliminate as much downtime as we can through the season.” While it is impossible to eliminate all downtime, he says, starting with a reliable brand and sticking to a detailed preventative maintenance program really makes a difference.

More Information? Action Card #112

BCsawmilling

Malakwa mill resurrection

A sawmill in the small B.C. Interior town of Malakwa has been resurrected with some capital—and plenty of hard work—and is now producing green hemlock lumber for the Chinese market.

By Paul MacDonald he sawmill in the small town of Malakwa in the Eagle Valley of British Columbia’s Shuswap region has an interesting history—at one time, it was essentially owned by everyone in B.C. The mill started operating in the early 1970s, and was owned at one point by Westar Timber. Westar Timber was part of the British Columbia Resources and Investment Corporation (BCRIC) a provincial Crown corporation that in 1979

distributed five free BCRIC shares to every citizen of the province.

Some B.C. residents still have their BCRIC share certificates, though these days—with the various operations having gone through a number of corporate transformations—the shares are more conversation pieces than anything of value.

The Malakwa sawmill was last operated on a full-time basis by forestry giant Louisiana-Pacific in 2005. It was subsequently sold to private investors, and operated on and off until 2010.

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Last year, the mill was purchased by several Vancouver-area investors, and now operates as Elite Forest Products. It started up this past summer, producing dimensional lumber, primarily for the China market.

But perhaps unlike many other sawmill re-starts—especially with the sawmills of the major forest companies, with their large budgets—the focus has been on hard work, rather than capital, at the mill.

And there have been some challenges along the way.

BCsawmilling The team working on bringing the mill back to operations mode is made up of mill manager Ray Hanson, Elite Forest Products CEO Devon Buttar and company COO Garry Vinayak. Both Buttar and Vinayak, who are in their early-20s, are new to sawmilling, though they have been learning fast from the 40 years-plus experience of Hanson. “We’ve learned a lot from Ray in the last three or four months alone,” says Vinayak.

Including learning how to roll with whatever came their way during start-up.

“Everything has its hiccups when you are starting it up,” says Vinayak.

The hiccups included a power surge knocking out their PLCs. Due to the age of the equipment, they had to source replacement PLCs in Oregon. “If that hadn’t happened, we would have been producing lumber a lot earlier,” said Hanson.

The big challenge was getting the mill’s computer system and PLC’s back and operating after not running for four years. The PLCs essentially had to be reprogrammed, and upgrades made—not an enviable task. “The tech person really

Elite Forest Products mill manager Ray Hanson (below) says there was a sense of excitement when they ran the first log through the line, after the mill had been shut down for years. “Not too many months ago,” he says, “we were looking at an empty old sawmill.”

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

had to start from zero,” said Hanson.

All this considered, the Malakwa mill re-start moved along well, and the mill was producing lumber this past summer, and its first shipment was loaded and bound for China in August.

At this point, the mill employs about 20 people, which is understandably a big deal for the town of Malakwa, which only has about 750 residents. The company has a Timber Licence, and once harvesting gets started, another 10 to 15 people will be employed. The company’s management trio hopes that by next year, they will employ upwards of 40 to 50 people.

The Timber Licence will meet about 30 per cent of their timber needs; the plan is for the balance to come from timber purchases/trades with mills operating in the region, including Louisiana-Pacific, which produces laminated veneer products and plywood at an operation in Golden, and Downie Timber in Revelstoke, both of which are not too far down the TransCanada Highway from Malakwa.

“We’re working with the local mills,” says Hanson.

The company’s Timber Licence includes a variety of wood species, which they will be looking to trade. And Hanson says they’ve had a good response to that initiative.

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BCsawmilling

from page 23

More Information? Action Card #113

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“It’s a good fit with the mills that are already here in the region—we’re looking for different wood, and we’re not cutting in their lumber markets.”

The Elite Forest Products mill is a good fit for the region in that it is running hemlock, a species the other mills in the area don’t process. “Hemlock will be our prime species, and all the other mills are processing fir, cedar, lodgepole pine,” says Hanson.

“There are very few mills that specifically cut hemlock in the B.C. Interior—but it’s more common on the coast.” About 80 per cent of their green hemlock production will be exported to China, through a Vancouver-area broker, with the balance going into the U.S. market.

Even though it last ran in the summer of 2010, the mill’s equipment was actually in reasonably good shape, thanks to Hanson’s efforts caretaking the mill in the interim.

Hanson notes that the equipment in the two-line mill is solid and dependable, but not recent. On the large log line, they have a rosserhead debarker that can handle up to 60 inch logs, and on the small log line, they have an 18” Nicholson debarker. The small log line has a Kockums CanCar (now USNR) chip ‘n saw canter that handles up to 16” logs, and the large log line has a Letson & Burpee seven foot, double-cut bandsaw.

“The newest equipment in the mill is the Letson and Burpee bandsaw, which was installed in the early 1980s. We can bunk a 50 to 60 inch log, with that, so we can cut big timber. The planer mill, which is a 16 knife Newman, was installed in the early 1980s, too. It isn’t top of the line equipment, but it’s in good shape.”

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

The small log line has a Ukiah vertical double arbor edger, and the large log line also has a Ukiah double arbor edger. They also have a Schurman bull edger, and a Yates recovery band saw.

While they are not currently using them, the operation has two Moore dry kilns.

Equipment-wise, Hanson says, they are fine, considering the timber they are going to be cutting. That’s not to say they wouldn’t look at upgrades as the operation gets more on its feet, perhaps in the headrig area. “But we don’t really need to do that right now.”

While the equipment was in good shape, they still had a “To Do” list when they started working on preparing the mill to operate.

One of the bigger projects involved the chip storage area, where they now have a new concrete pad for chips. “We’ve got enough containment for 35,000 cubic yards of chips,” says Hanson. ‘We also took out the blow pipe and put in conveyors instead, which has meant less maintenance. It makes everything easier.”

That was a priority because they are producing five to seven B-Train loads of chips a week, for the Zellstoff pulp mill in Castlegar, B.C. For the time being, they will be storing their hog fuel. They have a separator to separate the sawdust from the bark, so they will be able to market the sawdust. There is talk about a new biomass energy system being built in Revelstoke and a pellet mill

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

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BCsawmilling from page 25 in the region, so the remaining hog fuel may find a home at those projects, if they go ahead.

“Aside from those areas of the mill operation, we have not made any major changes,” says Hanson.

“Equipment-wise, it was not a big challenge—it was like we have to fix this item on that conveyor, or replace those bearings, mostly minor things. We’ve made some changes, but we’ll be running the mill pretty much as it was run before it was shut down.”

They had to upgrade the scales, and there were still all the necessary permits and approvals that had to be obtained. “It was a big job—and still is,” says Hanson.

Getting an older mill up and operating can make building a new sawmill look like a piece of cake. “It’s much harder than starting out brand new,” says Hanson.

“You take a Tolko or West Fraser, if they go to build a new mill, it’s all set up—it’s so much simpler.”

Added to that, this area of B.C. is on the remote side, too. It has only had cell phone service for a year—and it can be difficult to get trades people in to work on the mill, because of its location.

In terms of maintenance, and general running of the mill, Hanson notes they

were fortunate in that they were able to hire one of the former millwrights who worked at the mill. “He knows every bolt in the mill.” In fact, many of the people working at the mill are former employees.

Hanson himself worked at the mill for many years, and was part of the crew doing the shakedown on the mill, when it was built in the early 1970s.

Over the past year, they’ve had a small crew to get the mill back and operating— it’s pretty much been Hanson, Buttar and Vinayak, and a few other bodies. They are using the services of a local electrician.

Basically, they got the mill up and running with a lot of sweat, rather than lots of capital.

One of the biggest challenge they had was the weather; the area had the hardest winter and spring in over 20 years, says Hanson. There was four feet of snow on the mill site at one point. Hanson has a four-wheel drive pick-up, and it had to be pulled out a few times by the mill’s Volvo L180C loader.

“We were up looking at the area where our logging rights are in the last week of May, and there was still snow on the road, let alone on the bush,” said Hanson.

With wood now being delivered, the plan is to run the mill on a one-shift basis; when L-P was operating the mill, which was then a cedar mill, they were producing

from 75,000 to 100,000 board feet a shift.

The target for Elite Forest Products will be 50,000 board feet a shift, of rough green dimensional hemlock; for the time being, they will be running the wood through the planer to keep it to size, and because it has to be anti-sapstained.

Management is realistic about the current limitations of the mill. “This year, we’ll run it until the weather tells us to stop, probably around December, and then put it to bed and start it up again in March,” explained Hanson. “We won’t be quite up to speed, equipment-wise, to run this winter. And cutting hemlock in the winter is difficult because the wood freezes so easily.” The plan is to run straight through the winter in 2015, though.

Considering what they have to work with, and how far they’ve come with getting the mill up and operating, Hanson, Buttar and Vinayak are proud of what they have achieved, and the contribution it will be making to the local economy.

They talk about the excitement about running the first log through the large log line. “Not too many months ago, we were looking at an empty old sawmill,” says Hanson.

“It’s been a tough row to hoe, but we’re there now. The proof was when we loaded the first truck of lumber for the port in Vancouver, headed for China.”

The Timber Licence for Elite Forest Products will meet about 30 per cent of their timber needs; the plan is for the balance to come from timber purchases/trades with other mills operating in the region. The company’s Timber Licence includes a variety of wood species, which they will be looking to trade.

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More Information? Action Card #115

BClogging

Ready for Mother Nature B.C. Interior logging contractor John Himech Logging Ltd has to be ready for whatever Mother Nature sends their way—including wildfires that can throw harvesting schedules out of whack.

The John Himech Logging operation includes eight processors, Cat 320Cs to Es, all equipped with Waratah 622B processing heads.

By Jim Stirling art of the job appeal for many logging contractors is not knowing what each new day will deliver and having to adjust accordingly on the fly.

But wildfires are a complication loggers can do without. They happen most seasons, in varying degrees of severity. But their impacts on the landscape and all it supports are always profound, especially when tinder dry timber and strong summer winds create a firestorm.

That’s what happened in August 2014

with the China Nose wildfire, a lightning- triggered blaze about 15 kilometres southwest of the town of Houston, in west central British Columbia. The fire spread rapidly toward homesteads and settlements. Regular log harvesting operations in the area were suspended and it was all hands—and machines—on deck as required.

“It got pretty tense,” recalls Lorne Himech, whose office and shop for John Himech Logging Ltd., was right across Highway 16 from a marshalling area set up to help co-ordinate the forest fire

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fighting strategy. Lorne Himech is partner and general manager with John Himech Logging.

When the fire was contained and the smoke had cleared both literally and figuratively, it was back to the challenges of running a log harvesting operation. But the wildfire had left more than hot spots.

It had thrown the planned harvesting schedules out of whack. The preferred

to page 30

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BClogging

John Himech (below black and white photo, dated the 1960s) would likely be very surprised at today's fleet of efficient-and highly computerizedlogging equipment. John's children, including son Lorne (right) now ably steer John Himech Contracting forward.

staggered log harvesting phases were disrupted. Himech reckons he and some of his crews lost about 20 days through fire danger Class Five closures—and that is from only a short two-month long summer logging season for some harvesting phases.

Thus it was when Logging & Sawmilling Journal visited a site near the Morice River valley southwest of Houston, the logging crews had only recently moved in to the approximately 35,000 cubic metre block.

And consequently it was a pretty busy place. “I’m sorry about that,” said Himech. “Our operations are usually better organized.” In fact, though, it was all

proceeding safely and smoothly and settling down well.

Timber on the block was approximately 80 per cent dry pine, up to 20 per cent balsam and the balance in spruce. The wood was larger diameter than typically encountered in these post-beetle days, with piece counts of .4 to .5 cubic metres/ stem. (Next up it was back to normal: a small 5,000 cubic metre salvage pine stand nearby averaging .25 cubic metres/ stem).

Licencee Canfor in Houston required sorts of all species in 9 inches and under, under 13 inches and oversize.

Himech Logging has introduced a new procedure when logging trucks have been fully loaded. The loader operator uses his

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from page 28

machine to lift and drop the ties across the wood bundles on the truck. It saves the log truck drivers from having to heave them over the load (appreciated by the older set). But it’s also a safety feature, because the load has to be properly cinched before it moves anywhere, explained Himech.

Himech Logging harvests around 250,000 cubic metres annually for Canfor, including an AAC of 95,000 cubic metres under a replaceable licence.

For this assignment, Himech had assigned the appropriate machines to get

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BClogging from page 30 the job done, with proven Caterpillar, Tigercat and Madill equipment prominent.

“The dealers and the service we receive from them is second to none,” said Himech, explaining the machine choices.

“Finning in Houston (the Cat dealer) looks after us very well and offers creative packages like extended warranties and the Madills are super reliable and have a good rebuild program.”

The company’s fleet includes two Tigercat 870 feller bunchers and two 3200 B Madills. Skidders include two 630D Tigercats and a 625C six wheeler and two Cat 535s. Handling the loading are two Madill butt n ‘tops—a 2850 and a 2800—along with a Cat 325C, which can load or hoe chuck for the processors.

There are eight of those, Cat 320Cs to Es, all equipped with Waratah 622B processing heads.

Himech said the company did have a Waratah 624 head but lately there hasn’t been enough larger wood to keep it at optimum performance. When larger stems are encountered, the 622s handle them.

John Himech Logging runs seven logging trucks, including two of its own Kenworth rigs. One company truck doubles as a lowbed hauler when required. “All of the trailers, including the contract ones, have Timmins hayrack trailers. They work really well for us.”

On the roadbuilding side is a Cat 325, a 320 and a Komatsu 200, a Cat D7R, D7K and a 250E articulated truck. Other equipment includes a D5 with snowplow and two loader Kenworth service trucks. A

Running as smoothly and efficiently as you can: that sums up what all the logging Himech family members strive toward, despite the unexpected flare-ups from Mother Nature. contract mechanic is available in the shop on the outskirts of Houston along with a full parts inventory.

Today’s equipment roster represents a major change from the pre-beetle days.

Back when Northwood and its predecessor companies were operating further up the Morice drainage abutting the Kalum Forest District, the wood types were much more coastal.

“There was a lot of decadent balsam and it required a different complement of equipment,” recalled Himech.”A two foot snowfall could happen anytime. It can slow you down but you get to know how to deal with it.”

It’s a fair assumption John Himech’s eyebrows would rise somewhat given today’s fleet of logging equipment. John and Myrna Himech started the business from nothing. They had worked their way west from Alberta, bringing with them to the Bulkley Valley the old farm work ethic and the ability to survive. Those

More Information? Action Card #118

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

characteristics along with a strong sense of community haven’t changed as John and Myrna’s children steer the log contracting company forward. It’s still very much a family operation.

And in that sense, it’s not so far removed from when John and Myrna ran the logging business across the kitchen table after the children were in bed, the animals settled and the day’s outdoor activities had slowed.

Lorne Himech and his brother, Kevin, took on increasing roles with their dad and his partner’s logging business through the late 1960s and into the 1970s. By the 1980s, Lorne had acquired some of his own log harvesting equipment and was also assuming a supervisory role in activities. Another brother, Irv, also helped out especially as a winter equipment operator, as does Lorne’s son, Warren, who also has a drilling and blasting business.

But running an efficient log harvesting business has become a whole lot more complicated since John and Myrna’s day, especially in interpreting and accommodating changing regulations and requirements. That is where Lorne’s sisters, Janice Himech and Karen Thom, play invaluable roles as business and office managers respectively. “They make things run as smooth as you can have them,” said Lorne Himech appreciatively.

Running as smoothly and efficiently as you can sums up what all the logging Himech family members strive toward despite the unexpected flare-ups from Mother Nature and other sources along the way.

More Information? Action Card #119

FirstNationsawmilling

Award-winning sawmill partnership The award-winning Opitciwan sawmill partnership between Resolute Forest Products and the Atkamekw Council of Obedjiwan Quebec First Nations stands out as a model for other First Nations/forest industry partnerships across Canada.

Representatives from the Opitciwan sawmill, the Forest Products Association of Canada, and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business recently gathered (right) to recognize the granting of an Aboriginal Forest Products Business Leadership Award to the sawmill. The sawmill is 55 per cent aboriginal-owned in partnership with Resolute Forest Products and provides the communities around the sawmill with 125 jobs.

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FirstNationsawmilling

By Tony Kryzanowski

A

s more First Nations groups recognize the economic benefits of taking advantage of the often large forest resources in their midst, a longstanding partnership between a Quebec First Nations group and major forest company Resolute Forest Products in the Opitciwan sawmill stands as a model for other potential partnerships across Canada.

Joseph Fortin, director of woodland and sawmill operations for the Opitciwan operation, says the company’s relationship with the Atkamekw Council of Obedjiwan Quebec First Nations has been in place for 14 years and is a true partnership with shared responsibilities. Resolute provides its sawmilling, forest management, and sales experience, while the First Nation provides its local knowledge regarding traditional land use, sawmill employees, as well as woodlands employees for both logging and transportation.

This successful partnership between the First Nation and Resolute was recently recognized by the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) with their Aboriginal Forest Products Business Leadership Award.

The sawmill—located about three hours west of Lac St-Jean, Quebec and

established in 1999—is a random length mill operation producing about 45 million board feet of lumber annually from about 230,000 cubic metres of black spruce, jack pine and balsam fir. The wood averages about 20 centimetres in diameter and is delivered cut-to-length to the sawmill in 16’ logs. Their highest volume item is 2 X 4’s in lengths up to 16’.

The First Nation has a controlling interest in the partnership at 55 per cent, while Resolute has a 45 percent stake.

The sawmill produces rough lumber, which is transported to planer mills owned

by Resolute in both La Doré and Normandin, Quebec for drying and finishing prior to shipment, primarily to supply the housing market in the U.S. Resolute Forest Products operates five other sawmills in the Lac St.-Jean area in addition to its partnership at Opitciwan.

About 125 people from the Obedjiwan community are employed by the sawmill or in forestry operations, making it by far the biggest local employer. About 95 per cent of sawmill employees are local aboriginal residents while about 20 per cent of the workforce in logging and the log haul are aboriginal.

“Logging operations are a mix of aboriginal and non-aboriginal people,” says Fortin, “but we often see situations where the owner of the machinery is nonaboriginal, employing aboriginal people as operators.”

Fortin says the partners worked very hard to keep the sawmill operating—even during the lean times of the recent housing crisis in the U.S.—because of how important these jobs are to the community.

Four of the seven members of the Board of Directors come from the community and they also hold a number of supervisory positions in both the sawmill and logging operations. The sawmill operates on two, 10 hour shifts, four days per week.

“We believe that it’s certainly a good model for other communities, considering the positive impacts it has created in the

Resolute Forest Products provides its sawmilling, forest management, and sales experience, while the First Nation provides its local knowledge regarding traditional land use, sawmill employees, as well as woodlands employees for both logging and transportation.

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FirstNationsawmilling from page 35 community of Obedjiwan over the years,” says Fortin.

He adds that it is quite clear that an industry like a sawmill is a good asset for a community, and something that other communities in the area would welcome.

The Opitciwan sawmill has an annual economic impact of $20 million.

The FPAC/CCAB Aboriginal Forest Products Business Leadership Award that Opitciwan won celebrates aboriginal entrepreneurs for their success in a forest products business that exemplifies business leadership, exceptional environmental and safety performance and the delivery of high-quality products and services.

The award recipient must also demonstrate a strong long-term commitment to the aboriginal community, especially aboriginal employment.

As part of FPAC’s Vision2020 initiative, the forest products industry is committed to attracting more aboriginal workers and the dynamic Opitciwan joint venture highlights how it can be done, said David Lindsay, President and CEO of FPAC. There are now about 1,400 aboriginal-owned forest products businesses in Canada, and about 17,000 aboriginal people working in the sector, making the forest products industry in Canada the largest employer of aboriginal workers. This is the fourth time that FPAC and CCAB have presented the leadership award.

In addition to operating a successful sawmill, the Opitciwan sawmill partnership was also the first aboriginal company in eastern Canada to receive Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for its forest management practices and engagement with the local aboriginal community.

For example, the sawmill will shut down production to accommodate local cultural and traditional activities, such as both a spring and a fall goose hunt, and for two weeks of blueberry picking in summer.

The income gained from the partnership has provided financial support for radio and Internet service to the community.

FSC is an internationally recognized, third party certification program.

The Opitciwan sawmill operates one production line. In terms of production equipment, logs enter one of two Nicholson 17” debarkers at the infeed, leading to three sorting bins. The logs are processed through a Sawquip International canter twin, curved sawing and bull edger breakdown line.

After the edger, material is either manually directed back to the bull edger or to the trimmer. The goal is to achieve as much optimization from each log as possible.

The sawmill was built between 1998 and 2000, with regular upgrades since then, giving it fairly advanced technology at the front end. For example, the new canter twin breakdown unit was installed last winter at a cost of about $750,000.

The curved sawing technology and bull edger were installed four years ago.

“By making these investments, the goal was to increase the fibre use ratio by 10 to 15 per cent, resulting in less fibre loss and greater efficiency,” says Fortin. By upgrading from a twin saw breakdown system to a twin saw canter, they produce fewer chips.

The overall goal at the sawmill from a community relations standpoint is to combine both advanced technology at the front of the mill with maintaining some manual labor elements further downstream to provide jobs to local residents. Once the sawn material exits the edger and trimmer, there is a considerable amount of manual sorting and piling that takes place.

“It was planned like that right from the beginning to make sure that we created a certain number of jobs as well,” says Fortin.

After the trimmer, there are eight workers who manually pile the rough lumber depending on their dimensions, those being either 2 X 3, 2 X 4 or 2 X 6 and in lengths from 8’ to 16’. Bundles of 2 X 4 are transported to La Doré, and other dimensions are sent to Normandin.

Largely because of the strength properties of their high quality black spruce and jack pine wood fibre supply, they can also make machine stress rated lumber at the Opitciwan sawmill, which is used primarily in roof trusses for housing, says Fortin.

As part of the Forest Products Association of Canada’s Vision 2020 initiative, the forest products industry is committed to attracting more aboriginal workers and the dynamic Opitciwan joint venture highlights how it can be done.

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

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November 2014

The Edge Alberta industry urged to consider climate change in seedling selection

By Tony Kryzanowski

S

ince about 1940, Alberta’s mean annual temperature has risen between one and 1.5 degrees Celsius. Most warming occurs in the spring, which now arrives about two weeks sooner, with temperatures as much as five degrees warmer in March and April than in the past. In addition, precipitation during the growing season has substantially declined over the past several decades.

Climate change could have negative or positive impacts on forest regeneration, health and productivity in different parts of the province. In some areas, warming could cause drought and adverse effects on forests. In other areas, warming could present an opportunity for longer growing seasons and high forest productivity.

Understanding the biological relationship between trees and climate, and how this relationship is integrated into Alberta’s seed transfer guidelines, is essential in managing the impact of climate change.

Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions (AI Bio) and Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) recently co-hosted two knowledge-exchange seminars in Rocky Mountain House and Grande Prairie. The purpose was to make forest companies and practitioners familiar with provincial seed transfer standards and existing opportunities for assisted migration (planting tree seeds native to one area in a different area) as a tool for climate change adaptation.

Dr. Virginia Chavez, AI Bio Program Manager, says AI Bio agreed to co-host these seminars because of climate change concerns it heard from forest companies and feedback it received from ESRD about opportunities for assisted migration.

There was a great need for seed transfer guidelines to be interpreted and applied

correctly, and to inform forest industry practitioners not aware that existing regulations allow assisted migration in specific areas.

The seminars also provided an opportunity to share and update industry on current research related to the impact of climate change on Alberta’s forests, possible counteractive measures and knowledge gaps that need to be filled.

Chavez says facilitating this type of information exchange between the research community and industry is a priority for AI Bio, and it should result in overall better management of Alberta’s forest resource.

About 60 foresters, forest company employees who order and use seed, woodland managers, ESRD area foresters, biologists, researchers and people who use tree seed in reforestation work attended the seminars.

Leonard Barnhardt, Manager of the Tree Improvement and Seed Centre at ESRD, says a revision to Alberta’s Forest Genetic Resource Management and Conservation Standards (FGRMS), which regulates seed use in the province, is currently underway. Some of the major areas of policy scrutiny are in climate change adaptation, inclusion of shrubs as well as trees used in reclamation work in new revised standards, and further development of standards in relation to tree gene Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

conservation activities.

Chavez says that AI Bio, as a funding agency, has been working with ESRD and research organizations such as the University of Alberta to study the impact of climate change on Alberta’s forests. For example, AI Bio is investing about half a million dollars in three research projects being led and co-led by Dr. Andreas Hamann, Associate Professor in the hardwood genetics and climate change area within the Renewable Resources Department at the University of Alberta. The purpose of his research is to both guide the development of the Alberta FGRMS and provide knowledge to industry to help guide reforestation decisions being made on the ground on a case-by-case basis. He is a member of the committee that makes recommendations on FGRMS content to the government.

Dr. Hamann says seedlings with good genetic adaptability to current growing conditions often originate 200 to 400 kilometres further south, or 100 to 300 metres lower in elevation than the target planting site. Such human-assisted seed transfers, as part of regular reforestation programs, are cost-effective and provide a much greater likelihood of restoring and maintaining the commercial forest despite the adverse impacts of climate change.

For more information about AI Bio’s support for these knowledge-exchange activities and climate change research as it relates to Alberta forests, contact Virginia Chavez at (780) 422-6496 or virginia.chavez@albertainnovates. ca. Information on research projects being supported by AI Bio is available at http://extranet.aet.alberta. ca/SIIS.Public/BioLink/ViewProject. aspx?ProjectId=4821 39

The Edge

CWFC shares woody biomass knowledge at Nova Scotia workshop

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FPInnovations, provided in-depth insight on the characteristics, harvesting, handling and shipping of commercial forest residues and Dr. Michelle Adams of Dalhousie University provided an overview of local attitudes towards using forest biomass for energy production.

The conclusion of day one included a field tour and discussion of other biomass

he Canadian Wood Fibre Centre (CWFC) continues to work diligently to provide a national woody biomass program contributing to the competitiveness and sustainability of the Canadian forest sector.

Their progressive knowledge exchange program—focused on providing operational information to stakeholders—was recently showcased in Sydney, Nova Scotia with a two-day workshop entitled, ‘Advancing Woody Biomass Options & Opportunities in Nova Scotia.’

Working closely with the Verschuren Centre at Cape Breton University (CBU), CWFC staff put together a workshop program that enabled woody biomass experts from across Canada to share their woody biomass knowledge and experiences.

“Our focus for the workshop was to illustrate feedstock sources, mid-supply chain options and product opportunities,” says Tim Keddy, CWFC Wood Fibre Development Specialist. An additional focus was for those in attendance to better understand the wide variety of potential alternative woody biomass sources that are available.

Keddy adds that CWFC took part in the workshop as a way to share the knowledge it has gained over the past 15 years related to the management, harvesting and delivery of woody biomass from a variety of sources, such as short rotation woody crops, harvest residues, and utility line easements.

The attendees, numbering close to 50, were treated each day to a combination of presentations and local field tours highlighting woody biomass harvesting and woody biomass product options.

The first day highlighted presentations from Derek Sidders, CWFC Regional Coordinator and Program Manager, providing an overview of all woody feedstock sources. Keddy supplemented this with information related to short rotation woody crops and the mid supply options of woody biomass harvesting, recovery and preparation. Luc Desrochers, Researcher for

sources and a short rotation woody crop plantation at a local farm. The Verschuren Centre provided an overview of their research program regarding helping advance knowledge related to investigating the potential for establishing short rotation woody plantations in the reclamation of historic coal mine sites. Those in attendance were also treated to a woody biomass harvesting demonstration, featuring, for the first time in Nova Scotia, the Anderson Bio-Baler, a woody biomass harvesting and baling system.

The second day began with an overview of potential woody biomass product options which were then presented in more detail with focused presentations on the production of solid fuel, large scale power generation, bio-products, biochar, bio-oil, and activated carbon by local researchers and local industry representatives. A highlight was a tour of the CBU heating system that has been entirely modified from burning coal to using wood

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

pellets as a fuel source.

The conclusion of the workshop showcased a thorough field tour of the 60 megawatt, Nova Scotia Power woody biomass power plant at Point Tupper.

The power plant, situated on the same site as the Port Hawkesbury Paper Mill, consumes between 650,000 and 700,000 tonnes of woody biomass per year, sourced primarily from within Nova Scotia.

“It was a thoroughly enjoyable, practical workshop that was among the most informative and useful that I’ve attended,” says Dr. Ken Oakes, Industrial Research Chair - Environmental Remediation at the Cape Breton University.

The workshop was one of a number of various demonstrations of woody biomass mid supply options hosted by CWFC at different locations across Canada over the past year. They are part of the “Development Of Innovative Techniques And Technologies To Cost Effectively Harness And Deliver Woody Biomass Sources For A Sustainable Canadian Bioenergy Industry” project, funded under the Program of Energy Research and Development for the Office of Energy Research and Development, Natural Resources Canada.

“It was truly enjoyable to see and experience the interest and co-operation of the woody biomass industry in Nova Scotia,” says Sidders.

Home to a new 60 megawatt woody biomass power plant and with two wood pellet plants in operation, including one owned by Shaw Resources, who hosted CWFC staff for a post workshop tour, Nova Scotia has shown a strong commitment to the utilization and commercial use of woody biomass.

For more information on the topics covered at the workshop, contact Tim Keddy at (780) 435-7212 or tkeddy@ NRCan-RNCan.gc.ca or Derek Sidders at (780) 435-7355 or Derek. Sidders@ NRCan-RNCan.gc.ca.

More Information?

Action Card #123

New & Noted

By Tony Kryzanowski

T

he second Timber Processing and Energy Expo held October 15-19 in Portland, Oregon built on the good attendance and exhibitor participation achieved at the inaugural show in 2012, according to show organizers.

Catering to the lumber, veneer/plywood and engineered wood products primary manufacturing industries, the higher level of participation was generally attributed to an upswing in the forest industry.

With a more buoyant industry mood, this provided exhibitors with a great opportunity to roll out new and innovative technology for industry’s consideration.

Here are some of the highlights:

at Timber Processing and Energy Expo in Portland, Oregon

Murray Latta Side Head Jointer Assembly Upgrade Kit

Murray Latta Progressive Machine has designed an improved “plunge joint” side head jointer assembly upgrade kit for Stetson-Ross, Coastal and Newman planers called the Safety Plunge Jointer.

WaneShear Smart Saw Guide Lube System

WaneShear has taken the next step in saw lubrication and cooling to precisely control the flow of water and lubricant to each individual saw blade with its new Smart Saw Guide Lube System.

WaneShear Technologies LLC is a partnership between Ron and Clark McGehee and Shawn Guibergia and has been in business for three years.

By monitoring which saws are cutting the most and which saws cut the least, this saw guide lube system is able to drastically reduce the quantities of both water and lube. The system uses grease instead of oil to lubricate the saws and guides.

WaneShear is taking its system to the next level by installing wireless temperature sensors in the saw guides to close the loop and eliminate all the guesswork involved in cooling and lubricating guided circular saws. www.waneshear.com 42

They are built with a focus on safety and convenience, allowing operators to joint without opening the planer hood, preventing exposure to the unguarded and running side heads.

Access to the jointer is quick, easy and convenient, as the operator no longer needs to fully lock out the planer to joint the head. The jointer stone is designed to match the exact profile of the knives, providing accurate jointing quickly and easily. The result is consistent joints with less downtime, improved knife longevity and a better finished product.

Murray Latta Progressive Machine Safety Plunge Jointers are robust and heavy-duty, having the benefits of time saved, improved safety and a consistent finished product. Full payback can be realized within approximately 60 to 75 shifts, according to the company. www.mlpmachine.com

Saw+ADD Bandsaw Lower Guide Holder

The Saw+ADD system received tremendous interest at the TP&EE, says the company. Many industry veterans immediately recognized the value in the concept with comments like “that’s a simple strong idea”, and “this is the best idea out there”, it says.

The Saw+ADD bandsaw lower guide holder with integrated force sensors offers extremely responsive technology and Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

provides the much needed feedback to operate in the sweet spot.

An example of this responsiveness from the lower guide holder is that it can be used to slow the feed when necessary to prevent deviation before it starts. This ability to slow down only when necessary for irregularities in the wood that cause excessive deviation at higher speeds results in higher average speed and more production.

The Saw+ADD guide holder has a stress concentration channel to allow the force sensor to measure the maximum force with only one thousandth of an inch deflection.

The result is the ability to stop snaking before it starts, increased production, increased recovery, fewer saw changes, fewer saw wrecks, less saw benching, elimination of planer skip, and better quality lumber, says the company.

Tolko confirmed an order for their Lavington, B.C. mill at the show, which is scheduled to be installed before the end of November, and Sierra Pacific’s sixth installation went into their Burlington, Washington mill following the show. www.saw-add.com

USNR ElectraTong Lug Loader

The USNR ElectraTong (E-Tong) lug loader provides excellent board control at high speeds, excels in random thickness applications, and is the industry’s first allelectric lug loader, says USNR. It handles feather edge material well and can be coupled with USNR’s MillTrak backlog sensor.

It does not require incoming backlog pressure to deal with the board. Instead, it has the ability to pick up a piece off the

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industryshows from page 42 infeed belts with no backlog forces. Because no backlog pressure is required, it handles feathered edge material well.

Because the infeed belts index on a board-width basis, this allows the E-Tong lug loader to provide optimum board control at high speeds. It will tolerate a wide

range of thickness, which is what allows it to excel in random thickness green mill applications.

It is also suitable for planer mill applications, with modified shoes and clamps for gentle handling. www.usnr.com

DK Spec Multifunctional Knife Grinder

The DK Spec ‘Filex 2’ is a multifunctional, high performance and versatile knife grinder and offers a head diameter up to 20” and 15” long.

It can sharpen up to 0.001” precision and has a compact 6’ X 7’ ground footprint. The grinder is all electric and comes

equipped with a touch screen that makes repetitive tasks easier with very little handling. The system is programmable for up to 50 knives. www.dkspec.com

Tajfun Electronic Digital Caliper

Tajfun’s new electronic digital caliper, powered by Bober software, is a unique forestry solution for timber cruising, log scaling and lumber inventory.

Tajfun’s Bob800 digital caliper comes with wireless Bluetooth technology. The caliper is light, durable and ergonomically

designed, can be used in rainy weather, is designed to enable fast measurements, and is custom designed for log scaling and timber estimating. Multiple scale options and measuring lengths are available. www.tajfun.com

ACTIW LoadMatic Automated Truck and Container Loading

ACTIW offers automated truck and container loading with LoadMatic technology. The benefits of automation are labor reduction, loading damage reduction, reduced staging requirement, optimal appointment control, and smaller drop lots.

Technical advances in motion control, sensing and detection, logic and controls, and safety devices have allowed cost and performance improvements for manufacturers like ACTIW, which supply automated loading technologies.

ACTIW LoadMatic makes loading as easy as it should be. It is the last link in the end-to-end solution for fully automating pallet handling in the warehouse. In short, the LoadMatic is a plate which sequenced pallets are rolled on to. When a full truck Millwide. Worldwide.

More Information? Action Card #125

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industryshows from page 44 load is ready, the LoadMatic simply loads the cargo into the truck or container in one push. No alterations to the cargo space or substructures beneath the cargo are required. The LoadMatic can be seamlessly integrated into any production, warehouse or sequencing system.

This system offers: fully automated truck loading, seamless integration to any complementary systems; one shot loading that reduces docking time to a matter of minutes; less manual work and equipment needed; gentle loading both for cargo and cargo space; no alterations needed to trailers and containers; and no special equipment required at the receiving end. www.actiw.com

Williams & White Equipment Circular Saw Sharpener

The Williams & White Equipment Robosharp-AX10L2 is a new highly advanced, multi-function, circular saw sharpening centre.

It comes with top and face, dual side, and plunge grinding capabilities, and is among the most functional machines in the industry.

The dual-bay robotic loader and automated tool changing system allow this sharpening centre to run with simplicity.

Operators load the saws, select the cycle

and return once the process is complete.

It is possible to grind multiple saw diameters in one cycle without the need for human intervention, automated tool changing allows for pre-programming of different grind profiles, it can detect and replace worn out grinding wheels, and remote monitoring allows for off-site updates and alerts sent to email or mobile phone. www.williamsandwhiteequipment.com

Schneider Electric’s New HMI Software

Schneider Electric’s new WonderWare Intouch Machine Edition Human Machine 46

Interface (HMI) software is aimed at OEMs, panel builders, and end users.

The Wonderware brand has long been associated with easy-to-use software solutions that can be integrated with any controller and run on any computer. The

Intouch Machine Edition is designed to run with modest hardware requirements and operate on embedded versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems.

This software makes it possible to seamlessly integrate machine and panel data directly into the Supervisory HMI system, making machine information more accessible to operations and management for a broader understanding of the entire operation with greater control, faster response times, higher operating efficiencies, and lower total cost of ownership.

The communication system is also described as highly maintainable. It has comprehensive features that make it easier for users to integrate their information and automation systems. www.global.wonderware.com

RemaSawco Board Scanner

RemaSawco supplies complete solutions for the entire sawmill production process, from log sorting to dry sorters and planers.

It has launched a fully automated system for green and dry sorters and planers called the RS-BoardScannerQ 2.0. The system inspects all four sides of the board simultaneously; flipping the board over is not required. Installation will result in a higher production rate, improved quality output and a higher yield, says the company.

The mounting width of the unit is less than 8.2’, which means that it can be easily integrated into an existing facility without

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

the need for major redesigns.

The key to successfully detecting defects is achieved by combining tracheid and vision techniques. The tracheid technique makes it possible to discover changes in the wood fibres. Together with the vision technique, the equipment can find defects that are otherwise hard to detect. Defects such as different types of knots, rot, and bluestain are easily identified. Dirt stains like footprints or oil slicks can be pinpointed as stains and not be mistaken for other defects.

RemaSawco can supply smart solutions for the entire sawmilling process. Its product range incorporates sophisticated measurement techniques for all measurement requirements in the log sorting, sawline, board sorting and planing processes. www.remasawco.se

SPRINGER MiCROTEC opens North America sales & service office in Vancouver

A leader in the European sawmill industry, SPRINGER-MiCROTEC has opened a sale and service office in Vancouver, BC. This office will be staffed with technicians, service engineers and sales personnel with extensive experience in the North American industry. One of the technologies available from Springer Microtec is CT.Log. Medical technology has found its way into the timber industry with this log scanner. The computed tomography (CT) system scans and digitally reconstructs the internal features of a log and precisely portrays the size and

position of log defects, such as knots and cracks, in three dimensions. All that is accomplished in a fraction of a second at feed speeds of up to 120 metres per minute. This three dimensional log reconstruction system should help sawmills achieve greater recovery, productivity and value. Founded in 1952, SPRINGERMiCROTEC has been run by the same family for over 60 years with manufacturing locations in Austria and Italy. Springer Microtec’s new office in Vancouver can be reached at 604-879-4628 E-Mail: gero.springer@springer-microtec.com www.springer-microtec.com

More Information? Action Card #127

SUPPLIERNEWSLINE PrimeTech has Demo Day in Edmonton

The Canadian branch of PrimeTech Shredding Equipment—in co-operation with the local dealer—hosted a Demo Day in October in Spruce Grove, near Edmonton.

PrimeTech is part of Italian-based FAE Group, which has over 25 years of experience in the design and manufacturing of attachments and carriers, and specializes in self-propelled, tracked carriers for forestry, agricultural and construction applications.

The schedule for the day included a tour of the company’s new distribution, parts, and support centre and a field demonstration of four different models of the PT series: The PT-175: a forestry mulching machine for light and medium duty applications, equipped with a Cummins QSB4.5, 4.5 L turbocharged and after-cooled engine, with 4 in-line cylinders and 160 hp. This carrier was equipped with a FAE 140/U mulching head, said to be ideal for cutting seismic lines, vegetation management and lighter land clearing applications.

The PT-300: a medium-size, very low ground pressure tracked carrier powered by a John Deere 6068HF485, 6.8 L turbocharged, after-cooled engine with 6 in-line cylinders and 275 hp.

There were two PT-300 units available for a test drive on the Demo Day. One PT-300 was equipped with a FAE 300/U mulching head, a new, bigger type mulching head for the PT-300 with bigger rotor diameter for higher productivity. The second PT-300 was equipped with a FAE 200/S subsoiler head, a head that can mill up roots and stumps as deep as 16 inches, and is said to be an ideal head for land conversion and site preparation.

The PT-600: a tracked carrier designed for the hardest and toughest jobs, equipped with a Cummins QSX15 turbocharged in line 6 cylinder diesel engine producing 600 hp. The PT-600 was demo’ed with the FAE 500/U mulching head with rock drum.

Hands-on demonstrations allowed dealers and customers to operate all these units on site and experience the features, benefits and productivity of these four models.

“It was awesome to have our dealers and customers together for one day,” said Riccardo Camatta, general and sales manager of the Canadian branch. “They were all excited about the PrimeTech machines, in particular about the new redesigned PT-300 and PT-175, and were very impressed with the power and productivity of the PT-600.” www.prime-tech.com

Autolog offers optimizer system that detects split and shake defects

Autolog recently introduced a new version of its transverse optimizer system (trimmer, edger and gang). After 20 years’ experience manufacturing transverse technology, the company launched a new up-to-date design based on the experience 48

By Tony Kryzanowski

gathered over time and the latest technical hardware and software available.

The new optimizer features configuration parameters tailored for each mill: Windows 7, 64 bits platform, browser style navigation, support for languages and unit modes, improved editing, customizable profile, security settings per user and more. The flexible design allows for easy maintenance and upgrades resulting in a faster response time to customer requests.

The new Autolog optimizer is supplied with Hermary high speed/high resolution geometric sensors which scan the length of the boards every ¼” at 3000 scans/sec allowing the system to detect split and shake defects. This feature is offered as an option to the base system and has shown great payback, especially for lumber affected by the pine beetle. The ability to trim these affected boards at the sawmill represents important savings on the overall operation. www.autolog.com

Montreal conference focuses on advanced technologies for forest machines

FPInnovations will host the first Forest Machine Technology Conference in Montreal from April 21 - 23, 2015.

The Forest Machine Technology Conference (FMTC) will focus on advanced technologies for forest machines of the future.

Integrating advanced technology solutions such as robotics and automation is part the dynamic direction the Canadian forest products industry is taking to provide its labor force with a safer, more satisfying and efficient working environment. As the industry continues to transform its business practices, it is imperative to keep an eye toward ergonomically and environmentally enhanced productivity gains which advanced technologies can possibly offer.

The FMTC will feature prominent international keynote speakers, invited technical presentations, technology forum presentations, supplier kiosks, working groups and a host of networking opportunities. FPInnovations says it will be a unique opportunity to help shape a vision for the future.

Its objectives are to define the needs, gaps and challenges around advanced technologies in forest operations; identify possible game-changers, as well as potential partners and suppliers; showcase technological opportunities from other fields; and, create networking opportunities to help foster new partnerships and R&D initiatives.

Those most likely to benefit from this event are forest company managers, equipment manufacturers and supply chain managers, technology suppliers, members and partners of Unmanned Systems Canada, universities, and R&D institutions.

FMTC 2015 is organized in collaboration with Unmanned Systems Canada, the Forest Products Association of Canada, Université Laval, L’École de Technologie Supérieure, Skogforsk and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. http://fmtc.fpinnovations.ca

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

suppliernewsline Wood-Mizer adds automated debarker to portable sawmill

Wood-Mizer has added a new debarker for the LT35 portable sawmill.

Engineered to extend overall sawmill blade life, the redesigned LT35 debarker improves functionality and efficiency for LT35 owners.

Featuring a powered in-and-out function, the LT35 debarker is now controlled completely at the operator’s fingertips. With this automation, sawyers experience an increase in overall sawing efficiency by eliminating manual set-up time and effort. Additionally, the cutting blade rotates to direct debris away from the operator, enhancing visibility for the sawyer and providing a clean groove for the sawmill blade to pass through. The new LT35 debarker is also positioned behind the rotating pivot arm to reduce operator difficulties if the debarker blade catches irregular knots in the bark. www.woodmizer.com

These engines have been certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Union (EU) and most recently by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). They will be installed in Kubota brand tractors and construction machinery.

Tier 4 Final and Stage IV are very stringent emission regulations. They require NOx (nitrogen oxide) reductions of about 90 per cent in comparison with the current regulations. Kubota has adopted selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for NOx reduction. Together with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), Kubota has developed the integrated technology and system to comply with the latest regulations.

Kubota has maintained its compact design with these new engine models and in some cases has even increased the output compared to previous engine models. www.kubota.ca

GEM introduces new line of harvester bars

After several months of field testing, Gem Chain Bar (GEM) has introduced its own line of 404 harvester bars.

Development of this new product line was driven by customer request. The ¾” pitch bars are made from premium grade raw

Two Ontario forest companies presented with top health and safety award

Each year, Workplace Safety North—Ontario’s occupational health and safety organization for the forestry, mining, and paper, printing, and converting (PPC) sectors—recognizes provincial workplaces that have a strong safety culture.

At the organization’s recent annual general meeting, two provincial health and safety awards were presented to Thunder Bay’s Shuniah Forest Products for the forestry and small business sectors, and one to Kruger Inc. Packaging, for the PPC sector.

Earlier this year, several forestry companies received a Workplace Excellence Award, recognizing workplace excellence in health and safety. These included: Brinkman & Associates Reforestation Ltd.; Domtar Dryden Mill; Domtar Espanola; EACOM Timber Corporation Nairn Centre; Haveman Brothers Forestry Services Ltd.; Kruger Inc. Brampton Division; RW Forestry Inc.; and Shuniah Forest Products Ltd.

materials and proven CNC manufacturing processes. All of the company’s new GEM 404 bars will have a replaceable external tip. Bars are powder-coated a bright white to provide maximum visibility while operating at night. The product is available in 59 centimetre, 64 centimetre, 75 centimetre and 90 centimetre sizes. www.gemchainbar.com

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Kubota diesel engines receive certification for CARB Tier 4 final emissions regulations

The next emissions regulations for nonroad diesel engines with an output range between 56 and 130 kW will come into effect in North America in January, 2015, and Kubota’s non-road diesel engines between 56 and 130 kW are in compliance with the latest regulations.

These include the Kubota 3.8 litre, turbo inter-cooled for V3800 engine and 6.1 litre engine turbo inter-cooled for V6108 engine.

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suppliernewsline from page 50

New fire suppression product available for forestry equipment

Tyco Fire Protection Products now offers the Ansul brand CHECKFIRE 110 electronic detection and actuation system.

Designed for mobile equipment that operates in harsh environments, the CHECKFIRE 110 system keeps operators informed of potential fire hazards and enables advanced fire suppression if flames occur, helping protect vital assets, including those used in forestry.

CHECKFIRE 110 provides a single-zone detection and actuation system for customers that want highly customizable fire suppression solutions that are easy to install and service, and integrate seamlessly with their mobile equipment.

CHECKFIRE 110 integrates seamlessly with industry-leading Ansul brand fire suppression systems, including the LVS Vehicle Fire Suppression System, which uses a wet chemical agent that provides both fire suppression and superior cooling of superheated surfaces while blanketing the fuel and cutting off oxygen to help prevent reflash. www.ansul.com

John Deere introduces new grapple and axle upgrades for skidders

John Deere is now offering new larger grapples and enhanced heavy-duty axle upgrades for the 648H and 748H skidder models.

The company says that these new options offer improved productivity and longer axle life, making it easier to move more wood, more reliably.

The new larger grapples allow more wood to be delivered to a landing with fewer skids. Heavy-duty Super-Wide Extreme-Duty Axles (SWEDAs) provide a solid foundation for the new grapples and have been enhanced to bolster long-term reliability. The more robust axles also feature a larger bearing for improved durability in various applications.

With the 648H skidder, customers can upgrade to a new grapple with a huge 14.9 square foot area with a 127” wide opening for even more productivity. Owners who upgrade to the new grapple are also required to upgrade to the more robust SWEDA. For those only seeking improved axle durability, the option to upgrade to the heavy-duty SWEDA axle without needing to upgrade to the new grapple is also available.

With the 748H skidder, the new optional grapple features an 18 square foot area with a 134” wide opening for more productivity. Owners who choose to upgrade to the new grapple are also required to upgrade to the more robust SWEDA II axle. An option to upgrade to the extreme-duty SWEDA II axle without upgrading to the new grapple is also available. www.johndeere.com

Bringing colour to new heights.

Ken Polson 1•888•333•7917 www.rhinoprintsolutions.com VANCOUVER • CALGARY • TORONTO

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014 RhinoAd_Ken_Polson_Horizontal_3.75X4.875.indd 1

2014-10-31 11:12 AM

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

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Request For Proposal The Cheslatta Carrier Nation, located in central British Columbia, is issuing a RFP to interested parties for the construction and operation of a sawmill in the Burns Lake area. The Cheslatta have significant sustainable green timber holdings, previous sawmilling experience and capital including financial and other assets such as industrial lands.

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INDEX Ac# Advertiser Page 113 Airmax Inc............................. 24 120 Autolog Sawmill Automation.. 36 111 Brandt Tractor....................... 17 108 Canadian Western Bank.... 12-13 101 Caterpillar............................... 5 107 Chrysler................................ 11 103 Cleanfix NA............................. 6 112 CTL Systems Inc..................... 21 DK Spec.............Wallchart Insert 110 Flexxaire................................ 15 106 Gear Centre.......................... 10 128 Hodgson Saw........................ 49 114 Integrated Environmental....... 25 131 James G. Murphy................... 51 116 John Deere............................ 29 115 L-M Equipment Company...... 27 124 Linck GmbH.......................... 43 127 Madison's.............................. 47 118 Murray Latta Prog. Machine... 32 100 Nokian Tyres........................... 2 102 Northern Rockies Regional....... 6 105 Olofsfors-Iggesund Sawbars..... 9 119 Peterson................................ 33 121 Prolenc Mfg........................... 37 130 Rhino Print Solutions............. 50 104 Sellick Equipment.................... 7 117 Sennebogen.......................... 31 126 Summit Trailer Ltd................. 45 133 Tigercat................................. 56 122 Tsubaki.................................. 38 125 USNR.................................... 44 132 Waratah................................ 55 109 Wood-Mizer.......................... 14 123 Woodland Equipment............ 41 129 Woodland Supply Ltd............ 50

November 2014

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127

128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141

142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155

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100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113

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thelastword

B.C.'s Forest Practices Board: keeping an eye on the forests

By Jim Stirling

I

n theory, governments—and government agencies—parrot all the appropriate platitudes about accountability. In practice, it can be a little different. The degree of accountability seems directly proportional to the political sensitivity of the matter in hand.

British Columbia’s Forest Practices Board (BCFPB) keeps an eye on what forest companies, their contractors and the government actually do on Crown land.

It’s a valuable service. It fulfills a role that no other agency comes close to achieving in B.C., especially now that the forest service at field level has been emasculated by government budget cuts.

“Although other jurisdictions have forest watchdog bodies, B.C. may be the only one with an arms-length relationship with government and a mandate to hold both government and the forest industry accountable for forest practices,” states the board on its website.

The BCFPB board is not funded by a ministry nor does it report to a ministry.

Rather, it reports direct to ministers like the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the Minister of Environment.

The BCFPB says its reports are not approved or vetted by anyone prior to public release. It does not possess the authority to impose penalties for infractions or poor forest management practices it encounters during its random audits of forest companies. That makes it sound pretty toothless. But the board does possess another weapon, arguably more influential than a fine. It goes public with all its findings through the media. Often the media will pick up on companies or government agencies found in breach of sound forest and range practices. Large companies, especially, are sensitive to any negative publicity that might have potential impacts on its bottom line and in the marketplace.

At the time of writing, the forest practices board had just released its findings of a routine audit conducted at Carrier Lumber Ltd’s forest licence southeast of Prince

George. “We are pleased to see that Carrier carried out good forest practices and fully met the requirements of the Forest & Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act,” reported Tim Ryan, the board’s chairman.

Ryan spent a good chunk of his career as a forester with Ainsworth Lumber.

“Auditors examined operational planning, timber harvesting, road construction, deactivation and maintenance, silviculture and fire protection activities carried out

by Carrier Lumber between June 2012 and June 2014.”

By the time this is read, the board will probably have gone public with its examination of activities on forest licences in the 100 Mile House area including a tenure held by Kenkeknem Forest, one of two First Nations-held woodlot licences in B.C. The BCFPB also responds to public complaints and concerns about alleged forest practice violations throughout the province. The board says it has formally investigated “several hundred” complaints from members of the public since 1995 and some have led to formal recommendations for improvements. The board says the most common complaints forwarded by the public surround the conservation of forest values, like water quality. Other public concerns question the soundness of forest planning and practices and the adequacy of both public involvement processes and the government’s enforcement of the law.

The board notes there’s room for improvement in communication between those carrying out forest and range practices and those affected by them—an observation that has a familiar tone to it.

The BCFPB is a relatively compact body with a full time chairman (currently Tim Ryan), seven part time members and support staff. The board is appointed by cabinet and funded through the Treasury Board, not the Ministry of Forests.

The board’s annual report for 2013/14 makes for interesting reading and provides further insight into the levels of what constitutes sound forest practices

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - November 2014

in B.C. and identifies areas that require more attention in the eyes of the BCFPB. The board conducted 12 audit reports in 2013/14 on forest activities across the province but only half were in compliance. The board cited 11 significant cases of non-compliance and two areas requiring improvement.

The board recognized a continuing improvement in forest practices in B.C. But it did note “lingering” areas of required improvement, including those surrounding bridge planning, design and construction.

With BC Timber Sales, the BCFPB noted improvements, but said compliance issues became more apparent with small licencees because, it suggests, that size of operation doesn’t have the appropriate management systems in place.

In 2013, the board began work on a special report on the 10 year old Forest & Range Practices Act (FRPA), the key piece of forest legislation governing forest and range activities on Crown land. “Early observations indicate there is room for improvement in areas such as government objectives, FRPA plans, practice requirements, professional reliance and effectiveness of feedback loops,” wrote Ryan in his chairman’s message, which sounds like there’s room for improvement in just about every aspect of the Act’s implementation.

The board is producing a series of bulletins highlighting what it perceives as key issues. The bulletins are designed, explained Ryan, to stimulate discussion and provide contextual support to the board for compiling its 10 year report on the FRPA. Ryan concluded his chairman’s remarks with a pledge. “(The board) will ensure compliance with forest legislation, because it is the law; it will push for improvements in forest legislation, because we must. And we will foster leadership through the identification of innovative practices in forest management.”

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