Out of the Woods Summer 2020

Volume 31 Issue 2, 2020

2020 RECAP

ANNUAL MEETING & EXPO Okefenokee Fairgrounds, Waycross, GA

Inside: 2020 Bart Allen Memorial Scholarship Winners

Directors’ message

MAY/JUNE Executive Director Tommy Carroll

What A Year So Far As the year 2020 began, things were looking promising. The SWPA annual meeting was held on March 6 and 7. Despite torrential rain the days before, the meeting was very successful with the largest attendance since it was moved to Waycross in 2017. There have been many positive comments about the event. It was a time when loggers from Georgia and Florida the chance to get together to discuss their businesses and challenges. The were many other SWPA supporters from the equipment, truck insurance and many other companies. All these groups contribute to be sure the wood fiber keeps moving to the mills.

While many say the world will be different when this is over, logging and trucking will still go on as normal. The association continues to evolve with new leadership and new ideas to provide its members with the assistance and representation helpful to deal with the issues they face.

I will keep it short this time. Let’s all continue to pray for this country and those losing friends and family. Let this also motivate us to participate in the crucial elections coming up this year and keep draining the swamp and make sure capitalism remains intact.

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.”

As always, Pam and I are just a phone call, email or text away if you need us.

-- Franklin D. Roosevelt

However, as the meeting was ending, a new and menacing challenge was beginning. The Covid-19 virus had started moving across the globe leaving thousands of people sick and many dead. Most people’s investments crashed, and thousands of workers were laid off. As I write this article on April 14 it seems that maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Fortunately for logging and trucking companies, the federal and state governments declared them essential industries and have been allowed to keep working. Maybe the general public that does not understand what forestry does will have a greater appreciation when this crisis is finally over. At least they should know where toilet paper comes from.

The SWPA is weathering the situation and continues to inform and help its members as needed.

Tommy Carroll is the Executive Director of the Southeastern Wood Producers Association, Inc., which represents logging professionals in Georgia and Florida. The SWPA Inc. is Headquartered in Hilliard Florida. For more information please contact us at (904) 845-7133 or you may contact Tommy directly at (478) 952-2809. website: ww.swpa.ag Tommy’s email: tcarroll@swpa.ag

Vol 31 Issue 2 2020 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag • 3

Flint River Timber of GA, Inc.

F rom our president

R ussel F owleR, F lint R iveR t imbeR oF G eoRGia i nc.

It Here it is, one month since our annual meeting in Waycross and we are on partial shutdown due to the COVID-19Secretary-Treasurer: pandemic. I hope everyoneJerry is safeGray and following the guidelines of the CDC. We should take it seriously and hunker down to the new ways our country will operate the next few years.

Gray Logging, LLC

Loggers are innately capable of operating with change. We see it every day with the weather, mill outages and mechanical breakdowns. Two positive things I have learned recently are: 1.

Loggers are well trained at social distancing

2. According to The Department of Homeland Security, we are ESSENTIAL! Because of the state mandates of not gathering in groups of 10 or more, we have had to suspend meetings of the Board and Local Chapters indefinitely. Rather than complain, we will more than likely be learning how to teleconference for meetings in the future. I am excited in our moving the SWPA forward with the search for a new Past Executive Director and feel Lane we will soon be able to continue our efforts when things settle President: John down in a few weeks.

Coastal Logging Co. Inc.

Also, if anyone has any extra trucks or drivers, send them to me.

Always be careful out there, Russell Fowler

2020 Annual Meeting andCarroll EXPO Executive Director: Tommy Event Winners SWPA Inc. LOADER COMPETITION WINNERS 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place

Dalton Lee Mack Pitts Brian Delk

TRUCK RODEO WINNERS 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place

Tobey McDowell Robert Veal James Lee

Time

Loader

48:06 50:86 59:50

Tigercat $250.00 Tigercat $150.00 John Deere $50.00

Prize

Points

Prize

240 /250 230 /250 200 /250

$150.00 $100.00 $50.00

EXHIBITOR SIGN OFF SHEET - COOLER DRAWING Autumn Meschke - Brunswick, GA

SHOTGUN RAFFLE Mike Kinneman - Hahira, GA

Anual Meeting Photos on pg. 12 and 13

A Quarterly Publication of The Southeastern Wood Producers Association

Contents REGULAR FEATURES The Southeastern Wood Producers Association (SWPA) is a non-profits organization founded by loggers for loggers with a mission to represent and support professional timber harvesting businesses.

Since 1990, SWPA has been the leading voice for logging companies in Georgia and Florida. The SWPA board of directors has dedicated itself to this important mission. The primary objective is to protect the interests and stability of reputable harvesting-transport companies and to be a player in supporting proactive positions on issues that affect our industry. Some key issues are: • Establish a Positive Public Image of Wood Producers • Provide Quality Continuing Education Workshops • Provide Legislative Liaison Services for Members • Encourage Responsible Environmentalism • Report News & Economic Data • Monitor Workers’ Compensation & Other “Cost of Doing Business” Issues As the SWPA focuses on its primary objective, the staff and leadership respond frequently to members individual requests for assistance in helping resolve regulatory interpretation involving transportation and harvesting issues in both Georgia and Florida.

This has lead to a more consistent application of these regulations and development of a system to challenge misinterpretation of the laws as well.

The SWPA continues to lobby on issues of logging companies at the state level in Georgia and Florida.

It also supports the American Loggers Council in lobbying on federal laws affecting logging companies throughout the United States.

Many educational resources and events are offered by the SWPA to educate its members on regulatory compliance as well as new technologies that will benefit the industry.

Check out the SWPA website at swpa.ag to learn more about the organization and ways for logging companies to help support the mission which is, “Loggers Supporting Loggers”.

Director: Tommy Carroll Publisher: SWPA Inc. P:(904) 845-7133 F:(888) 252-3919 WEB: www.swpa.ag Graphic Designer: Jason Wynn “Out of the Woods” distributed quarterly.

SWPA - Director’s Message ..................................................................3 SWPA - From Our President ..............................................................5 SWPA - Officers Page ................................................................................7 SWPA Safety Pages ............................................................................ 18-19 Purchase Power Partners ....................................................................22 Out of the Woods Advertisers Index .......................................27 Membership Information ...................................................................28

FeeEATURE ARTICLESee 2020 SWPA Annual Meeting Winners .......................................5 Georgia Forestry Commission - Director’s Corner ....... 6 Florida Forest Service - Director’s Desk...................................7 Pioneer Award............................................................................................... 10 Bart Allen Memorial Scholarship Recipients .....................11 2020 Annual Meeting and Expo Photos ........................12-13 Thank You Page ............................................................................................14

ARE YOU PAYING THE LOWEST PRICE POSSIBLE FOR TIRES AND FILTERS?

YOU SHOULD BE BUYING FROM SWPA PURCHASE PARTNERS!

Volume 31 Issue 2, 2020

2020 RECAP

ANNUAL MEETING & EXPO Okefenokee Fairgrounds, Waycross, GA

Inside:2020 Bart Allen Memorial Scholarship Winners

SWPA Execu�ve Officers 2020 - 2022 President: Russel Fowler Flint River Timber of GA, Inc. Russell received a B.S. in Forest Resources in 1988, then started his career in the industry working for G.P. and the former Stone Container in the Big Bend of Florida and southwest Georgia. His exposure to the industry in the early 90’s, along with its changes, led to the founding of a private wood dealership, Flint River Timber in Cairo, GA. The buying and selling of wood developed into investment in the logging business. The support of sub-contractors and Involvement with the SWPA is the most important link in accomplishing this task.

Vice President: Jerry Gray Gray Logging, LLC Since that age, Jerry has “lived” in the woods. At 13, he was using a chainsaw. At 15, he was driving a cable skidder. was nearly 16 years ago. During those 16 years, Jerry has been proud of the many achievements he and Gray Logging, LLC have accomplished. Under his leadership, the company has grown from one to two logging crews. He also

Secretary-Treasurer:

TBD Past President: Scott Gies Timber & Land Inc. P 2007. He was elected to serve east Florida and southeast Georgia. He is married to Sheila Gies and has a daughter, Jennifer Hale (husband Clint Hale), granddaughters Ella and Anna, grandson Blake Hale, son Douglas and daughter in law Lindsey Gies and granddaughter Charlee Gies and a daughter Kelli. Sco� was also a Florida Logger’s Council member of the Florida Forestry Associa�on. When asked why he serves loggers as an SWPA Board Officer he said: “I feel that it important for those of us in the �mber harves�ng profession to have a unified voice. We are the ul�mate stewards of the forest, and unless we as group make this known there is an assump�on that we are not. By serving the members of the SWPA it is my hope to help get this message out to the public at large.”

SWPA Inc. -

Vol 31 Issue 2 2020 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag • 7

G eorGia Forestry commission director 's corner

c huck w illiams, D iRectoR

Muddy waters To say we’ve been experiencing challenging times of late would be a serious understatement. Georgians, along with the nation and the world, are dealing with enormous health and economic issues that have affected every aspect of our lives.

In addition to these unprecedented occurrences, the forestry community has faced a cyclical weather pattern that has created some difficult harvesting and transportation issues; rainfall that just doesn’t seem to want to go away. Statistically, Georgia received nearly twice as much rain from December of 2019 through February 2020 (24.05”) as Georgia’s 30 year average (12.57”). It’s been a real struggle for loggers to keep operating and stay in business.

Navigating these muddy waters has raised some important issues about Best Management Practices (BMPs) that together we must address. As non-regulatory contractors for the Environmental Protection Division, the Georgia Forestry Commission is responsible for handling BMPs for Forestry. That includes providing forestry partners with BMP education and advice, monitoring BMP implementation and compliance, and handling/mediating water quality/BMP complaints for forestry operations. While the weather and individual circumstances may change, the laws concerning water quality do not.

The Georgia Forestry Commission has received a number of recent complaints that have required investigation by our water quality staff. Many of these have been from locations near lakes throughout the state.

While residents of lakefront communities may be more sensitive about logging operations near their property

8 • Vol 31 Issue 2 2020 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag

than other landowners, it is imperative that extra care is warranted when operating near such sites. Every complaint received is investigated by our specialists, and complaints about mud on public roads near logging operations have unfortunately led to more serious BMP issues of late.

As you’re aware, BMPs are practices used to prevent and reduce water pollution during forestry operations.

They are the minimum standards for normal conditions.

In abnormally wet weather conditions, extra measures and care may be needed to avoid an actual water quality risk or violation.

Some of the locations and operations that may demand closer scrutiny during the process of harvesting include all points of ingress/egress onto public roads, on-site roads, skid trails, stream crossings and log decks.

During excessively wet periods, extra measures may be useful to stabilize sites. The application of hay bales, seed and mulch, rock, geotextiles and excelsior blankets are just a few of the tools you have in your arsenal.

You, your eyes and your experience, however, are the very best tools of all. To avoid the possibility of any kind of complication, take the time, before, during and after, to use those critical tools for every aspect of the operation. And as a refresher, there are many BMP resources at your fingertips. In addition to online training and the online manual at GaTrees.org, please reach out to our water quality specialists with any questions or issues of concern.

F lorida Forest service director 's desk

e Rin a lbuRy, D iRectoR

SWPA Q & A with new Florida Forest Service Director Erin Albury Congratulations on your new position! Tell us about your background.

Thank you! I am both humbled and honored to have been appointed to the director position. I am a native Floridian and a graduate of the University of Florida’s School of Forest Resources and Conservation. My career with the Florida Forest Service began 23 years ago as the Citrus County Forester. Prior to my most recent role as Assistant Director, I served in various positions including Forest Area Supervisor, District Manager and Field Operations Bureau Chief. In addition, I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve our state and country in several roles on our all-hazard incident management teams.

Why did you choose forestry for a career?

From a long-term perspective, there are not a lot of changes necessary due to the outstanding work of my predecessor, Jim Karels. He left the FFS in great shape.

My job, moving forward, is to ensure the Florida Forest Service remains a nationwide leader in both wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire while providing sound forest management practices and recreational opportunities on our 38 state forests.

What are the most important issues on the forestry front today?

It’s no secret that the current global crisis will challenge all industries. However, forestry is an essential and foundational industry. It may not be easy for the average citizen to recognize, but I believe forestry is more relevant and essential than ever. You don’t have to look much farther than the paper products aisle in your local grocery store to see just how relevant our forests are. There is no better time than now to start telling our story – better, prouder and louder.

Growing up in central Florida, I spent all my free time hunting and fishing with my dad. So, there was always an interest in a career in agriculture simply because I wanted to be outdoors. My first exposure to forestry occurred when the Citrus County Forester came to work with our high school Future Farmers of America chapter. Looking back, it seems very appropriate that I began my career with the Florida Forest Service in that same position.

What is it that attracted you to the FFS leadership position?

On a regional level, areas impacted by Hurricane Michael will remain a priority as forest land owners struggle to clean-up, site-prep and reforest their properties while making difficult financial decisions.

In addition, the unprecedented amounts of downed timber in this same area will present the Florida Forest Service and our wildland fire cooperators with very difficult and dangerous wildfire conditions for several more years.

As I look back on my career over the last two-plus decades, I can assure you that the director position was not on my list of goals early-on. Like many foresters, I tend to be an introvert. Initially, I was quite content in my county forester role. I did, however, look for opportunities to challenge myself and grow as a leader. As my career progressed and responsibilities increased, I began to think about various leadership roles within the agency and asked myself, “If not me, then who?”.

Where do you think Florida’s forest industry will be in 20 years?

I wholeheartedly believe in the Florida Forest Service, our employees and our mission to serve the citizens of this great state. Gratefully, I have had the opportunity to work with and for some great leaders. It is my goal to carry that legacy forward.

How will the FFS change and grow under your direction?

Well, it has certainly been an unusual first few weeks as we work to manage and respond to the impact of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Like most others, we’ve had to make several short-term adjustments to our daily operati

ons. Our primary objective is to ensure employee health and safety while still executing the agency’s mission to protect Florida and its people from dangers of wildfire.

Forestry will undoubtedly remain a highly valuable agricultural commodity in Florida. In addition to more than 5,000 wood products, our forest lands provide residents and visitors alike with clean air and water.

Currently, water quality is a critical concern across the state. Therefore, it is imperative for us to inform and educate others that there is no better filtration system for our lakes, rivers and streams than Florida’s forests.

Vol 31 Issue 2 2020 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag • 9

2020

presented to

Dillon M. Stratton, Jr. Dillon M. Stratton, Jr. is a 2nd generation logger. He purchased his first log truck and trailer in 1970, later taking over Loading and Hauling for his father. In 1986, he took over the business, and his son is currently the 3rd generation logger in the business for over 50 years.

Dillon was born and raised in Bayard, Florida where he still resides today.

Dillon has seen many ups and downs through his time in the industry. He has had to make and stand by some tough decisions over the years. His strong faith in the Lord and the help of his family has got him through the trying times.

He is known for his thorough recordkeeping and knew his cost down to the penny per gallon of fuel he used. Dillon always wanted the best for his fellow loggers and never looked to them as competitors but as friends. His has been with SWPA since the first meeting, often doing whatever it took to keep the association going. Dillon put his heart and soul into this association and never for his gain but for his fellow loggers.

I first met Dillon Stratton in 1997. I clearly remember Dillon’s first call. We had built platform scales for our own logging jobs and just begun to market them. I was in eastern NC, installing scale # 15 for Billy Corey. Dillon called right after lunch. The call was short with a simple message, put his name on Scale # 16.

Platform scales to control truck weights were not on the radar screen of most Loggers at that time. Few Loggers had looked at the income produced by maximizing their payloads. Selling one involved multiple calls trying to justify the price, insuring a prospective customer that the scales did work, they were accurate, and durable.

Dillon was different. Dillon was ahead of the times. He had his numbers. He knew what his average payload was. He knew what it could potentially be. He had already calculated the value of maximizing his payloads and therefore knew what he was willing to pay for a scale system. Dillon had also researched “MAXI-LOAD”. He was satisfied that our scales would work on his job and deliver the performance he needed. Dillon knew what he wanted to accomplish. His first question was HOW MUCH? His second question was HOW QUICK COULD WE DELIVER? Dillon always did his homework and he was always prepared.

Working with Dillon over the last 23 years has been as memorable as his first phone call. He is always courteous and respectful of those he deals with. His entire family is the same way. They are all supportive of each other. Dillon is honest. He is a man of his word. He is decisive and He works hard. Having Dillon Stratton as a customer has been very beneficial to Maxi-Load Scales. He has always been a strong advocate of our product. More than once I have been told: “Fix mine like Mr. Dillon’s”

Ken Murray Maxi-Load Scales 10 • Vol 31 Issue 2 2020 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag

2020 Bart allen memorial scholarship Award Recipients

F lorida r ecipient

l ee , Fl Grace “Gracie” Galbraith is the oldest of three daughters to Shawn and Jessica Webb of Lee, Florida. She is an honors student at Madison County High School where she is also dually-enrolled at North Florida College. Gracie is a four-year Letterman for the MCHS Varsity Cowgirls softball team where she plays outfield, and she serves as the Vice-President of her school’s FFA Chapter. Additionally, she is an active member in the National Beta Club, National Honors Society, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In her spare time, Gracie enjoys exhibiting show pigs at jackpot and prospect livestock shows across North Florida. She also volunteers with the children’s ministry at her church, CrossPointe of Madison. Gracie is no stranger to the timber production industry. Her roots in it run 40 years deep. Her maternal great-grandfather, Jack Seago, began his logging career in 1980 which continued operation for several years even after his untimely death in 1998. Gracie’s maternal grandfather, Ray Coker, began in the mid-80s hauling logs for her great-granddaddy Seago through contract trucking and today he is a truck driver for Gray Logging, LLC. In 2010 when

Gracie gained her bonus dad, Shawn, (who she affectionately calls “Dubby”) her ties to the timber industry became tighter. Shawn is a 2nd generation logger, foreman and loader operator for one of two crews for the family business, CF Webb & Sons Logging, LLC. Since Shawn was only 8 when his father (Coye Webb) began logging in 1986, he grew up a “logger’s child” and now Gracie has had the privilege of doing the same. Gracie stated, “I think God chooses special people that He knows can handle this life because it takes a lot of sacrifice, patience, understanding, and acceptance to be part of a logging family.” Upon her graduation this May, Gracie plans to complete her Associate of Arts degree then apply to the Registered Nursing Program at North Florida College in Madison, Florida with aspirations of later enrolling at the University of Florida to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. It is with much pride and humble gratitude that Gracie accepts the SWPA Bart Allen Memorial Scholarship this year.

G eorGia r ecipient

r oberta , Ga I am truly blessed to receive the Bart Allen Memorial Scholarship. With my family being in the logging industry since 1973 and establishing Hammock-Wicks Timber, Inc., starting with my grandfather, Lamar Hammock, and then my father, Jason Wicks, has built up my character as a leader, employee, peer, and all around person. Seeing how to deal with hard times when there is unexpected rain or down time in the woods due to equipment has taught me the valuable lesson of making the most with what little you have. When there are great weeks, where production and weather are wonderful, has taught me to be thankful for when things are working out as planned. Maintaining a hard work ethic and to keep up the quality of work that you produce has been

instilled in myself to prepare for my future. Seeing the prosperity of the company with these characteristics has proven to me that these attributes make a successful life. In my daily life at school, I am Key Club President, Varsity Tennis Captain, Student Council Reporter, Part time Dual Enrollment student, and drag race when time is available on the weekends. I am excited to graduate from Taylor County High School in May and either attend Mercer University as a Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology major on the track to medical school or The Georgia Institute of Technology as a Nuclear Engineer in hopes of becoming a Medical Physicist. I am very thankful to the members of the SWPA for choosing me as the recipient of the Bart Allen Memorial Scholarship.

Vol 31 Issue 2 2020 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag • 11

2020

ANNUAL MEETING and

EXPO

12 • Vol 31 Issue 2 2020 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag

Vol 31 Issue 2 2020 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag • 13

THANK YOU….

DIAMOND PARTNER ($10,000 +)

P����� ATG T���� T������� / T�������� E�������� PLATINUM PARTNERS ($7,500 - $9,999)

B���� H����� � F���� I�������� A����� G����� � E����, I��.

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������� �������� B�������� T��� C����� F������� M����� I�������� T������ � E�������� C������ Y����� B���. C� W����� F������� SILVER PARTNERS ($2,500 - $4,999)

BITCO I�������� B������ ������� J��� D���� F������� ���� B���� E�������� C�. ��� F���� E�������� C�.

Q������ ��������� � �����, I��. T��������� T��� BRONZE PARTNERS ($1,000 - $2,499) M���-L��� S�����

M����� O�� S����

TAR L��� ��� T�����, I�� FRIENDS OF SWPA ($100 - $999) Aired Up LLC Joe and Marion Allen Coastal Pines Technical College

Edward Jones Investments

Ameris Bank

Chambers Delimbinator

Foster Logging Four Star Freightliner

Great American, Inc.

Gardner Prin�ng Services

Hawkins & Rawlinson

Land Mark Spa�al Solu�ons Mann-Hummel/ Wix Filters Maxam Tire NA

Nextran Truck Centers Palme�o State Insurance

Peterbilt Atlanta

Pritche� Trucking

Southeastern Credit Union Swamp Fox Agency The 44 Company

Schaeffer Mfg. TEAM Safety Trucking

The Hydraulic Shop, LLC

Tom Nehl Trucking Co. – Parts /Sales Wilson Hose Service

Truck It, LLC

Wal-Mart

Wynn’s Welding

ASSOCIATION / EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS Florida Forest Service Florida Highway Patrol Georgia Dept of Natural Resources

Georgia Dept of Public Safety

Georgia Forestry Commission

P������� P������� ��: G������ P������� S�������

We could have not done it … without YOU!

Swamp Fox AGENCY

Commercial Insurers Specializing In Construction & forestry

Ph: 912-614-8444

Tyler, Jeremy and Rick

Office: 888-442-5647 Fax:843-761-6186 Address: 960 City Blvd. Suite G Waycross GA 31501

Serving the logging industry for over 35 years

Vol 31 Issue 2 2020 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag • 15

SWPA Founded By Loggers for loggers

legislation education information 16 • Vol 31 Issue 1 2019 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag

HEAT IN THE LOGGING WOODS Bryan Wagner

Our jobs in the forest industry require us to work in all types of weather conditions, year round. Today we will talk about heat and the summer logging woods.

OSHA has an annual training requirement that is the Heat Stress Management Program. This program is intended to educate your employees on how to prevent heat related illnesses and to ultimately avoid the possibility of suffering a heat stroke. Heat stroke is a life-threatening illness with a very high death rate. If honest to goodness heat stroke is diagnosed, the chance of survival is slim. The goal of the training is to educate our people on the different stages of heat sickness to avoid the risk of a heat stroke.

SWPA

• Heat Cramps are the first signs of the body getting over-heated. Heat cramps are muscle spasms that affect the legs; arms and sometimes the stomach.

Heat cramps can be painful; they are caused by excessive sweating. Water and sports drinks that contain electrolytes are suggested to help the body.

Fruits such as bananas and grapes help to replace lost potassium in the system. While heat cramps are not considered serious, we must take note of these early signs of a heat problem. Workers should drink 5 – 7 ounces of water every 20 minutes while exposed to excessive heat conditions.

•

Heat Exhaustion occurs when the internal cooling system is over-worked.

This serious phase occurs when the body sweats more liquid than is being replaced.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion are; fatigue; dizziness; clumsiness; headache; nausea; hyperventilation; clammy skin; loss of appetite; weak and rapid pulse and possibly low to normal blood pressure. Trained employees can recognize and help other employees that may be having a problem.

If heat exhaustion is present, we must cool the core temperature down. Get the employee to a cool area, the air-conditioned cabs of logging equipment or service trucks can be of great help. The worker should lie down, with the feet slightly elevated.

Applying cool water and fanning the victim will help get the core temperature lowered. Encourage the worker to drink water or sports drinks. If cooling measures are not working, medical help should be sought. Again, it is very important to get the core body temperature lowered!

• Heat Stroke --- Call 911!! Heat Stroke happens when the core temperature reaches deadly extremes, often 103 – 108 degrees. When these levels are met, the body starts shutting down! Seconds count! Get the body cool, while waiting for the EMT’s to arrive! Trained employees can save lives.

TIPS FOR HOT WEATHER LOGGING • Drink plenty of water before, during and after exposure to the heat. Dark yellow colored urine is a sign of not enough water being consumed.

• Avoid caffeinated drinks; they tend to make you thirstier.

• Keep in the shade as much as possible. The deck or landing areas are noted “hot-spots” on a logging job. Lunch or break areas are well suited inside the tree line, off the landing or deck site. (Be sure to check for OVERHEAD HAZARDS before choosing the cooler lunch area.)

• Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing.

• Doctors recommend at least 8 glasses of water on a normal day, twice that should be consumed

2020 Safety Meeting Record Date

Company

Names and Signatures of ALL attendees to be attached.

Conducted by (signature)

JJ Lemire

during high heat periods.

• Work smart, the brain can save a lot of footsteps, less footsteps, less fatigue.

• If possible, do most of the manual felling during the early morning to avoid the heat of the day.

• If possible, toppers should be stationed in a shaded “safe zone” from the skidders.

• Limit the time your toppers are exposed to the direct sun. Make one trip out of the safe zone to top 3 or 4 drags, rather than running out to top single drags of wood.

• Timber cutters can cut their whole drag, before going down to top the timber. Limit your trips up and down the slope.

safety

• Timber cutters and saw-hands can be outfitted with hydration bags or “camel packs” to have easy access to much needed water during the workday. Typically, this equipment holds 64 ounces of water, and is worn in the middle of the upper back, they aren’t bulky, and the weight is a non-issue.

These bags are equipped with a “bite-tube” to

allow access to water, even while sawing. I started wearing this system about three years ago and wish I had discovered this equipment sooner!

• Equipment operators should keep a “trained eye” on ground personnel for signs of heat stress.

Ultimately, we must work in the heat to feed our families and pay the bills. If we pay attention to keeping enough water in, and thinking through our work plans, fatigue and heat stress can be reduced. We must remember that fatigue breaks down the thought process. A sharp and alert mind will conquer risk by employing a proper technique or a correct decision.

We can beat the summer heat by working smarter, not harder; keep an eye on each other!

JohnDeere.com/Forestry

OUTRUNÂŞ C U T. D R A G . L O A D. SUCCESS COMES IN THREES. For loggers in the South, efficiency and profit go hand in hand.

And nothing drives efficiency like the complete set of solutions only John Deere delivers. Get machines, technology, support, and financing to move your operation forward. With all the pieces in place, you’re ready to OUTRUN.

22 • Vol 31 Issue 2 2020 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag

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Mailing Address: 1860 Barnett Shoals Road PMB 103-598 Athens GA 30605 USA

Application and Information for the

Bart Allen Memorial Scholarship https://www.swpa.ag/resources/scholarships/

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Vol 31 Issue 2 2020 • SWPA Out of the Woods • swpa.ag • 25

Out of the Woods Advertising Index AssuredPartners NL ..............................................20 Baldwin Filters (Purchase Partner) .........24 Barko.........................................................................................2 Bates-Hewett & Floyd...........................................15 Bitco .......................................................................................27 Boulevard Tire Center .........................................32 Commercial Insurance Services Inc. ....24 Ferrell Timber & Site Prep Inc. .....................15 Forestry Mutual ..........................................................29 Giant Tire Sales and Service ......................... 30 Guffin & Eleam Insurance Inc......................25 John Deere Forestry with Beard & Flint Equipment ..................................21

Knight Forestry Inc.....................................................2 Maxi-Load ..........................................................................15 Mizell Development Inc. ...................................24 Murray Oil Sales ..........................................................16 Nokian Tires .................................................................... 17 PRIMEX-SWPA (Purchase Partner).........23 Quality Equipment & Parts Inc. ............ 2,25 Safety On Site................................................................16 Swamp Fox Agency Inc........................................15 Tigercat—Tidewater Equipment.. ............. 31 Timber Mart South ..................................................24 Tractor & Equipment Company .................4

Vitillo/Wilson Hose Service ............................16 Yancey Bros ................................................................... 26

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Out of the Woods Quarterly Publication AD Rates Full Page: Color (full bleed) $815.00 issue / Greyscale $675.00 issue (8.5” x 11” full bleed ink space)

For more information please contact:

Half Page: Color $535.00 issue / Greyscale $405.00 issue (8.5” x 5.5” or 4.25” x 11” full bleed ink space)

PO Box 9, Hilliard, Florida 32046

1/4 Page: Color $405.00 issue / Greyscale $275.00 issue (8.5” x 11” full bleed ink space)

the SWPA Office (904) 845-7 133 Fax: (888) 252-3919 email: pbennett@swpa.ag

Bus Card: Color $405.00 Annually / Greyscale $335.00 Annually (3.5” x 2.1” ink space)

What YOU do is what WE protect.

BITCO knows the forest products business We’ve been providing the insurance protection and responsive services for wood-related risks for decades.

From workers compensation and general liability to auto and property coverage, you get affordable prices along with safety and security from a financially secure, A+ rated company.

Best of all, you’ll experience service from people who know and care about your business.

1-800-475-4477

www.BITCO.com

Full service branch offices: Atlanta Charlotte Dallas Denver Des Moines

Indianapolis Kansas City Little Rock Nashville New Orleans

Oklahoma City Pittsburgh Portland St. Louis San Antonio

All programs may not be available in all states.

Insurance contracts are underwritten and issued by one or more of the following: BITCO General Insurance Corporation and BITCO National Insurance Company, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, A2 Stable by Moody’s, and A+ Strong by Standard and Poor’s.

SWPA MEMBER DOLLARS SUPPORT...

EDUCATION LEGISLATION LEADERSHIP The Southeastern Wood Producers Associa�on Inc., formed by loggers for loggers in 1990, is the leading advocate for professional loggers in Florida and Georgia. Your membership dues also support the American Loggers Council, which is a na�onal logging associa�on uni�ng all state logging associa�ons in the United States. The SWPA staff is always available to serve you and answer your ques�ons. Please give us a call to dis-cuss member benefits and to learn about how you can be involved in your associa�on. Together we make a difference.

2020-2022 Board of Directors President Russel Fowler Vice President Jerry Gray Secretary – Treasurer TBD Chairman – Past Pres Scott Gies Association Staff Executive Director Tommy Carroll Executive Director tcarroll@swpa.ag Administrative Assistant Pam Bennett Administrative Assistant pbennett@swpa.ag Board Members Justin Foster R. P. Glass Jr. Brian Henderson Charles Johns Darlene McDonald Randy McKenzie Ryan Pavlik James Rhue Tommy Rollins Richard Schwab Ken Sheppard Don Snively Dillon Stratton, III Coye Webb, Sr.

(904) 845-7133 Fax: (888) 252-3919 Email form to: pbennett@swpa.ag

AMOUNT ALL LOGGING COMPANIES Member companies are eligible for all SWPA Purchase Power Programs. Member employees may a�end any SWPA CLE workshops or SWPA Chapter Mee�ngs at no cost. Your annual dues provides for one full �me woods crew and office staff.

PURCHASE PROGRAM MEMBER

$ 400.00

ASSOCIATE MEMBER CATEGORIES Consuming Wood Fiber Companies: (Pulp, Kra�, Cellulose, Chip, Mulch & Large Saw mills). All employees eligible for Educa�on rate of $30 per person for all full day SWPA Workshops. No Charge for District- Chapter Mee�ngs and workshop 4 hours or less.

$1,000.00

Small Saw Mills, Wood Brokers, Land Management Companies: All employees eligible for Educa�on rate of $30 per person for all full day SWPA Workshops, No charge for District –Chapter Mee�ngs and workshops 4 hours or less.

$ 500.00

Merchant-Vendor Associates: Business member category only. Educa�on benefits do not apply. No Charge for District-Chapter Mee�ngs. Contact SWPA for further details or to establish an “alliance partner agreement” associated with this membership category.

$ 300.00

Pla�num Associates: Eligible for Educa�on rate of $30 per person for all full day SWPA Workshops, No charge for District – Chapter Mee�ngs and workshops 4 hours or less. This is an individual membership not available for Wood Producer wood fiber hauling companies.

$ 200.00

Trucking Companies: Member companies are eligible for all SWPA Purchase Power Programs. Eligible for Educa�on rate of $30 per person for all full day SWPA Workshops, No charge for District – Chapter Mee�ngs and workshops of 4 hours or less. PURCHASE PROGRAM MEMBER

$ 250.00

1-10 Trucks:

11 - 15 Trucks: $ 500.00 15+ Trucks:

$1,000.00

Basic Associates: Friends of SWPA - Receive SWPA “Out of the Woods” newsletter subscrip�on and other member informa�on and ac�on alerts via email when provided.

$ 50.00

All Memberships receive SWPA “Out of the Woods” Newsletter Subscription The American Loggers Council represents over 50,000 logging professionals in 28 states. The Southesastern Wood Producers Association is proud to be a member of the American Loggers Council. For more information please contact the ALC office at 409-625-0206 or e-mail at americanlogger@aol.com.

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Check here if you wish to Call with your Credit Card Information Mail to: SWPA, P. O. Box 9, Hilliard, FL 32046 www.swpa.ag Date: ____________ Check#:_____________