TH 1223 digimag

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! THdec23pgs_SS.indd 1

11/3/23 8:45 AM

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_ASM.indd 2

11/3/23 8:58 AM

A Hatton-Brown Publication HATTON-BROWN PUBLISHERS, INC. Street Address: 225 Hanrick Street Montgomery, AL 36104-3317 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2268 Montgomery, AL 36102-2268 Telephone (334) 834-1170 Fax 334-834-4525

Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

Publisher David H. Ramsey Chief Operating Officer Dianne C. Sullivan

Browse, subscribe or renew: www.timberharvesting.com Vol. 71, No. 6: Issue 701

Editor-in-Chief Rich Donnell Managing Editor Dan Shell Senior Editor David Abbott Senior Editor Jessica Johnson

November/December 2023

OurCover Alabama logger Kirk Sanders uses cutto-length equipment to harvest high quality low ground hardwood. Article begins on PAGE 16. (Patrick Dunning photo, design by Shelley Smith)

Publisher/Editor Emeritus David (DK) Knight Art Director/Prod. Mgr. Cindy Segrest Ad Production Coord Patti Campbell Circulation Director Rhonda Thomas Online Content/Marketing Jacqlyn Kirkland ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES SOUTHERN USA Randy Reagor (904) 393-7968 • Fax: (334) 834-4525 E-mail: reagor@bellsouth.net

OurFeatures

MIDWEST USA, EASTERN CANADA John Simmons (905) 666-0258 E-mail: jsimmons@idirect.com WESTERN USA, WESTERN CANADA Tim Shaddick (604) 910-1826 E-mail: twshaddick@gmail.com Kevin Cook (604) 619-1777 E-mail: lordkevincook@gmail.com INTERNATIONAL Murray Brett +34 96 640 4165 • Mobile: + 34 66 931 5837 E-mail: murray.brett@abasol.net

9

10

Sustainability Report Managed Forests Get Good Marks

Fall Logger Events Lake States, Mid-South, PLC

14

22

Steep Slope Technology Traction, Stability Are Key

Log Harvest Utilization Residuals Boost Sustainability

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Bridget DeVane 334-699-7837 bdevane7@hotmail.com Timber Harvesting & Forest Operations (ISSN 2154-2333) is published 6 times annually (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/ December issues are combined) by Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc., 225 Hanrick St., Montgomery, AL 36104. Subscriptions are free to U.S. logging, pulpwood and chipping contractors and their supervisors; managers and supervisors of corporate-owned harvesting operations; wood suppliers; timber buyers; businesses involved in land grooming and/or land clearing, wood refuse grinding and right-of-way maintenance; wood procurement and land management officials; industrial forestry purchasing agents; wholesale and retail forest equipment representatives and forest/logging association personnel.

All non-qualified U.S. subscriptions are $50 annually; $60 in Canada; $95 (airmail) in all other countries (U.S. funds).

Single copies, $5 each; special issues, $20 (U.S. funds).

Subscription Inquiries—TOLL-FREE 800-669-5613; Fax 888-611-4525. Go to www.timber harvesting.com and click on the subscribe button to subscribe/renew via the web. All advertisements for Timber Harvesting & Forest Operations are accepted and published by Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. with the understanding that the advertiser and/or advertising agency are authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser and/or advertising agency will defend, indemnify and hold Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. harmless from and against any loss, expenses, or other liability resulting from any claims or lawsuits for libel violations or right of privacy or publicity, plagiarism, copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or lawsuits that may arise out of publication of such advertisement. Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. neither endorses nor makes any representation or guarantee as to the quality of goods and services advertised in Timber Harvesting & Forest Operations. Copyright ® 2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Ala. and at additional mailing offices. Printed in USA.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TIMBER HARVESTING & FOREST OPERATIONS P.O. Box 2419, Montgomery, AL 36102-2419

OurDepartments MyTake __________________________________________________4 Newslines ________________________________________________6 Innovator Neil Peterson ___________________________________ 12 Dust N Rust ____________________________________________ 20 Equipment World________________________________________ 25 Innovation Way _________________________________________ 26 Select Cuts ____________________________________________ 27 THExchange ____________________________________________ 28 Ad Index _______________________________________________ 30 Other Hatton-Brown Publications: Southern Loggin’ Times • Wood Bioenergy Timber Processing • Panel World • Power Equipment Trade

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! THdec23pgs_SS.indd 3

11/3/23 11:01 AM

MyTake DAVID ABBOTT

ALC’s Fall Tradition Travels To Maine in 2023 ALC annual meeting covers issues, opportunities.

Outgoing ALC President Andy Irish welcomes visitors to a log processing site.

NEWRY, Me. ogging industry professionals and advocates from throughout the U.S. (and a few from beyond) converged on the far northeastern state for this year’s American Loggers Council annual meeting on October 4-6. The theme for this year’s conference was “Family Tradition,” and indeed, the ALC annual meeting has become an annual tradition every fall for many logging families.

In conjunction with the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast (see news), Maine native Andy Irish, who served as ALC President for the 2022-2023 term, hosted the conference in his home state. This is the third ALC meeting in Maine, which has been closely involved with the organization since its inception in 1994.

Another ALC tradition: on the first day, attendees attend a logging tour,

L

4

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

affording loggers from other parts of the country a chance to see a typical logging operation in the host state. Irish set up a demo of his own Tigercat machines on an eastern white pine stand managed

by Wagner Forest Management. Following a very wet summer, Maine greeted the ALC group with an unseasonably warm and sunny day, perfect weather for the demo.

Afterwards, Irish showed a less easily accessed, mountaintop stand his crew had recently finished, an included an upclose look at a massive windmill installation on the land.

Maine Senate President Troy Jackson kicked off the second day’s seminars by delivering the keynote speech.

Jackson is a logger and member of a logging family who entered the political arena and has worked to further legislation on behalf of loggers. He has successfully championed the right of Maine loggers to collectively bargain. Jackson is currently next in line to fill in as the state’s Governor in the event the current office holder becomes unable to serve.

“Your greatest strength is your independence,” ALC Executive Director Scott Dane told those in attendance.

“Your greatest weakness is also your independence. People play that against you.” He strongly urged loggers to work together to attain common goals.

The second seminar brought with it some spirited discussion of the pros and cons of certification systems. Representatives from the Forest Stewardship Council (Derik Frederiksen, FSC President) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (Nadine Block, SFI Senior VP of Community and Government Relations) made presentations and answered audience questions on the topic.

During a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis on the industry, Dane offered perspective from speakers on two promising opportunities. The panel in- ➤ 21

Meeting hosts Kathy and Andy Irish, holding checks, and PLC-Northeast Executive Director Dana Doran celebrate more than $50,000 raised for local children’s hospitals during the ALC’s Log a Load auction.

TIMBER HARVESTING & FOREST OPERATIONS

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_bkj.indd 4

11/6/23 3:10 PM

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_ASM.indd 5

11/3/23 8:58 AM

NewsLines

NW Pulp Markets Soften With Several Closures According to a report in the Associated Oregon Loggers Mainline magazine, pulp log values in the region have fallen this past summer—deeply impacting Oregon timber harvest and wood markets. “The cumulative impact of 2023 pulp plant curtailment and closure across the Northwest Region has created a current market glut of once-valuable wood chips. This has lowered the value of pulp logs and sawmill residuals in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Combined with this year’s soft lumber indices and inflationary operational hurdles, these low chip prices are worsening the impacts on our industry—logging contractors, truckers, landowners, Two major closures plus extended shutdowns have led to region-wide Northwest chip market woes. and forest product manufacturers.”

The report notes that the region’s chip fiber suppliers and forest landowners look ahead to greater export opportunities, although export markets are currently soft as well. Oregon today has just four remaining chip-consuming pulp mills: GPWauna and Toledo, IP-Springfield, and Cascade Pacific Pulp-Halsey. Just thirty years ago, Oregon had a robust pulp and paper industry, with 11 pulp mills consuming roughly 75% more chip fiber than today.

The latest blow to Northwest fiber markets is WestRock on September 30 permanently closed its Tacoma, Wash. pulp and paper mill, ending 94 years of operation at one of the region’s larger pulp plants and affecting 400 workers. This follows the indefinite closure of the PCA pulp and paper mill in Wallulah, Wash. that had long been a destination for Intermountain and east of the Cascades chip producers.

Name Change: PLC of Maine Now PLC of Northeast Officials with longtime loggers trade association The Professional Logging Contractors of Maine recently announced that the organization has rebranded as the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast, and has opened eligibility to contractors in Vermont.

The PLC of the Northeast has been representing loggers since 1995, and the move reflects finding opportunity in a rapidly changing industry, says PLC of the Northeast Executive Director Dana Doran.

“Loggers and truckers throughout the Northeast share many of the same challenges and opportunities, and we believe that now is the time to grow the organization to meet those challenges and take advantage of those opportunities together,” he added.

Members reviewed and approved changes to the organization’s bylaws pertaining to the expansion at the association’s annual meeting in May. Doran notes that Vermont loggers deserve credit for taking the lead on 6

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

the move. “The PLC stands ready to respond should loggers in other states seek the same representation and benefits a regional logging trade association can afford them,” he says.

The move includes the addition of three Vermont board members, and the organization is gearing up operations in Vermont and preparing to add staff there. The overall effort has been in the works about two years, with a key meeting attended by 50-plus Vermont contractors in December 2022.

New board member Jack Bell, cofounder of Long View Forest of Westminster and Hartland, Vt., says the benefits are very solid, and the group’s logger-only board requirement is a big plus.

“The PLC’s, ‘by loggers, for loggers,’ standard says it all,” Bell said.

“The total focus on the issues and challenges loggers face is unique.”

PLC-Northeast board member Steve Hanington, of Hanington Bros. Inc. and a founding member of the PLC, says he enjoys seeing the association grow beyond Maine into a stronger regional force.

“I’m very happy that the loggers in

Vermont chose to go this route, not for the benefit of PLC, but the benefit of loggers in the Northeast,” Hanington adds.

Alabama Debuts Bridge Cost-Share Program The Alabama Forestry Commission has announced a cost-share funding program that makes financial incentives available for forest landowners, loggers, and timber companies throughout the state if they share the cost of transporting portable bridges to Alabama logging sites. Using temporary, portable bridges to cross streams keeps equipment and sediment from entering “sensitive areas” which ensures consistent water quality, the commission said.

The cost-share program, made possible by a grant from the U.S. Forest Service, will provide up to 75% of the total cost of a portable bridge with a maximum price of $20,000.

Awarded recipients of the cost-share funding will be notified after the application period. Eligibility requirements for the temporary bridge funding inTIMBER HARVESTING & FOREST OPERATIONS

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_bkj.indd 6

11/6/23 9:59 AM

NewsLines clude being certified as a Professional Logger Manager in Alabama and having no Best Management Practices complaints within the last three years.

AOL Awaiting Approval For Logger Health Insurance Plan According to Associated Oregon Logger Executive Vice President Rex Storm, the organization recently filed to create a new association health plan for AOL member employees and owners.

“This new AOL Health Benefits Plan has been officially-filled with state regulators, and we are expecting approval very soon.” Storm said in a recent newsletter update. “The day we get approval to begin receiving requests and offering quotes under this competitive plan, AOL will notify members with more information.”

Storm noted that once approved, AOL Health Plan would allow AOL member employers, both small and large, the ability to pool together under one large umbrella to negotiate better rates and coverage.

According to the update, benefits that will be available include statewide and worldwide coverage, telemedicine, dental, vision and more.

Current AOL members get priority for quote requests, and requests with the most accurate and complete data get top priority for processing applications.

Vermont Judge Dismisses State Forest Lawsuit A Vermont judge has dismissed a legal effort to block logging on the Camel’s Hump State Forest and other state lands.

A forest preservation group, Standing Trees, had filed suit against the Vermont Dept. of Forest, Parks and Recreation last year. The group claimed that state lands are regularly approved for logging without a transparent public process and asked that all timber harvests on state lands should be halted until a new, clearer process could be established.

Judge Tim Tomasi ruled the organization and its plaintiffs didn’t have standing, and were only speculating about any future impacts. The suit cited a management plan for the area approved in 2021 that called for logging 3,800 acres in 34 different areas during the next 15 years.

Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

Perry, Fla. Seeks Interest In Closed Foley Pulp Mill According to a report in the Tallahassee Democrat, the town of Perry, Fla. planned to send a representative to an early November conference in London in the hopes of finding an international buyer for the Foley Cellulose pulp mill in Perry, which Georgia-Pacific announced in September it planned to permanently close, impacting 525 mill jobs and up to another 1,500 jobs in the north Florida logging region.

The mill was the main economic driver in a county where 22,000 people live among 525,000 acres of forested land. It had a $77 million payroll, created a $377 million economic impact for the county, and paid more than $9.9 in local and state taxes, according to a University of Florida study.

GP said various factors influenced the difficult decision, stating, “GP does not believe that the mill can competitively serve its customers in the long term despite the significant investments and commitment by GP Cellulose since the site was acquired in 2013. This is a strategic decision that was made prior to Hurricane Ida-

lia and is not a reflection of the hard work and effort of the Foley team.

“Georgia-Pacific’s decision to close Foley Cellulose will be felt throughout the supply chain,” comments Mike Beardsley, executive director of the Southeastern Wood Producers Assn. “2023 has been tough—this is the third permanent closure in the region this year. Certainly, our loggers and log truck drivers will be on the front lines of coping with the closure, not just financially but also logistically figuring where to move the wood profitably. The roughly 525 mill jobs from this closure are just the tip of the iceberg. The closure impacts jobs throughout the supply chain including loggers and log truckers, equipment and parts suppliers, forest landowners, and throughout the local economy at gas stations, restaurants, and convenience stores. The ripple effect of this closure goes beyond our industry to the economies of Perry and surrounding communities.”

Prior to the announcement, GP referred to the Perry operation as one of four world-class wood pulp mills in the Georgia-Pacific Cellulose business.

Foley Cellulose has produced specialty

FS Chief Announced As OLC Keynote Speaker The Oregon Logging Conference has announced that U.S. Forest Service Chief will be the keynote speaker at the 86th annual OLC February 21-24 in Eugene, Ore. “I am very excited, as president of the OLC this year, to have Chief Moore as my keynote speaker at the conference,” said OLC President Steve Henson.

Moore oversees a workforce of more than 31,000 employees who sustainably manage more than 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. Moore’s 42-year career with the FS began in 1981, and he was most recently Pacific Southwest Regional Forester from 2007-2021.

The West Coast’s largest logging event continues to add and announce more features, including updates on steep slope operating regulations, a panel discussing impacts of Oregon’s new Private Forest Accord on roads and riparian areas, advanced driver training for collision Visit: oregonloggingconference.com avoidance and much more.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 7

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_bkj.indd 7

11/6/23 9:59 AM

NewsLines and fluff pulp, primarily from slash pine, that is delivered worldwide to customers for a variety of high-end uses and converting technologies and in products such as clothing, tires, shampoo, diapers, filters and towels.

Constructed by Procter & Gamble in 1954, the facility was acquired by a private business partnership in 1993 when P&G sold its Cellulose and Specialties Div. The partnership evolved into a publicly traded company, Buckeye Technologies, Inc., in November 1995, before being acquired by Georgia-Pacific in summer 2013.

In 2018 the mill completed an $84 million investment to make the mill more energy efficient and to reduce groundwater usage.

Kiosk Improves Truck Turnaround At all RoyOMartin manufacturing facilities, improving truck turnaround time is a crucial metric. Turnaround time measures the number of minutes it takes a truck to weigh in on the entrance scales until the time the truck weighs out once it is unloaded. Optimizing turnaround times increases the productivity of truckers and loggers and decreases the amount of fuel trucks use while waiting to be unloaded.

In February 2023, kiosk machines were installed at log scales to help decrease turnaround times and simplify the scaling process at the plywood mill in Chopin, La. Since the addition of these machines, average turnaround times have decreased from 16.78 minutes to 15.15 minutes, resulting in an almost 10%improvement over the traditional weigh-in process. Though this may not seem like a significant measurement, when an average of 100 truckloads collectively cross this scale every day, that’s a 2.7-hour daily improvement!

Increased safety for the drivers is another important benefit. Prior to the kiosk system, they walked up and down steps and across a busy lane of mill traffic to reach the scale house.

Now, the drivers only have to take a few steps from their trucks to reach the kiosk.

This technological upgrade has improved the company’s relationships with truck drivers and strengthened RoyOMartin’s position as a destination of choice.

8

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

There are plans to install additional kiosk machines at the plywood entrance scales in the future. These machines have also proved beneficial at both RoyOMartin OSB manufacturing facilities in Oakdale, La., and Corrigan, Texas.

(Article from the company’s Overstory newsletter.)

Western Partners With First Nations The Tlowitsis, We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and K’ómoks First Nations (Nanwakolas Council), and Western Forest Products Inc. have reached an agreement for the Nations to acquire a 34% interest from Western in a newly formed Limited Partnership for $35.9 million. The province of British Columbia helped to facilitate the Partnership through Incremental Treaty Agreements with the Nations, all of whom are in Stage 5 of the British Columbia Treaty Process. The parties are working toward closing the acquisition in the first quarter of 2024.

The Partnership will consist of certain assets and liabilities of Western’s Mid Island Forest Operation. The operations will cover 157,000 hectares of forest land in the traditional territories of the Nations near the communities of Campbell River and Sayward on eastern Vancouver Island.

The Partnership will manage an allowable annual cut of 904,540 cubic meters of timber and includes a longterm fiber agreement to support Western’s British Columbia coastal manufacturing operations.

SPI Forest Steward Plans Retirement Sierra Pacific Industries’ long-time Vice President of Resources, Dan Tomascheski, is retiring at the end of 2023. His 45-year career at Sierra Pacific includes his role as the forestry program’s chief steward since 1990.

He has been the leader in the growth and sustainable management of the largest privately-owned timberland holdings in the U.S. “It is with mixed emotions that we share the news of Dan Tomascheski’ s plans to retire,” says SPI President Emeritus Red Emmerson. “Dan’s accomplishments and contributions to the company are beyond measure. We

appreciate Dan’s work to build a topnotch leadership team in the Forestry Division that will keep our forests thriving and a steady supply of logs to the mills for years to come.”

Tomascheski joined Sierra Pacific in 1978 as a timber cruiser and saw the expansion of SPI’s forest ownership from 135,000 acres in California to more than 2.4 million acres across the West Coast during his career.

West Fraser Invests In Newberry Mill West Fraser plans to expand its operations in Newberry County, SC. The $17.7 million project is expected to create 30 jobs. The investment at the company’s current location will include an additional 60 acres of land.

“West Fraser is excited to grow our presence in Newberry County. This expansion and upgrades will ensure our Newberry facility is well equipped to compete in the global lumber markets and provide quality products to our customers for many years to come,” West Fraser Vice President of Capital and Technology Chuck Watkins says.

Idaho Forest Supervisor Criticized For Inaction After the company’s Plummer, Id. sawmill dropped two-thirds of its workforce due to log availability, Stimson Lumber Co. President Andrew Miller said Kootenai National Forest Supervisor Chad Benson was seemingly uninterested in pursuing workable forest health projects that include mechanical thinning and other timber harvest work.

Miller said the forest develops large, complicated projects that have so many components it’s easy for a judge to find some reason to halt a project or send Forest Service officials back to the drawing board. He cited projects over 50,000 and 90,000 acres that were halted this summer. “He (Benson) blames litigation, but he continues to walk into the spider web of it with these large projects,” Miller said.

Industry observers note that as a small log mill, the Plummer facility fills a crucial role in providing processing capacity for small diameter material generated in forest health projects.

TIMBER HARVESTING & FOREST OPERATIONS

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_bkj.indd 8

11/6/23 9:59 AM

NewsLines

Sustainable Forest Report Shows Challenges R

eleased in September, the “National Report on Sustainable Forests, 2020” from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) and Forest Service (FS) shows both good and challenging trends as the nation’s forest land owners seek sustainable ownership and management options. The fourth such effort since 1997, the report is 60 pages.

Timber Harvesting is providing an abridged version of the report’s “Key Findings” page here, but there is much more information contained in the report that’s free to download at usda.gov.

Forest land area in the U.S. has increased slightly over the past century to 765 million acres. Yet modest long-term forest expansion tapered off in recent years as net increases in forest area in the South, North, and Alaska Regions were offset by net decreases in the Pacific Coast and Rocky Mountain Regions.

The percent of forest-associated species considered to be at risk of extinction continues to rise. The share of forest-associated species of vascular plants, vertebrates, and selected invertebrates in the U.S. at risk of extinction (i.e., critically imperiled, imperiled, or vulnerable to extinction) have increased from 28% to 31% over the past decade.

Conversion of forests to non-forest land uses, alteration of native habitats, introduction and spread of non-native species, and other biotic and abiotic processes increasingly affect forest-associated species distributions.

At the national scale, forests continue to grow more wood than is removed or lost to mortality, and annual net growth (i.e., growth minus mortality) is about twice annual removals (i.e., harvests). Timberland growing stock is nearly evenly distributed between hardwood and softwood species, with about 10% (102 billion cubic feet) of total growing stock attributed to planted forests. Increasing tree mortality associated with wildfire, insect infestation, and drought at local and regional scales, particularly in the Rocky Mountain Region, have led to a slowing in national net growth rates, even as removals (e.g., from harvesting, thinning, or land clearing) have decreased since peak average annual harvest rates in the late 1980s.

Disturbances (wildfire, insects, and others) are often a vital part of healthy Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

forest ecosystems, but the increasing cade; however, this rebound had been extent and severity of biotic and abiotic strongest in portions of the South Reforest disturbances pose increasing gion and wood production levels rechallenges to ecological, economic, and main below their peak. Per capita consocial dimensions of forest sustainabilsumption of wood and paper products ity. Over the past 20 years, wildfire indecreased 21% since 1965 and protensity and area burned have trended duction levels are still far below their upward at the national scale. Although peak in the late 1980s. Employment in national-scale, insect-induced tree the wood and paper products sectors mortality has decreased since spikes in declined 40% since its most recent the 2000s, insects remain the principal peak in 1998. biotic cause of tree mortality in the U.S., particularly in the Pacific Coast and Rocky Mountain Regions.

The increased temperatures and drought attributed to climate change, combined with increasing forest density and insect-induced tree mortality, can create the conditions for increasing wildfire severity.

Although forests continue to serve as a carbon sink at the national level, forests in several States in the Intermountain West are producing net carbon emissions at the State scale BMPs, managed forests show good results in national report. largely owing to forest disturbance activity. Forest land, harSustainable forest management is vested wood products (HWP), woodpursued in the U.S. through an exlands, and urban trees represent the panding range of legal, institutional, largest net carbon sink in the U.S., naand economic approaches developed tionally offsetting around 10–15% of and applied across multiple scales, total domestic emissions annually. ownerships, and actors. These apForest-protected rivers and proaches address the ecological, ecostreams are in relatively good condinomic, and social dimensions of forest tion in the U.S., and previously high sustainability and increasingly rely on levels of acidification observed in forforest-focused collaborations and partest soils have continued to decrease in nerships that share a common recognirecent years. Best management praction of the importance of forest restotices (BMPs) for forests focused on ration, wildfire risk reduction, multiple reducing the negative impacts of foruses, and local forest-based liveliest management on water and soil rehoods. Institutional capacity for tradisources are widely implemented in the tional forest management activities has U.S. and have been shown to be effecdeclined in some areas, notably fortive. Although nationwide assessestry research. ments of water bodies paint an overall In addition, wildfire response conpicture of poor condition, there is evitinues to require significant allocations dence that forest-buffered public in land management agency budgets— water supplies are in good condition making forest collaboration and part(75% compared to 47% of all rivers nerships that address wildfire vital to and streams) and that forestry BMPs TH progress on sustainability. and other protections are effective.

A full copy of the report is available The wood industry in the U.S. has at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/default/ rebounded with the recovery in the files/fs_media/fs_document/2020broader economy over the past desustainability-report.pdf NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 9

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_bkj.indd 9

11/6/23 3:17 PM

LoggerEvents

Fall Logger Events Enjoy Great Weather, Good Crowds Loggers across the country have been enjoying cooler weather and several key events showed the latest in logging equipment technology, including two live demos, as loggers gathered in Washington, Mississippi and Wisconsin for equipment shows and more.

Great Lakes Expo: Promoting Sustainability

According to show organizers, the 77th annual Great Lakes Logging & Heavy Equipment Expo featured a great crowd and more than 160 exhibitors, including 30 first-time exhibitors, in early September.

Held at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba, Mich. in early September, the event is organized by the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Assn. (GLTPA). While not an in-woods show, the event does have outdoor areas where some equipment can operate.

In a local news report, GLTPA Executive Director Henry Schienebeck noted the goal of the show is to let GLTPA members see the latest in logging technology but also to help educate the public about sustainable forest management and the vested interest that loggers have in reforestation and environmental protection.

Mid-South Demo: Big Crowd During late September, the South’s longest-running live inwoods equipment demo was held near Starkville, Miss. on Mississippi State University’s 8,500-acre John W. Starr Memorial Forest, adjacent the Charles E. Burkhardt Pavilion.

In contrast to the heat, humidity and/or rain of the past few events, the Mid-South Forestry Equipment Show greeted attendees with perfect early fall weather September 22-23 to showcase live logging operations using equipment provided by 77 exhibitors. The Mississippi Loggers Assn.

(MLA), Mississippi Forestry Assn. and Mississippi State University join together to produce the show.

As it has for years, the MLA held its biennial membership banquet (sponsored by Tigercat and B&G Equipment) 10

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

TIMBER HARVESTING & FOREST OPERATIONS

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_bkj.indd 10

11/3/23 9:32 AM

LoggerEvents on the first night of Mid-South. Mississippi state senator and strong industry supporter Tyler McCaughn was the keynote speaker. Among many awards presented, MLA Executive Director David Livingston recognized Logger of the Year Triple Comer Logging, LLC of Philadelphia, Miss. The banquet also included a Log a Load auction.

Organizers report attendance of 5,000 across two days, and logging contractors were able to earn pro logger credits at seminars during the show. Visitors enjoyed watching a loader contest sponsored by B&G/ Tigercat and a skidder competition hosted by Stribling/John Deere.

Even Mississippi’s own logging social media sensation, “Bubba Rudy”, a.k.a. Levi Spring, was on hand with his whole family to sell merch, sign autographs and take photos with fans.

PLC: Introducing Youngsters To The Industry Located this year on the Weyerhaeuser tree farm at Vail, Wash., near the heavily-populated Puget Sound area, the Pacific Logging Congress returned to Washington state for the first time in 13 years.

Show organizers report the PLC had a heavy education emphasis, as an estimated 2,000 students from 31 different schools toured the event the first two days and another couple thousand visitors showed up for general public day the last day.

Students were not only able to see the latest high-tech logging equipment in action, they were also able to “operate” equipment using simulators. A forest interpretive trail showed students and visitors all about sustainable forestry, different trees and ecosystems. Oregon State University’s forestry program booth showed students how to get involved in the forest industry.

At the Timber Harvesting booth, Managing Editor Dan Shell had copies of the magazine and touted results of the recent Timber Harvesting Logger Survey that showed how labor is a big concern for contractors across the country and they are looking for young workers. (In act, some of the teachers accompanying the students were also interested after seeing some of the hourly pay rates for logging equipment operators.)

Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 11

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_bkj.indd 11

11/3/23 9:32 AM

Recycling Machine Innovator, Pioneer Neil Peterson Dies

F

orest machinery pioneer and innovator Neil Peterson, the driving force behind Peterson Pacific Corp. that revolutionized in-woods and mobile delimbing, debarking and chipping, died recently.

Peterson was not Neil Peterson just a pioneer in his field but also a generous philanthropist, a guiding force for his team, and a beacon of opportunities for his employees.

Peterson initially began working with his father, Wilber, at Peterson & Sons, a construction and land clearing company that opened up a satellite chip plant in Pleasant Hill, Ore. in the late 1970s. Concerned that the plant’s chip quality wasn’t good enough for export markets, Peterson set about developing

12

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

a better way to produce clean chips.

Peterson settled on a chain flail design that could handle multiple small stems effectively and simultaneously. The system was a game changer in terms of both quality and production. Peterson built a prototype debarker and two additional machines for the chip plant.

Customer Longview Fibre bought the first unit Peterson sold after being impressed with the machine’s chip output.

Peterson established Peterson Pacific Corp. in 1981 and began refining his machine. The July 1985 issue of Timber Harvesting featured an article detailing the first machine Peterson Pacific sold to a chipping contractor, Edmund Co. in Tacoma, Wash.

Contractor Tal Edmund had bought the Peterson model 3100 debarker in December 1984, and had praise for it handling smaller timber, its portability and overall performance, calling it a

“better tuned instrument” than previous debarkers he had operated.

Soon after, Peterson and his wife, Linda, who was the company’s marketing and HR director, hit the road in 1986 on a legendary demo-sales trip that blew away major back East paper producers and their chipping contractors with the machine’s performance.

The success led to introduction of the 4800 delimber-debarker, which was closely followed by the revolutionary DDC 5000—a delimber-debarker and chipper close-coupled and mounted on the same frame—in early 1989. Scott Paper was so impressed by Peterson and his machines that it actually ordered the first DDC 5000 in 1988 before it was ever built.

By 1992 when Timber Harvesting visited Peterson Pacific in the June issue, the company was about to move to its current location in northwest Eugene. It had just finished its 10th anniversary year and was in the midst of an amazing run that had seen 50% sales increases in each of the past four years.

Peterson Pacific had also just sold and shipped its 100th machine.

TIMBER HARVESTING & FOREST OPERATIONS

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_bkj.indd 12

11/3/23 9:25 AM

One of the first Peterson machines at work in Washington in 1985.

More advances followed, as Peterson Pacific became a global leader in machinery for mobile chipping and grinding in a variety of machines, sizes and applications.

Peterson always took pride in how his machines aided in tasks like mulching, compost creation and storm cleanup. His machines not only increased the longevity of landfills but also

transformed waste wood into valuable commodities and made recycling efforts more efficient.

In 2007, Peterson Pacific Corp. embarked on a new chapter when it was sold to Astec Industries. Unlike many company owners who sell their businesses, Peterson remained and transitioned into a research and development role.

Still consumed by his insatiable appetite for innovation, Peterson many times could be found out in the shop in coveralls, working with the engineering and R&D teams on both small improvements and big ideas before he retired in 2020.

TH

Waratah’s Cochrane Dies In New Zealand We can’t let the year pass without noting the death of David Cochrane, 77, founder of the Waratah Group, who died in spring in New Zealand. Cochrane and the equipment he developed continue to have a significant effect on the forestry industry on both sides of the Pacific after he founded Waratah General Engineering in New Zealand in 1973. This year, Waratah is celebrating 50 years of innovation and success begun by Cochrane.

Waratah’s products first entered Canada in 1990, and Cochrane was instrumental in setting up Waratah in the late 1990s.

John Deere purchased Waratah in 2000. After a non-compete expired in July 2007, Cochrane and a shareholder group launched Southstar equipment. Southstar was acquired by Quadco Inc. in 2016 and bought by Komatsu in 2018.

“Dave Cochrane will be remembered as a true visionary of the industry, the godfather of forestry mechanization,” says Jeremy Disher of Southstar Engineering.

Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 13

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_bkj.indd 13

11/6/23 9:11 AM

SteepSlopeTech Forest Chain Protection Forest Chain’s wide range of ring skidder chains, are available in fixed ring, multi ring, and studded with 9/16, 5/8 or 3/4" tag chains to fit all popular tire sizes. Designed to give as much as 60% more traction to your skidder, Forest Chain Skidder Chains provide quicker skid times, more production and increased bottom line profits. Forest Chain premium Multi-Ring heavy duty chains offer superior traction putting steel in strategic points providing protection from rocks, stumps and site debris, protecting your expensive rubber tires.and are available in 9/16, 5/8, 3/4, 7/8 and 1". The Double Diamond configured chains equipped with U-shaped studs are especially effective in the worst conditions like mud and snow, the deep biting lugs dig deeply into the terrain to keep production moving. All Forest Chains are manufactured with top quality materials and workmanship and designed to provide puncture protection from rocks, stumps and debris. Repairs are easy using common welding techniques and materials for longer life. Call 800-288-0887; email forestchain@gmail.com.

Olofsfors EX Tracks EX Tracks from Olofsfors are designed for the toughest and steepest conditions where traction is the primary requirement. The cross member is shaped in such a way that it provides extreme traction in deep snow, steep slopes and rocky terrain.

The narrow cross members make EX one of the best self cleaning tracks.

EX is very durable and provides optimal lifetime performance. EX is available in all link systems and two cross member versions, to fit all operating requirements and machines.

When equipped with EX Tracks, machines can operate in slopes unassisted or tethered with ease. EX Tracks provide superior grip and machine stability in any steep slope application.

New for the EX Track is the Extreme Cleat. These add on cleats extend the traction bar from edge to edge providing increased traction and stability when working in the steepest slopes. For more information please visit www.eco-tracks.com

Tigercat Offers Advanced Steep Slope Technology Tigercat continues to lead the industry in steep slope technology. With continued focus on safety when logging on steep terrain, Tigercat machines are stable, powerful, efficient and comfortable.

Leveling track machines Optimized for steep slope work with innovative features and technologies, Tigercat’s leveling track machines are used in a wide range of applications including felling, harvesting and shovel logging.

Tigercat’s patented super-duty, leveling undercarriage provides exceptional stability on steep slopes. It uses two massive hydraulic cylinders and heavy steel sections for a solution that is simple, robust and reliable. Unlike competing systems, the Tigercat leveling system leans into the hill when leveling to the side which further improves machine stability and operator comfort.

14

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

TIMBER HARVESTING & FOREST OPERATIONS

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_bkj.indd 14

11/6/23 3:22 PM

SteepSlopeTech To further enhance the ability of Tigercat’s track machines to work on slopes, an optional cable assist mount is available. The tether anchor bolts firmly to the main carbody structure of the undercarriage and allows either single or double cables to be attached to the track machine. A variety of third-party winch systems can be used to assist the track machine up or down slopes.

Rubber tire machines Tigercat also produces skidders, harvesters, and forwarders with unique innovations to enhance productivity on steep or soft terrain. The drivetrain components, including the pump drive, transmission and bogie axles, are engineered and built by Tigercat for extreme forest duty, long life and high uptime. The use of either long bogie arms or mechanical balanced bogies reduce bogie lift, increasing stability on steep terrain.

Tigercat wheel harvesters feature leveling upper turntables which levels both the cab and the boom to provide strong swing torque and added operator comfort for working on slopes. The 1085C forwarder is available with a 25˚ tilting crane. The centre oscillation joints used on both harvesters and forwarders provides exceptional stability while travelling. The machines have heavy duty lugs incorporated into their frames to accommodate winch assist systems. Forced lubrication systems are being used on critical components in these machines.

Cable logging The Tigercat 180 swing yarder is purpose-built from the ground up. It combines the speed and stability of conventional yarders with the mobility and simpler controls of excavator-based yarders. The result is a powerful and versatile yarding machine for extreme terrain logging applications. Visit tigercat.com

Trygg Chain Durability Trygg case-hardened Netlink Forestry Chain is designed strictly for forestry use for skidders, forwarders, and loaders with a quality second to none. Double studs on top of the vertical links provide extreme traction. Also for forestry the Trygg Giant U chain combines the stability of our U-Grip with aggressiveness of our Netlink. The chains are made in 16mm dimensions with double diamond pattern as standard. U-studs are welded under the horizontal chain links and stand upright throughout the whole lifetime of the chain. This construction gives good grip and reduces link wear. Tightening rail is standard for 55 profile and lower and is optional for all other tire sizes. We recommend use of our chain tightener tool when mounting this chain. Call 208-267-6215; visit whitemountainchain.com

Ponsse: Steep Slope Opportunity Harvesting on slopes is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, and Ponsse forest machines have opened up a completely new range of possibilities. By making it possible to work on steep slopes and in similarly demanding conditions, Ponsse forest machines make it possible to harvest timber on previously inaccessible land. For steep slope operations, the cut-to-length method has proven to be very efficient way to do logging in slopes as it enables all harvesting types from selective thinning to final cutting with low ground impact. Ponsse has developed solutions, which are enabling usage of the machines in very steep slopes yet doing it in an environmentally sustainable way. It all starts from an eight-wheel machine. An eight-wheel machine is productive in steep slopes because of its stability, lower ground pressure, and better tractive effort compared to traditional six-wheel machine. The structure of the eightwheel Ponsse machines is optimal for the steep slopes as the crane is located on a separate frame from the operator’s cabin. This improves ergonomics as the forces from the crane are not transferred to the cabin, but what is even more important is that the operator’s inclination angle remains stable even if the crane is turned—without lateral swaying. Today, over 90% of the total terrains, the requirements for other components of the machines have also grown higher. One of the biggest differences in the productivity of different machine makes comes from the crane’s properties and the stability of the machine.

Also, the machine’s center of gravity must be kept low when working in slopes. Ponsse cranes are offering low center of gravity, sufficient tilting angle and strong slewing. Visit ponsse.com Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 15

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_bkj.indd 15

11/6/23 3:22 PM

CTL Practical in Alabama Hardwoods Experienced operator focuses on quality output with harvester and forwarder system.

PatrickDunning

A light footprint and processing merchantability are key to working on wet ground with mixed hardwood to pull maximum value from the stems harvested.

FITZPATRICK, Ala. s more loggers and landowners are exposed to the system, cut-to-length operations are making believers out of skeptics in the southeastern U.S., and quickly becoming an all-weather solution to approaching Southern hardwood in wet ground.

Kirk Sanders, 62, owner, KSC LLC., has conducted high-grade thinning prescriptions with Ponsse forestry equipment in Alabama since 2000 and was recommended by his forester for a commercial thinning operation 30 miles east of Timber Harvesting’s headquarters, on a 120acre tract in Bullock County, because of his machines and how he’s able to utilize them.

This stand of Black Belt timber

A

16

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

120 acre tract required beaver dam removal where timber was flooded.

TIMBER HARVESTING & FOREST OPERATIONS

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_bkj.indd 16

11/6/23 3:10 PM

About 20% of the the tract of mixed bottomland hardwoods included a significant amount of oversize logs that required hand falling.

hadn’t been touched since 1995 and for the last three years the ground was too saturated to access any merchantable hardwood by conventional cutskid means. (The “Black Belt” is a soil type less than 100 miles wide but stretching from southeast Alabama into northeast Mississippi, known for its dark prairie soils underlain by chalk formations: When it gets wet in the Black Belt it can stay wet a while.)

Chunks of the land were still under water when KSC began harvesting trees on the property in August, and three sizeable beaver dams were identified on the southwest end of the parcel that prevented the proper movement of water and also flooded valuable timberland.

KSC’s 2012 Elephant forwarder and 2016 Bear harvester made light work of the wet conditions and efficiently moved 6,000 tons of hardwood species in two months.

“When we first got here it was really, really wet. You’d be standing in water right here at this landing a couple months ago,” Kevin Tyler, 46, harvester operator, says. “We worked the dry areas first and now we’re on the backside of the property, about two miles in, working our way back to the road. We should be done by the end of this week.”

Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

Consulting forester, Brett Ezelle, Carlson Land Services, Inc., admits he questioned the cut-to-length system’s capabilities on this tract in the beginning, but is now a staunch supporter of Ponsse machines after observing them in bottomland operations. “I was doubting the machines in big timber like this; I’ve seen them cut pine but I’m a firm believer now. This was my first experience with Ponsse and I’m convinced this is the way to cut hardwood. There’s less damage to the ground, they do an excellent job processing logs and there’s very little waste,” Ezelle said.

“With a conventional operation you’re dragging a 100 ft. long tree through the woods, skinning up other trees and rutting the ground. We don’t have any of those issues with these machines, they’re great. A lot of that has to do with Kevin, too.”

Kevin Tyler is a lifelong mechanic and Sanders’ right-hand man in the woods for the last three years at KSC. He taught his wife how to operate the forwarder in one morning, and personally eradicated every beaver dam he could find with a an ’18 John Deere 245G LC excavator.

From left: Brett Ezelle, forester, Kevin Tyler, harvester operator, and Bryan Cowan, timber buyer NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 17

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_bkj.indd 17

11/6/23 10:00 AM

Harvester features 33 ft. crane and 32 in. capacity processing head with 36,000 lb. pulling force.

“He’s a five-star mechanic, hydraulic specialist and wood merchandizing expert,” Sanders says of Tyler.

The company’s harvester/forwarder formation in the woods typically includes Sanders in the cab of a 40-ton capacity Elephant forwarder capable of bringing out a full truckload at a time. Its KL100 crane features 36 ft. boom reach and 17,000 lbs. of lift capacity with a 48 in. wide bunching grapple.

Tyler mans a 62,000-lb. Ponsse Bear 8WD harvester with two bogies and a 300 HP Mercedes-Benz engine that burns about four gallons an hour. Its 33 ft. C5 crane supports a 4,000-lb. H8HD processing head with four top-and-bottom knives cutting both directions and 10 knives total. The H8HD has a pulling force up to 36,000 lbs. and can process 17 ft. a second.

“This processing head does all the work for you, the only thing it can’t do is see defects in logs. Most logging crews would throw the rest of this limb in with a pulpwood stack, but I’ll get a 9 ft. 6 in. tie log out of it,” Tyler explains.

“And anything over 18 inches in diameter at the small end will go to veneer markets.”

Both machines are outfitted with Olofsfors ECO-Tracks and in persistently wet areas, Tyler lays down 18

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

treetops to mitigate ground disturbance and for additional traction. He calls it the magic carpet.

“Ponsse wanted something to cut southern hardwood. This is what they built,” Tyler says of the Bear harvester. “It’s more efficient and you’re on the ground less. I love these machines and they’re easy to maintain.”

Sanders and Tyler change oil and filters every 500 hours with Mobil 1 synthetic 10w-40 and use ISO-68 hydraulic oil. Ponsse’s harvester and forwarder machines are stocked with automatic greasers but turning pins, bogie swivels and center sections are still greased by hand every other day.

Over weekends Tyler hand-felled 20% of the total volume taken off this tract with a Stihl 660 because a good bit of the timber selected for thinning was a larger diameter than the H8HD’s 32 in. processing head. The largest log from this job was sent to a veneer market in Tennessee and was a 60 in. BDH red oak, felled by Tyler and his chain saw.

“We cut the heart out of these bigger trees so we don’t bust up the center. It preserves the tree for export.

With hinge cutting, there’s still part of the tree attached to the stump and it’ll pull the center out of that log and sometimes you lose 7 to 8 feet of that butt. That’s a waste of money,” Tyler

said. “We go in and cut the center out of that tree and leave fingers sticking out of the stump; we’ll hand cut 60 to 70 trees in a weekend.”

Ezelle adds, “Select cutting big hardwood timber is the most difficult logging there is. It’s hard work but that’s what it takes to do a good job with very little residual damage to the trees.”

KSC averaged 20 loads a week and targeted hardwood species including: poplar, elm, maple, sweet gum, and red and white oak.

Thirty-five percent of the company’s volume was delivered to stave and veneer markets in Tennessee and Kentucky for producing tie logs and whiskey barrels. Nearly 70% of KSC’s production was transported to the Port of Mobile and shipped to red oak markets in China.

“These are high quality machines harvesting high quality timber, so you have to reach the high quality markets, wherever they are,” Sanders says. “It’s still better than fooling around with pulpwood, or as I like to call them, poverty sticks. Alabama is the pulpwood capital of the United States but paper mills have the market cornered, and a lot of loggers are starving to death.”

KSC is one of three logging companies currently operating with Ponsse TH forestry equipment in Alabama.

TIMBER HARVESTING & FOREST OPERATIONS

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_bkj.indd 18

11/6/23 10:00 AM

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_ASM.indd 19

11/3/23 8:58 AM

Dust&Rust Readers are encouraged to send historical items.

Ad Appeared July 1974 20

November/December 2023

TIMBER HARVESTING & FOREST OPERATIONS

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! THdec23pgs_SS.indd 20

11/6/23 9:24 AM

MyTake First TST Awards

product hauling safer. Today, TST has a treasure trove of forest-specific hauling safety training modules. These usAlongside the ALC annual meeting, there was another er-friendly modules are delivered straight to the loggers, the meeting within the meeting: the board members of Team forest product haulers, and anyone in the industry who can Safe Trucking held their own annual meeting while in benefit from added safety measures. TST believes that if Newry on Friday afternoon, between the ALC awards lun- these modules prevent one accident, the work will have cheon and the President’s farewell banquet that night. been worth it.

Team Safe Trucking (TST) is a small non-profit educaThankfully, the industry is seeing new drivers begin tional group of like-minded people trying to change the in- their careers in this business. Some were finally handed the dustry for the better, one log truck at a time. proverbial baton, while many others are starting out anew.

TST started in 2015 with the single goal of making forest One can only hope they have a seasoned driver to learn from, but either way, TST’s training is specific to what that new driver will undoubtedly need. This is where TST hopes to fill the gaps, and where TST hopes to save lives and livelihoods.

This year, Team Safe Trucking was privileged to honor three individuals—Amy Hood from International Paper, David Livingston from the Mississippi Loggers Assn., and Dave Cupp of Louisiana’s Walsh Timber Co.—with its first annual “In it for the Long Haul” award. If you want to know what dedication and hard work look like, look no further than these three!

TST is blessed to have their support. There are many in our industry fighting for change, fighting to keep us safe, and fighting for a future. Team Safe Trucking From left, IP’s Amy Hood, MLA’s David Livingston and Louisiana’s Dave Cupp will always be trying to better the industry, one log truck at a time. were the first recipients of TST’s In It for the Long Haul new award.

4 ➤ cluded Josh Henry, President of TimberHP, a Maine company that is the first in North America to offer wood fiber insulation, an alternative already popular in Europe; and Julie Tucker, U.S. Forest Service National Program Manager, Wood Innovations, who discussed the wood bioenergy, biofuels and bioproducts sector.

Kelly Madison from Associated Insurance Services, Idaho, spoke on her state’s efforts to provide affordable employee health insurance coverage opportunities for logging companies, a key to attracting and retaining quality

Swanstrom, left, received TH award from Timber Harvesting’s Dan Shell.

Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

employees in an ever-more competitive labor market.

Notably, other states, including North Carolina and Alabama, have also made some progress on this front.

A presentation by national and local representatives of Log a Load for Kids and Children’s Miracle Network hospitals spoke on the logging community’s positive impact. In 2022 alone, Log a Load raised $3.6 million for Children’s Miracle Network.

At the Log a Load for Big events included the ALC Log a Load auction and President’s Kids banquet and fundbanquet. raiser in Maine, the gathered loggers in one night raised At the President’s farewell banquet $51,000 that was split between two Friday night, Hatton-Brown’s senior edlocal children’s hospitals. itor Dan Shell presented this year’s Following vigorous discussion of Timber Harvesting Logging Business of various industry issues at Friday the Year to Montana’s Ken Swanstrom. morning’s board of directors and Then…after receiving a standing membership meetings, Irish and Dane ovation from the crowd for his work on presented the 2023 National Activist the industry’s behalf over the last 12 Award to Hatton-Brown Publishers, months, Irish passed the gavel to his parent of Southern Loggin’ Times and successor as ALC President, CaliforTimber Harvesting, and the Presinia’s Mike Albrecht. He will serve as dent’s Leadership Award collectively President until fall next year, when to the members of the ALC Executive ALC hosts its 30th annual meeting OcTH Committee for 2022-2023. tober 2-4, 2024 in Sonora, Calif.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 21

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_bkj.indd 21

11/3/23 9:21 AM

Timber Utilization Shows Keys To Sustainability From solid wood products to residuals, all parts of the tree spoken for.

WilliamStrauss

T

his brief white paper and a new per year to produce products that many interactive dashboard provides a of us take for granted. quantitative review of the U.S. These products produced from and Canadian forest products sector. trees are commonplace in the forms There are about of packaging 1,850 operating and shipping mills in North boxes, lumber The forest products inAmerica (U.S. and and other Canada) that use wood-based dustry in the U.S. and construction wood as their primaterials, floormary input. North Canada has every motive ing, furniture, America’s manto make sure that the tissue, and aged forests supply many other less more than half a working forests that proobvious uses. billion metric tons

vide the raw material for mills are managed sustainably. Sustainability is baked into the business model.

Unlike products based on refined petroleum products, these materials are from a perpetually renewing resource.

As noted in an earlier FutureMetrics’ white paper, the forest products industry in the U.S. and Canada has every motive to make sure that the working forests that provide the raw material for mills are managed sustainably. In other words, the mills, which cost hundreds of millions of dollars to build, are sized such that the intake rate of the mill does not exceed the surrounding working forest’s growth rate. If the mill needs 200,000

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_bkj.indd 22

11/3/23 9:22 AM

tonnes per year of wood, the forests around the mill have to add at least 200,000 tonnes per year of new growth. Otherwise, the resources would become scarce, more costly over time, quickly deplete, and cause the mill to prematurely close. Unlike drilling rigs extracting oil, a sawmill, pulp mill, or pellet mill cannot be moved when the raw material is depleted. Sustainability is baked into the business model.

Many who do not live in areas in which there are mills that convert wood into goods do not grasp the breadth and size of the industries that provide those goods. The table shows the potential maximum annual demand (in short green tons) across the major sectors of the forest products industry.

Nameplate capacity is defined in this analysis as the output of the mill if it were to run at its nominal output rate every hour of the year. Mills never operate 100% of the time due to scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.

Actual capacity factors vary by mill and, in aggregate, by sector.

Estimating actual annual wood demand requires several assumptions, including the capacity factors mentioned above. To quantify and visualize wood demand, FutureMetrics has produced a dashboard that allows many of those assumptions to be set by the user, as shown on the next page. There are several insights illustrated in the dashboard that are important in gaining a Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

fuller underHowever, a sigstanding of the nificant portion of The largest demander forest products the sawlogs that industry. enter a sawmill do of raw material from Note that the not become (solid majority of the wood) end products. the forest is the lumprimary harvests The default settings ber, flooring, furniture, (that is material in the dashboard from the forest) show that about and cabinetry mills. are used in the 42% of softwood However, a significant paper, packagroundwood (typiing, and tissue cally used to proportion of the sawlogs sectors, and in duce lumber for the sawmilling construction like the that enter a sawmill do sectors. well-known 2x4) not become (solid Note also that and about 38% of residuals from hardwood roundwood) end products. the sawmilling wood (used, for exand certain engiample, for flooring neered wood and furniture) are products sectors are used in other secbyproducts. tors. So-called forest residuals (parts Some years ago, much of that residof the tree not suitable for sawmills ual material was simply burned (often and other higher value uses) are in those infamous “beehive” burners). chipped and used in several manufacFor environmental and business reaturing applications. sons, those days are long gone. Some The Sankey chart shows how the of the residuals are used in sawmills to primary harvest is divided up and how fuel the energy plants that provide dryresiduals from some of the manufacing heat for curing the lumber. The turing is used in other sectors. Given rest of the sawdust, chips and bark are the baseline capacities, the assumed products that sawmills sell into other capacity factors, and the other input sectors (as illustrated in the diagram). assumptions, a total of about 580 milOne of the beneficiaries of both lion metric tons of wood will be used sawmill and forest residuals is the in 2023. wood pellet sector (shown in the dashThe largest demander of raw mateboard as “export” and “heating” rial from the forest is the lumber, mills). As FutureMetrics has discussed flooring, furniture, and cabinetry mills. in many white papers and is seen in NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 23

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_bkj.indd 23

11/3/23 9:22 AM

Healthy residuals markets are key to a sustainable forest products infrastructure.

some press reporting, the pellet export sector is sometimes portrayed as a poor steward of the forest resources.

Implications of continuous and permanent deforestation to satisfy the millions of tonnes per year of pellets produced in North America are not uncommon.

These accusations are illogical. It makes no sense to deplete the resources around a mill. And it makes the export (or industrial) pellet sector out to be far more influential in how forest resources are allocated than it is.

Note in the diagram that, given the input assumptions, the export pellet sector only receives about 3.2% of the total primary harvest directly from the forest. Most of that 3.2% is roundwood that is unsuitable for higher value use. Those are typically crooked stems, rotten center stems, or 24

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

species interspersed in the harvest that are not suitable for the primary uses for the harvest. Some are thinnings from managed plantations.

Those intermediate harvests may have no other merchantable markets other than pellet mills. Occasionally stands that were “high graded” are clear-cut, the otherwise nonmerchantable timber sent to a pellet factory, and the stand is remediated to correct the negative effects of high grading.

So what is the reason for the opposition to the tiny export pellet production sector in the much larger forest products industry (all of whom depend on trees being grown and harvested on a more or less continuous basis)?

Perhaps it is because the product is used as fuel. But as numerous FutureMetrics white papers, and other highly credible scientific analysis has

shown, if fundamental sustainability criteria are followed (and proven with independent third-party auditing), the use of pellet fuel to replace coal in power generation is highly carbon emissions beneficial. With the addition of carbon capture and storage, those power stations can simultaneously produce baseload and/or on-demand power while subtracting CO2 from the atmosphere.

Perhaps it is because currently almost 100% of the industrial pellets produced in the U.S. and Canada are exported. In the last year, U.S. exports of lumber and pulp (and scrap paper) averaged about $1.4 billion per month. Pellet exports were about one-tenth as much at about $110 million per month.

Perhaps it is because many do not know better. Perhaps they are clueless as to the size and scope of the forest products industry. Perhaps they don’t connect the dots between the source and their Amazon delivery boxes, their toilet paper, their books, the structural lumber underlying many of their homes, the doors, windows, their hardwood flooring and the cabinets in those homes.

Perhaps they believe that one small sector in a large industry can be responsible for the destruction of the forest lands around those pellet factories; but the other 96.8% of primary harvest going to the rest of the mills is okay.

A factual perspective does not support a vision of forests being permanently removed to support pellet production. As the dashboard illustrates, the North American sawmilling sector uses 10 times more wood directly from the forest per year than the pellet export sector.

This researcher cannot provide a reason that is based on facts and logic for much of the opposition to the production of industrial wood pellets.

Fortunately, we all agree that forests are good for many reasons and should be nurtured so that in aggregate they never shrink in size and are growing trees forever.

Hopefully, this white paper and the dashboard provide information and analysis in an easy-to-understand format that can help everyone gain a realTH ity-based perspective.

Globally renowned carbon accounting and sustainability expert William Strauss is the president of FutureMetrics. Contact Strauss at info@futuremetrics.com, and visit www.futuremetrics.info TIMBER HARVESTING & FOREST OPERATIONS

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_bkj.indd 24

11/3/23 9:22 AM

EquipmentWorld Caribou Eliminates the Paper Chase

Bandit Industries Celebrates Big “40”

In the span of 10 to 15 years, our lives have been transformed by mobile “phones” that have become our TV, radio, alarm clock, planner, newspaper, camera and much more. So why are loggers so reluctant to incorporate their phones into critical everyday work flows for things like time sheet and load ticket tracking, while insisting on continuing to use pen and paper?

Working with loggers across North America, Caribou Software hears a number of reasons: “My guys are too old to learn new tricks” or “We don’t have time to look for an app, let alone roll it out” and “Nothing that I’ve looked at is flexible and simple enough to work for our business.”

The good news is all these reasons are surmountable! Caribou has developed tools to extend the Logger’s Edge core office system load ticket and time sheet tracking out into the woods via mobile digital data entry software tools that work on Android or Apple devices.

Whether it’s a harvesting equipment operator or a mechanic entering his daily time sheet, a truck driver entering his trip ticket information, or a loader operator entering his load sheets electronically, Caribou offers solutions that allow for custom data elements; are simple for field operators to use and are implemented by people whose business is forestry .

"We are using the Load Master program with four of our crews. Load Master has reduced the time by a little more than half, after less than a full month of use. Reducing ticket entry and review time frees us up for other work,” Dawn Stott, Stott Wood Co., Olla, La. “The mad scramble to enter stacks of time sheets has been eliminated with the new process. Supervisors can simply review time sheets online each day for the day prior, while the work is fresh in everyone’s minds. It’s been so much more seamless than our old process,” says Greg Jacob of Prince George, BC. Call 850-532-6206 x1; email teresa@caribousoftware.com; visit www.caribousoftware.com

Bandit Industries celebrated its 40th anniversary with a corporate event on September 27-28 at Remus, Mich. The event included a welcome reception, plant tours and ➤ 29

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! THdec23pgs_SS.indd 25

11/3/23 8:45 AM

InnovationWay Deere Beaver Tooth

Bruks Mobile Chipper

Expanding the portfolio of aftermarket forestry saw teeth options for its customers, John Deere offers the onepiece hardened beaver saw tooth for John Deere wheeled and tracked feller-bunchers.

The new beaver saw tooth design boasts a beveled feature at each tooth tip, which helps improve tooth durability while striking materials other than wood. Not only does this extend the life of the tooth, but also helps increase productivity in rocky conditions where a carbide tooth would not be advisable.

“Our saw teeth models have been rigorously tested on real logging jobsites, helping us deliver ideal solutions made to tackle any forestry application head-on,” says William Borrenpohl, Aftermarket Product Manager, John Deere.

“This remains the case for our new beaver saw tooth option, which was strategically designed to offer increased durability in the woods.”

As the latest addition to the John Deere saw tooth lineup, the beaver saw tooth is one of four options available to customers and can be purchased in boxes of 18 or 20 teeth. Designed for maximum durability while lowering operating costs, the full line of John Deere saw teeth is made to help support daily logging operations and applications.

Customers interested in exploring the full lineup of John Deere saw teeth can work with a local dealer, who can recommend the right saw teeth for the logging operation at hand. Visit johndeere.com

Bruks Siwertell has expanded its product range with the Bruks 1006.3 RT industrial mobile wood chipper. The truck-mounted chipper has a flexible design and offers high-capacity chipping capabilities for a range of applications, like fuel chip production.

The Bruks 1006.3 RT’s chipping unit is built on a compact frame with a slewing base, delivering an optional side-positioned infeed. It ensures consistent chip quality, processing full-length trees and logs up to a diameter of 60 cm for softwood and up to a maximum diameter of 50 cm for hardwood, as well as brush.

The 1006 engine 796 HP and a torque rated at a maximum of 3,650Nm delivers more power and torque in the speed range used during chipping. Other environmental and operational benefits include an advanced hydraulic system insert, the CycloneConcept, which minimizes the use of hydraulic oil, and an intelligent mobile chipping (IMC) control system, which optimizes power management, fuel efficiency and wood chip throughput.

The Bruks 1006.3 RT also has remote connectivity for easy online troubleshooting. Visit bruks-siwertell.com

New Serco Loaders Serco Loaders, a leader in material handling equipment, launces of its 8500-SR32 and 8500-SR34 series loaders. These cutting-edge machines represent a significant leap forward in the world of material handling, offering unmatched efficiency, versatility, and performance.

The Serco 8500-SR32 and 8500-SR34 series loaders have been meticulously engineered to meet the evolving demands of the storm cleanup industry. These loaders are designed to streamline operations and improve productivity while maintaining Serco’s commitment to quality, durability, and safety.

Designed by experienced engineers, and using modern tools such as finite element analysis, these boom loaders stand as a testament to innovation and power, elevating operational capabilities.

The 8500-SR32 and 8500-SR34 series loaders further solidify the company’s position as an industry leader, providing customers with tools to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance overall profitability. Visit sercoloaders.com 26

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Battery Powered Sawmill Capturing the robust interest of battery-powered outdoor equipment and electric vehicles (EV), Wood-Mizer introduces industry’s first battery-powered portable sawmill. The lithium-ion battery-powered sawmill provides sawmill owners an alternative power choice which is environmentally friendly and delivers consistent, reliable, and high-quality sawing performance. The battery power option is now available on the popular Wood-Mizer LT15WIDE portable sawmill that enables woodworking hobbyists and forestry professionals to safely and efficiently saw logs into lumber.

The Wood-Mizer LT15WIDE sawmill currently offers a wide range of gas, diesel and electric power options with battery-power being the latest addition. 100% of the sawmill’s functions are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are the leading-edge technology in the automotive and outdoor power equipment industries. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, lithium-ion batteries are convenient, lightweight, easy to store, safe and rechargeable.

Offering the same optional trailer package and 36" log diameter sawing capacity as the LT15WIDE portable sawmill, the battery version comes with additional technological enhancements including: patent-pending “Smart Feed” technology; powered saw head; on-board computer; advanced saw head return. Visit wood-mizer.com TIMBER HARVESTING & FOREST OPERATIONS

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_bkj.indd 26

11/3/23 9:22 AM

SelectCuts As We (ALC) See It

Inconsistent Federal Transportation Policy Hurting Economy, Environment SCOTT DANE The U.S. Federal Transportation Policy is a disjointed, bureaucratic hodgepodge of restrictions and requirements lacking consistency across the states, imposed under the extortive threat of federal funding losses.

What weighs more? A ton of milk or a ton of logs?

A ton is still a ton, there is no difference. Why, then, can a truck hauling milk carry heavier loads than a truck carrying logs on the Federal Interstate? This is but one example of the vagaries of a federal policy that allows specific commodities exemptions or

authorization to carry more weight on the Federal Interstate System.

In many areas, there is a wide disparity between the speed and weight limits on state and interstate roadways, even when compared with other Interstate Highways. For instance, in New England states, trucks hauling timber are authorized to access the Federal Interstate System at 100,000 pounds.

Meanwhile, on a specific 23-mile corridor of federal interstate in Minnesota, trucks are allowed to haul timber up to 99,000 pounds. Other sections of the interstate in different states are grandfathered in at higher weights than the

Alabama ‘Woods to Goods’ Teaches Sustainable Forestry

Students in the FFA program at Double Springs Middle School got a first-hand look at Alabama’s forest products industry during the state’s recent 2023 Woods to Goods Week. The field trip included a live demonstration and educational workshops. Logger Grant Tidwell, owner of Generations Timber, LLC, hosted the group in conjunction with the Ala. Forestry Assn.

Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

standard Interstate weight limit.

Are particular Federal Interstate Highways in New England or other states built to a different engineering standard than federal interstates in other states?

The answer is no, they are all built to the same standards. Similar bureaucratic manipulation is apparent with the Electric Vehicle push. The heavier electric semi-trucks would by law have been forced to carry less cargo, thus increasing transportation costs which would be passed onto the consumer. But EV semi-trucks have now been authorized to carry 2,000 more pounds (4,000 in Europe) to accommodate the heavier batteries of the EV semi-trucks. So again, what weighs more? Batteries or logs?

Optimum transportation weights are recognized as a major contributing factor in maximizing transportation efficiency, reducing consumer costs, and improving safety while resulting in less carbon emissions. Transportation engineering studies have recognized the opportunity to safely increase truck weights on the federal interstate system. Congress has established precedents with carve-outs and exemptions in select states for specific commodities, routes, and weights. Globally, other countries and regions, specifically ➤ 30 Canada and the European

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

27

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_ASM.indd 27

11/3/23 8:58 AM

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! THdec23pgs_SS.indd 28

11/6/23 3:16 PM

EquipmentWorld 25 ➤ equipment demonstrations. coloring mulch, multiple brush The event wrapped up with a dinchippers, four whole tree models ner and entertainment. including the Trelan 786 and Visitors from the U.S. and 15 Bandit 3590XL that filled a fullcountries attended, including Auslength van in just under eight tralia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, minutes. After the whole tree Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, models wrapped up, the Arjes France, Guatemala, Indonesia, 250 and 900 shredded concrete New Zealand, Poland, Puerto slabs with ease. The live demos Rico, South Africa, and the United were concluded with the Model Kingdom.

3680 track Beast grinding logs This is the first time Bandit has and chunk wood. hosted an event at its headquarters After the demos were done, the Bandit has grown significantly since its previous headquarsince 2018. Since then, Bandit has ropes were taken down and attendters event in 2018. added new models, conducted nuees were allowed to walk around merous building expansions, added guided through the buildings as emthe machines. People were also given multiple new dealers, and increased ployees from each department dethe opportunity to run a stump grinder employees by more than 70%. scribed and answered questions about if they wanted to.

“We were excited to show all atwhat occurs in each area.

Attendees were then transported tendees the numerous changes that After the plant tours were comback to Mount Pleasant where they have occurred at Bandit since our last pleted, the weather began to clear up could have a little bit of downtime beevent,” states Jason Morey, Bandit and buses transported attendees to fore the evening festivities started. Evecorporate marketing manager.

Bandit’s equipment demo site where ning events included a sit-down dinner Even though the morning started off lunch was served. Once lunch was and a casino night for entertainment. as damp and rainy, the excitement was completed, various models were These events give Bandit staff the high as buses boarded to transport atdemonstrated including, a new horiopportunity to meet and thank those tendees to Bandit’s corporate headzontal grinder (to be officially ancustomers that have purchased Banquarters. Once on site, groups were nounced in the near future), the 1425 dit equipment.

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! THdec23pgs_SS.indd 29

11/6/23 3:16 PM

SelectCuts 27 ➤ Union, allow for heavier weight limits on their roadways.

Why doesn’t Congress and the Administration establish competitive, efficient, and uniform weight standards for the federal interstate system?

It seems that the influence and targeted opposition of the railroad lobbyists are derailing (pun intended) the overriding goals of the Transportation Department to provide safe and efficient avenues for the nation. It would be much better for our national transportation goals if the railroad industry invested in their equipment, tracks, and safety instead of investing in politicians.

With the history of accidents and hazardous chemical spills exposing communities to life-threatening situations, the railways have plenty to focus on.

This year Congress has the opportunity to put the economy, environment, and public safety above monopolistic railroad interests by supporting the Safe Routes Act of 2023. This Bill has been introduced in both the Senate and House of Representatives. Failure to pass the Safe Routes Act of 2023 will continue to expose the public to unnecessary safety risks, increase consumer product costs, generate more

carbon emissions, and contribute to climate change by requiring the use of more fossil fuels.

The question for Congress and the Administration is simple—Are you going to establish uniform, consistent, and fair Federal Transportation Policies across the country, or are you going to continue to allow unelected lobbyists to dictate transportation policy at the expense of the general public?

The Administration and many in Congress profess wanting to reduce fossil fuel use, reduce carbon emissions, improve the economy, create rural jobs, and support general welfare and safety.

This is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to these priorities by passing the Safe Routes Act of 2023. Choosing not to support the Safe Routes Act of 2023 would be a demonstration of whose best interest is being served by our elected officials.

Montana Logger Wins Forest Products Award Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte recently bestowed the state’s annual Forest Products Award to J. Shar Tim-

The Fitchetts, from left: Matthew, Jared and Dan

ber Harvesting and company owner Jared Fitchett. A CTL specialist, Fitchett utilizes tethered logging that allows the company to work on steep slopes, minimizing the impact on surrounding soil and water resources.

Fitchett was nominated by Marc Vessar, Forest Practices Program Manager from the Montana DNRC. The Forest Products Award recognizes an outstanding person or entity for their work to actively manage forests, responsibly develop abundant forested resources, and/or promote the use of Montana wood products.

J. Shar Timber Harvesting is the third timber-based company to receive the award. Marks Lumber out of Clancy received the award in 2021, and Bear Paw Forestry out of Havre was honored in 2022.

AdLink

EventsMemo

Easy Access to current advertisers! http://www.timberharvesting.com/advertiser-index/

Listings are submitted months in advance. Always verify dates and locations with contacts prior to making plans to attend.

January 9-10, 2024—Missouri Forest Products Assn. winter meeting, Courtyard Marriott, Jefferson City, Mo. Call 573-634-3252; visit moforest.org.

January 19-20, 2024—Associated Oregon Loggers annual convention, Spirit Mountain Casino, Grand Ronde, Ore. Call 503-364-1330; visit oregonloggers.org.

January 22-24, 2024—Associated California Loggers annual meeting, Peppermill Resort, Reno, Nev. Call 916-4417940; visit californialoggers.com.

February 8-10, 2024—Sierra-Cascade Logging Conference & Expo, Shasta District Fairgrounds, Anderson, Calif. Call 530-222-1290; visit sclcexpo.com.

This issue of TIMBER HARVESTING is brought to you in part by the following companies, which will gladly supply additional information about their products.

Forest Chain

25

800.288.0887

McCarthy Tire Service

13

443.602.6636

Olofsfors

5

519.754.2190

Ponsse North America

2

715.369.4833

Precision-Husky

31

205.640.5181

Prolenc Manufacturing

25

877.563.8899

Tigercat Industries

32

519.753.2000

White Mountain

12

800.439.9073

ADLINK is a free service for advertisers and readers. The publisher assumes no liability for errors or omissions.

February 21-25, 2024—Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers annual meeting, Hammock Beach Resort, Palm Coast, Fla. Call 336-885-8315; visit appalachianhardwood.org.

February 22-24, 2024—Oregon Logging Conference & Show, Lane County Convention Center, Eugene, Ore. Call 541-686-9191; visit oregonloggingconference.com.

30

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

TIMBER HARVESTING & FOREST OPERATIONS

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_ASM.indd 30

11/3/23 9:19 AM

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_ASM.indd 31

11/3/23 8:58 AM

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN! TH_1223_ASM.indd 32

11/3/23 8:58 AM