The Logger's VOICE - Winter 2019

A Quarterly Publication of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

PLC Office, Augusta

Governor Hill Mansion, Augusta

*Oxford Casino, Oxford NEW LOCATION! SAVE THE DATE!

From the President

By Jim Nicols

Hello everyone,

I hope this cold weather and all the snow that we have been getting is helping everyone get an early start on the winter season. Let’s hope that we don’t have a warm up before the real winter gets here.

Recently the PLC presented a check to the Children’s Miracle Network for $118,000 for funds raised by the PLC for Log A Load for Kids in 2018. The funds were raised through the annual golf tournament and with the auction at our annual meeting in May. This total surpassed previous amounts raised. A big thank you to all of the volunteers and donations for making this happen.

Congratulations also goes out to all the newly elected legislators and also to those returning for another term in office. The PLC has had many successes working with our elected officials in the past and we look forward to working with them in 2019 on issues regarding our industry. If any member has a concern, please contact the PLC office to discuss your issues.

I continue to see labor as a major issue for logging contractors, whether it be truck drivers or equipment operators. There certainly is a shortage of both. The MLOP (Mechanized Logging Operations Program) has been a success but we must continue to support and grow that program which is vital to supplying our industry with a trained workforce for the future. There are also some things being done with driver training with different groups around the state to help improve the driver shortage, but it takes time. As members continue to support those things, it will help improve our labor shortage.

PLC’s Safety Committee is hard at work behind the scenes recognizing safety issues and working on corrective actions to make the industry’s workplace a much safer environment for everyone. The Committee and Safety and Training Coordinator Don Burr are also keeping up to date on all the latest safety issues and sharing these updates with our membership throughout the year and at the safety trainings in the spring.

Here is wishing everyone a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Thank you.

Jimmy

Brown & Brown Trucking of Norway, ME joined the PLC as a new Logging Contractor in November 2018. The company is Master Logger certified and has a professional staff of 6. For more information contact Justin Brown at (207) 233-5574 or email brownandbrowntrucking@yahoo.com.

Chris Bates Logging of Oakfield, ME joined the PLC as a new Logging Contractor in November 2018. The company has a professional staff of 6. For more information contact Chris Bates at (207) 532-8190.

Drew Corporation of Center Lovell, ME joined the PLC as a new Logging Contractor in November 2018. The company has a professional staff of 29. For more information contact Crystal Drew at (207) 925-1480 or email crystal@drewcorpme.com.

Stevens Forest Products of Sidney, ME joined the PLC as a new Logging Contractor in November 2018. The company is Master Logger certified and has a professional staff of 2. For more information contact Alan Stevens at (207) 547-3840 or email moxie@fairpoint.net.

Backwoods Inc. of Houlton, ME joined the PLC as a new Affiliated Contractor in November 2018. The company has a professional staff of 9. For more information contact Heather Bartlett at (207) 538-0538 or email hmbartlett76@gmail.com.

True Blue Logging Inc. of Winterville, ME joined the PLC as a new Affiliated Contractor in November 2018. The company has a professional staff of 1. For more information contact Christopher Wener at (207) 768-8739 or email wener.christopher@yahoo.com

Infinger Insurance of North Conway, NH joined the PLC as a new Preferred Supporting Member in October 2018. Infinger Insurance is a family owned, independent insurance agency providing Home, Auto, Business and Life insurance products to businesses and individuals throughout New Hampshire and Maine. The company represents over 25 of the premier insurance companies that provide insurance products in New England. For more information contact David Infinger at 603-447-5123 or email david@infingerinsurance.com.

Soleno of Milton, VT joined the PLC as a new Supporting Member in November 2018. Soleno is a manufacturer of sustainable products to manage storm water and preserve the surrounding environment. The company offers a wide range of products including High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Culverts, Galvanized Culverts, Road Fabrics, and a new Turbulence culvert specially adapted to reproduce natural stream flow. Soleno also offers specialty products to keep water flowing when dealing with beaver dam obstructions. For more information visit the company website at https:// soleno.com/en/ or contact Steve Martin at 802881-3731 or email smartin@soleno.com.

H. Arthur York of Medway, ME joined the PLC as a new Individual Member in November 2018.

By Dana Doran

Dana

From the Executive Director

Doran Continued Page 22

Irish Family Logging operations underway in November. Story, page 10

*This article is reprinted by permission. It appeared in the October 2018 edition of The Northern Logger.

Irish Logging Continued from Page 11 16

Irish Logging Continued from Page 13 16

Congratulations to Andy Irish of Irish Family Logging on being elected Secretary-Treasurer of theAmerican Loggers Council (ALC) at the ALC’s Fall 2018 meeting!

Irish Family Logging is a founding member of the PLC andAndy has represented PLC at the ALC for many years. He has also been PLC Treasurer since the PLC formed in 1995.

OWNER: Daniel Dunnells Jr.

YEAR FOUNDED: 2010

ADDRESS: Cornish, Maine

PHONE NUMBER: (207) 432-3213

EMPLOYEES: 1

TRUCKS: 2007 Kenworth, 2005 Western Star, 2001 Sterling.

AREA OF OPERATION: Generally within 60 road miles of Cornish.

SERVICES PROVIDED: Owner Dan Dunnells Jr. provides log and chip trucking and low bedding for Daniel Dunnells Logging Inc. of Parsonfield, owned by his father, Daniel Dunnells Sr. He is also a mechanized logging operator for his father’s company and divides his time between cutting and trucking wood. He also provides occasional trucking for other area loggers.

Photos, top and opposite: Dan Dunnells on the job in Cornish in early December.

Above: B&D Trucking logo.

Bottom: Kenworth and Western Star parked in Parsonfield.

PLC AFFILIATED CONTRACTOR SINCE: 2016

WHY DID THE COMPANY JOIN PLC: Acadia Insurance benefits offered through PLC Membership save money for the company. Additionally, Dan became familiar with the PLC through his father. Daniel Dunnells Logging Inc. is also a PLC Member.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST ISSUES THE COMPANY WOULD LIKE PLC TO WORK ON: Commonsense changes to lower the expense of trucking regulations, emissions standards, taxes, and registration. Also, addressing the shortage of truck drivers in the industry.

Trucking Industry News...

FMCSA Drops Exemption Process for InsulinTreated Diabetic Drivers...

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a final rule that will allow certificated medical examiners to decide whether truck drivers with stable diabetes are qualified to drive, eliminating a requirement that the drivers seek an exemption from the agency before being allowed to get behind the wheel.

Previously, drivers with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus were prohibited from driving commercial vehicles in interstate commerce unless they obtained an exemption from FMCSA, a process that can keep drivers out of the cab for up to six months.

The action removes major administrative and financial burdens for diabetic drivers while maintaining a high level of safety. The final rule became effective Nov. 19.

Learn more at: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ newsroom/fmcsa-streamlines-process-allowing-individuals

-properly-managed-diabetes-operate-commercial

FMCSA Web Page on Personal Conveyance Updated...

In response to questions received since the publication of the Personal Conveyance guidance on June 7, 2018, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has updated their website to provide answers to a series of Frequently Asked Questions to assist the industry and law enforcement in the application of the guidance.

Those questions and answers can be found here: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/ personal-conveyance-frequently-asked-questions-0

Guide for Drivers on ELD Data Transfer Now Available...

To assist the motor carrier industry with adopting ELDs, FMCSA has developed a new resource for drivers. Designed to be printed and stored under the visor of a CMV, this guide gives the driver a high-level overview of the various data transfer processes and includes some tips on troubleshooting common questions that could arise during data transfer.

The guide (page one of which is pictured at right) covers a range of scenarios drivers may encounter with ELD compliance and includes instructions and tips for how to handle them. Troubleshooting of common issues is also covered.

The guide is available for download at: https:// eld.fmcsa.dot.gov/File/Open/21d96879-324e1f2f-e053-0100007fdfb5

Born and raised in Maine, John Bryant is a true outdoorsman. He loves being outside, breathing in the crisp, fresh air, surrounded by land and trees. It’s no surprise that he decided to have a career in the forestry industry, working as a field forester for over 20 years. Today, John serves as Maine’s Region Manager for American Forest Management (AFM).

“My favorite part about my job is seeing a team work together to accomplish clients’ goals, no matter how challenging they might be,” said John. “I’m proud to work with a diverse group of staff members and foresters who consistently provide landowners with outstanding service.”

Established out of a passion for land, American Forest Management was founded by Bartow S. Shaw, Jr. in 1966 in Sumter, South Carolina. For over 50 years, it has grown from a one-man firm to the nation’s largest land management and forestry consulting company, now with over 265 employees and 49 offices in 17 states. The company currently manages over 6.5 million acres of land nationwide.

American Forest Management works with private landowners to develop customized land management plans in order to reach short- and long-term objectives. Featuring a staff comprised of forestry, wildlife and real estate experts, the firm offers a wide range of services including land and wildlife management, timber sales, recreational licensing and real estate services, among other specialties. In 2007, AFM expanded to the northeast, due to

increased market demand and a desire to assist more landowners throughout the country. That same year, John joined the company and has since overseen AFM’s business operations in Maine, including all client and employee services. With 30 employees throughout the state, including 22 certified foresters, and two offices in Farmington and Milford, American Forest Management has continued to successfully grow and build its repertoire among Maine’s private landowners.

“We pride ourselves on providing all of our clients with the same attention to detail and dedication to their land, no matter how big or small the property,” said John. “Here in Maine, we primarily work with family forestland owners who own anywhere from 25 to one million acres. Large or small, our desire is to serve the client’s specific objectives.”

The reason many private landowners hire forestry consultants is that they want personalized service from land experts who can advocate on their behalf. Foresters have both the education and experience needed to implement well-rounded management plans that outline the best processes to reach client goals. They are the bootson-the-ground, analyzing and overseeing every acre.

When clients want to sell their timber, foresters determine the best market for the harvested trees to maximize return to the landowner. Once a timber harvest schedule is in place, AFM contracts with professional loggers on behalf of its clients to cut, process, and deliver

the trees to the appropriate markets. Foresters then work closely with loggers, supervising the operation from beginning to end to assure the work performed follows the specifications outlined in the management plan. That’s how American Forest Management’s relationship with the Professional Logging Contractors (PLC) was formed.

“We decided to join PLC because we wanted to align ourselves with and support professional loggers who, like American Forest Management, provide high-quality service to clients,” said John. “Our clients trust us to make the best decisions for their properties, and we can always rely on PLC loggers to deliver the same level of precision

and professionalism that we value.”

“Every year, we contract with 25 professional loggers to service our clients, nearly all of which are members of PLC,” said John. “Time and time again, PLC proves they have the best loggers in the business that can integrate well with the AFM team.”

Although Maine’s timber industry experienced a downturn about four years ago, it is now on the rebound due to the numerous, diverse production markets available throughout the state, including the primary pulpwood, biomass and sawmill markets. American Forest Management

AFM Continued Page 22

AFM Foresters

AFM Continued from Page 21

has seen a growing interest across the state, with new ventures arising from the varied species of trees in Maine. Over 75 mills in Maine receive timber from contracts negotiated by AFM.

Discussing the economic impacts of the forestry industry in Maine, John said, “Continuing to advocate for proper forest management provides a steady source of timber for these mills.” He continued, “Our foresters are focused on meeting clients’ needs by offering their expertise and establishing plans that benefit the land and create revenue opportunities.”

As an active member of PLC, American Forest Management also co-sponsors the Annual Log-A-Load for Maine Kids Golf Tournament, which benefits Children’s

Doran Continued from Page 9

Miracle Network hospitals in Maine. AFM employees volunteer significant time to the event. Proceeds from the event are donated to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of the mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. The 2018 tournament raised $72,000.

“Our company’s tagline is ‘We’re In This Together’ because we know our work is all about relationships. We hold true to that motto by maintaining strong relationships with our clients, the communities we serve, and other professionals in the industry,” said John. “We look forward to continuing our membership with PLC and working with its many reputable loggers.”

Dana column finishes here

Think

ByDonaldBurr PLCSafety&TrainingCoordinator safety@maineloggers.com

The other day, I was sitting at my desk catching up on news and I read an article that touched a nerve. The article told a story about an experienced operator, who was operating a new machine, who got hurt. The part that hit a nerve was that the operator was in a place nobody should ever be in. I have two thoughts about this. One is that we, as operators, should never stop thinking about what we are doing. The other thought is that, far too often, operators put their bodies into places where they should never be because they don’t fully understand the machine or the risk.

I am new at this full-time safety and training coordinator job, but the more I read and think about the injuries that loggers suffer, including the injuries I have sustained, the more I think the real issue when it comes to injuries is a lack of thinking.

Years ago, I got a piece of steel from a track pin in my lower leg. Why you ask? Because I and those I was working alongside were not thinking. Let me explain. We were pounding a pin into a track. I was standing on top of the track swinging the sledge hammer as hard as I could. Everything was going well, but twice I had seen pieces of steel breaking off and hitting the ground. We even said, “wow good thing that hit the ground.” Three hits later, I had a piece of steel in my lower leg that managed to go through my coveralls, blue jeans, and long underwear. Soon, there was blood soaking through all the layers. Off to the hospital I went, where they attempted to remove the piece of steel for 45 minutes before giving me stitches and antibiotics and sending me home with the steel still embedded in my leg. Now, if we had thought before we started, maybe we would have gone about the project differently. The next day, we did it a different way and all went well and quicker too. Unfortunately, the operator who was helping me that day had the very same accident two years later, but they were able to remove his piece of steel out of his knee. Did we learn anything? Well after the second injury we did, and we no longer pounded pins in that way. In the first example, we had two warnings (near misses) before it stung us and two years later stung us again. We did not recognize the potential hazard. Why, because we were focused on the goal and not thinking about the potential danger. Dr. Dobson from Focus on the Family wrote in his

book Bringing up Boys, “if a boy tries something and gets hurt it was bad luck and he will try it just the same way again.” We, as adult logging equipment operators, need to look for the danger and do what we can to avoid it. When near misses happen, we need to readjust so we do not get hurt. Because getting hurt is not “bad luck” it is from “bad thinking.”

The next point is we should always understand the machines that we are working on, and take a minute to investigate where we put our bodies and what the potential dangers are and where they can come from. In the article I was reading, the operator who was hurt stood in between the arms and rollers of a processor head while the machine was running to replace a bolt in a guard. The arms closed on him and the rollers started to spin. Fortunately, there was another operator who was close by and was able to release the entrapped operator before he was killed. Thankfully, the operator is expected to make a full recovery.

Now a lot of the focus in accidents is on the Lock Out / Tag Out procedure. My problem with focusing on LO / TO is that it often says if you do XYZ you will be safe, without any understanding if XYZ is doing anything to keep you safe in this situation. Often LO / TO instructions are words on paper written by someone who knows the machine very well, but they can then be given to an operator who does not. When an operator does not know the machine well, they may follow the LO / TO plan and still not be safe.

When I teach new operators, I teach them to think about what they are doing and how they can be hurt. In the example from the article that got me thinking about this topic, standing inside the grab arms of a machine is almost never ok. Each machine is different, and in this article, we are not sure what the operator did to start the closing of the arms and the liming wheels turning. Unfortunately, the article gave no insights to this. But the truth is, the operator should have never have been inside the arms whether the machine was on or off. This operator clearly did not understand that a processing head will go into automatic mode, regardless of what is inside the head whether it be a tree or a human.

The take away point from this is, when you are working on a piece of equipment, investigate (think) on where the potential energy and danger is and how it can hurt you before you start a repair. From there, LO / TO appropriately. If you don’t really know how a machine operates, ask for help because no one is as smart as all of us. When I am working on equipment or teaching students to work on equipment, I often quote Aretha Franklin, “You better think...”

Ted Clark, CLCS, Loss Control Consultant, Acadia Insurance

Quarterly Safety Meeting: Hypothermia Recognition & Prevention

During this safety meeting we will discuss the symptoms of hypothermia and how to provide first aid to someone beginning to show signs of becoming hypothermic. We will also discuss some simple steps that you can take to avoid hypothermia.

*ASK: What is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia is a medical condition that is often associated with being outside in cold and/or wet weather conditions. It occurs when the body loses heat faster than it is able to generate heat and is unable to maintain core temperature. Because of the dropping temperature, the heart, organs and respiratory system cannot function normally and, if not treated quickly, can lead to death.

*ASK: What are the Symptoms of Hypothermia?

There is a range of symptoms associated with hypothermia. It is important to recognize that the person experiencing the emergency may not always be aware of the problem, because the symptoms generally begin gradually.

Typically, the first symptom is shivering, often uncontrollably, because this is how your body tries to raise its core temperature. Other symptoms of hypothermia include:

Bright red/cold skin

Shallow, slow breathing

Slurred speech or mumbling

Weak pulse

Lack of coordination

Low energy or fatigue

Memory loss/confusion

Loss of consciousness

When you notice these symptoms on a person, it is critical to begin medical treatment immediately. Don’t wait to finish your job or to see if the person’s condition may improve on its own. Immediate treatment may reverse the progression and save the person’s life.

First-Aid

First aid for someone experiencing hypothermia is relatively straight forward and is covered during your first aid certification class. Below is a refresher on the steps that you should take if you, or someone you are with, is experiencing the symptoms of hypothermia:

Call 9-1-1 after checking the person’s condition and level of responsiveness.

Get the person to a warm, dry environment such as a vehicle or building. If you are unable to get the person inside, do your best to shield them from the wind and the cold. Space blankets are a great tool that fit inside a first aid kit and can help you provide the patient with some warmth. Remove wet clothing, especially cotton! Your body loses heat at an alarming rate when the clothing is wet. Cover the person with blankets or warm clothing. Be gentle and don’t massage the cold areas. Sudden movements can cause a hypothermic person to go into cardiac arrest.

Provide warm, not hot, beverages. Do not provide the person with caffeinated or alcoholic drinks as they can cause the condition to worsen.

Do not provide direct heat but, if help is a long ways away, you can use active rewarming such as a warm compress or a warm thermos. Warmth should ONLY be applied to the chest or neck area. DO NOT place heat on the arms or legs as this could be fatal. Also, do not soak the person with a warm liquid.

It’s important to remember that the person’s body has lost its ability to warm itself so, unless treatment of the symptoms begin immediately, their condition will likely continue to worsen.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Preventing hypothermia is relatively simple. The Mayo Clinic uses the acronym, “COLD” – Cover, Overexertion, Layers, Dry.

COVER- With the rest of your body covered in clothing, you can lose an enormous amount of heat through your head and your hands. Therefore, it is critical to keep your head and face covered with an appropriate hat and keep your hands covered with dry, insulated gloves, or mittens if it is extremely cold.

OVEREXERTION – Sweating when it’s cold out can be deadly. We have all heard stories of someone

Hypothermia Continued Page 27

*Meeting sign-in sheet on the back! Cut along dotted line to left to detach this section.

*This sign-in sheet is intended to be used with the quarterly Safety Training Topic on pages 25 and 27. Refer to the cutline on page 25 when removing it from the magazine.

Hypothermia Continued from Page 25

getting hypothermic trying to shovel out a snowmobile or a vehicle stuck in a snow bank. When you overexert and begin to sweat, it will wet your clothing and cause your body to rapidly lose heat.

LAYERS – On days where it may be wet and cold, or there’s a possibility of working outside, it is important to properly layer your clothing. When layered properly, you can add or remove clothing as the weather or activity level demands. It is also important to choose the proper type of fabric. The saying, “Cotton Kills,” is one thing that is constantly repeated during many outdoor training schools including Maine Guide Schools. If wet, cotton will lose all of its insulating value and actually holds moisture near the skin. Moisture wicking fabrics such as a synthetic or wool are going to be a much more effective base layer.

DRY – Stay as dry as possible. When you are wet, you will lose an enormous amount of body heat. Pay special attention to keeping your extremities such as your hands and feet dry. Keep a change of clothes close-by at all times and if you get wet, change as soon as possible. It is also important to prepare for the unexpected with some of these simple tips:

-Watch the weather

-Store a blanket in your vehicle

-Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back

-Make sure you have communication if you are alone

-Become familiar with first aid procedures and risk factors that increase the likelihood of getting hypothermic

*(ASK THE GROUP TO SHARE THEIR IDEAS FOR PREPARATION)*

Hypothermia is a dangerous medical condition that we are all exposed to, because we live in a cold climate. Because we work and play outside in the cold weather, understanding the symptoms and how to treat them can make a huge difference in the life of you, a friend, a family member or a coworker. Luckily, hypothermia can be prevented through the simple steps that we discussed earlier.

*(ASK FOR ANY QUESTIONS)*

Acadia is pleased to share this material for the benefit of its customers. Please note, however, that nothing herein should be construed as either legal advice or the provision of professional consulting services. This material is for informational purposes only, and while reasonable care has been utilized in compiling this information, no warranty or representation is made as to accuracy or completeness.

WILTON - November 10 was a wet and cloudy day, the ground white with an early snowfall and muddy conditions over much of Maine after weeks of frequent rain. Not good conditions for logging.

But in the woods just east of Route 2 on Black Acres Farm, Will Cole of PLC Member and Master Logger Trees Ltd. of Sidney was conducting a demonstration of mulching and grinding techniques for wood lots in partnership with Maine Woodland Owners and the Maine Forest Service for a group of landowners, loggers, foresters, and other interested members of the public.

The skid-steer mounted mulcher Don was demonstrating was tracked and light enough to move over the wet ground without damage. On a piece of former pastureland now grown up to woods, it chewed through stumps, brush, blowdowns, and small trees rapidly and efficiently, leaving chips and shredded bark in its wake.

Onlookers were impressed with the results. In a short time, Will cleared and leveled a sizable area, cut a new path wide enough for a truck through woods to connect with an old road, and left nothing behind but mulched biomass.

As Will explained, the mulcher is not necessarily essential for a logger, but it certainly adds new capability and value to an operation. Perfect for the finish work of clearing a lot or trail, mulchers also are well suited to meet the increasing demand among landowners for better cleanup on woodlots and a more pleasing look for the woods when a timber harvest is done.

While mulchers are not cheap - the skid-steer with mulching head Will was demonstrating would cost about $130,000 to purchase new - they are versatile and can increase the services and appeal of a logging firm. A number of PLC members are now utilizing mulcher/ grinders, either full-time or rented as needed, and for some they are a great addition that pays for itself.

Many PLC Members are beginning to offer mulching and grinding services. This is a Madden Sustainable Forestry machine at work in Castine, ME.

Pictures of mulching and grinding demonstration by Trees Ltd. in Wilton Nov. 10 2018, clockwise from left: Will Cole of Trees Ltd. discussing how a mulching/ grinding head works.

Skid steer-mounted mulcher/grinder in action.

Members of the public examining mulcher/grinder.

PLC News Briefs...

The PLC presented a check for $118,000 to the Children's Miracle Network (CMN) at the Forest Resources Association Forestry Forum Dec. 6 in Brewer. The check represented the funds raised for Log A Load for Kids through PLC's Annual Log A Load for Maine Kids Golf Tournament in September and the PLC Annual Meeting in May. This monumental total was a reflection of the hard work, caring, and generosity of our members, supporters, and friends.

Our friend, Noah Tibbett's, accepted the check on behalf of Children's Miracle Network. Noah is a CMN State of Maine Champion Child. Thanks to Noah and his family for attending. Thanks also to our friends Kelly Pearson, philanthropy officer for Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals; and David Cole of American Forest Management for continued great work on behalf of the kids!

And thanks to all who made 2018 another great year for Log A Load! With final donations we raised more than $122,000 for the year!

From left to right: Kelly Pearson, philanthropy officer for Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Noah Tibbetts, and PLC Executive Director Dana Doran.

The PLC took delivery of a new Toyota Tundra this fall to replace the organization’s previous truck. The vehicle is used extensively for PLC business and events as well as being a visible promotion of the PLC and its associated programs.

PLC Executive Director Dana Doran addressing a legislative breakfast in Farmington Oct. 9. The series of five regional breakfasts hosted by the PLC, Maine Woodland Owners, and the Maine Forest Products Council offered attendees a chance to meet legislative representatives and hear from the three host organizations as well as getting a look at the new FOR/Maine "roadmap" for growing Maine's $8.5 billion forest economy. It was great to see PLC Members and Supporting Members at the breakfasts this fall.

As We See It November 2018

“This is How Loggers Win in the PolicyArena ”

By Nick Smith

The American Loggers Council is “loggers working for loggers.” That’s more than just a motto to promote our organization as the national voice for professional timber harvesters. It’s a mission statement and a guiding principle, expressing our belief that if loggers don’t get involved to protect our industry, nobody else will. And when loggers are working to help fellow loggers, we see real results in the policy arena.

An excellent example is the recent effort in New Hampshire to override a governor’s veto in order to protect biomass facilities in the Granite State.

Loggers understand biomass facilities provide a key market for low-grade wood products. They are an important part of our industry’s infrastructure that allows us to compete in a global economy. Biomass is good for rural economies and provides a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. But some don’t understand the benefits, especially in light of slumping prices for other forms of energy.

Republican Gov. Chris Sununu raised alarms when he vetoed legislation to require utilities to purchase a portion of their electricity from the state’s wood-burning power plants. Gov. Sununu blocked the bill under the guise of protecting electricity ratepayers. It’s no coincidence his position was fully supported by antilogging special interests in Concord.

There were serious consequences to Gov. Sununu’s veto. Without a stable biomass sector, many forestry and logging businesses were preparing to close their businesses and lay off workers. Many in New Hampshire found this potential outcome unacceptable, so they rallied to form a campaign to convince the state legislature to override the veto.

In addition to personally lobbying their legislators, loggers attended town halls and organized rallies outside the state capitol. Many sent letters to editors of their hometown newspapers. The New Hampshire Forest Industry and Forest Landowners orchestrated a Biomass Override Petition drive that was very effective, got citizens involved and impressed the legislators.

These efforts paid off to protect New Hampshire’s logging industry. The House rallied just enough votes to meet the two-thirds threshold needed to override the veto on a 226-113 vote. The override easily passed the Senate, 21-3. The organizers of this effort deserve applause from loggers across America. It should inspire us all to get involved and see what we can do to protect our industry in our communities, our states, and our nation.

Our industry is under constant threat from antilogging politicians and their special interest supporters. We can’t afford to sit on the sidelines as bad policies threaten our businesses. ALC recognizes that many of us are too busy working in the woods, meeting payrolls and raising families to engage in public policy debates. That’s why we

constantly strive to make it easier for loggers to get engaged and make their voices heard.

It’s why we organize the ALC annual Fly-In to make it easier to visit the nation’s capital, and why we have retained Steve Southerland to represent us when we’re not in Washington DC. It’s why we partner with the Federal Forest Resource Coalition and work with Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities to alert you to developments in federal forest management.

ALC understands that time is one of your most important resources. We only ask that you invest some of your time, even if it’s very little, to get informed and engaged in the policy issues that affect you. When “loggers are working for loggers” everyone wins.

Nick Smith is Communications Specialist for American Loggers Council and founder of Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities, a non-profit, non-partisan organization that advocates for active forest management on federal forest lands.

The American Loggers Council is a 501 (c)(6) not for profit trade organization representing professional timber harvesters in 33 states across the United States. If you would like to learn more about the ALC, please visit their web site at www.amloggers.com, or contact their office at 409-625-0206.

We Support Maine Loggers

“

As We See It December 2018

AMessage fromALC President Chris Potts”

By Chris Potts

The 24th annual meeting of the ALC held October 11th-13th in Seaside, Oregon was a tremendous success. I would like to thank ALC President, Mark Turner and ALC Executive Director, Danny Dructor for a great meeting. With the passing of the gavel, I became your new President. I consider it an honor to serve as your president and invite you to contact me if I can help you in any way.

As President, I look forward to continuing work on getting the bills passed on The Future Logging Careers Act, and the Right to Haul Act.

In the spring of 2019, your Board will be going to DC for our Board Meeting and visits to the hill. We’re looking forward to that meeting and the opportunity to speak with our Congressmen/women about these two bills as well as other logging issues.

Safety and Trucking issues are impacting all of us. On Thursday, October 11, 2018, we had a Team Safe Trucking Meeting with an impressive agenda put forth by Jimmy Locklear with Forestry Mutual Insurance Company Obtaining qualified drivers is one of the most pressing problems loggers have today. There are only a few insurance companies remaining that will insure log trucks with some requiring a minimum of 3 yrs. experience driving a log truck. With this policy in place, inexperienced drivers will not be able to get the experience they need to be insured. This will eventually cause us to be unable to obtain drivers to haul our wood to the mill which will then become a mill problem as well. I know of one logging company that has hired someone to teach driver training and has an agreement with an insurance company to allow an inexperienced driver to be insured after a sixmonth training period. This might be a partial solution to the problem but an expensive one.

Along with obtaining drivers, hiring and retaining trained equipment operators is also an issue. Alabama is addressing the issue of trained equipment operators with the help of the Alabama Forestry Association and the Alabama Loggers Council. They have started a five-week training program for skidder drivers. Two groups have already graduated this training with plans to continue this training around the state using a mobile classroom.

As we move into our 25th year, the American Loggers Council will be conducting a 5-year strategic planning meeting in Washington, DC on June 21-23, 2019, at the office of Capitol Hill Consultants, the consulting firm that the ALC has retained to assist us with our efforts in Washington. We will be determining goals of what the ALC would like to accomplish within the next 5 years. If you would like to share some of your thoughts and ideas, please contact me or other board members prior to those dates.

I hope you will go ahead and mark your calendars for our 25th annual meeting next year in Orange Beach, Alabama at Perdido Beach Resort on September 26th –

28th, 2019. Plans are already underway for this to be an excellent meeting enjoyed by all. Be certain and check our web site at www.amloggers.com for information about this meeting and other logger events that will be taking place around the country.

Chris Potts is the owner of Potts Logging based out of LaFayette, Alabama. The American Loggers Council is an 501(c)(6) not for profit trade association representing professional timber harvesters throughout the United States. For more information please contact the American Loggers Council at 409-625-0206, or americanlogger@aol.com, or visit our website at www.amloggers.com

As We See It January 2019

“America’s LoggersAre Part of the Solution to Wildfires”

By Chris Potts

As debate rages over the cause of catastrophic wildfires, the American Loggers Council (ALC) says it’s time to put partisan politics aside and focus on solutions that reduce the risks to lives, property, and natural resources. The ALC was formed in 1994 to serve as a unified, national voice for professional loggers across the United States. Made up of a coalition of state and regional logging associations and councils, the ALC represents more than 30 states across the U.S.

“President Trump blamed poor forest management for wildfires in California and throughout the West, and there is truth to statements he has made,” said ALC Executive Vice President Daniel Dructor. “Others focus solely on climate change, but there is truth that drought and changing conditions are contributing to the problem. It’s time to rise above political posturing and recognize that active forest management- including logging, thinning, grazing and controlled burning- are tools that can and must be used to reduce fire risks and help mitigate the impacts to landscapes.”

In California and many states, the forests most prone to catastrophic wildfires are owned by the federal government. Approximately 60 to 80 million acres of national forest lands are at a high, to very high, risk of catastrophic wildfire. Data from the Forest Service indicates that thinning and prescribed burns reduce wildfire intensity and improve forest health, yet only a small fraction of high-risk acres are being treated. To increase the pace and scale of needed treatments, Dructor says the Trump Administration and Congress should expand publicprivate partnerships to efficiently and effectively manage forests at risk of catastrophic wildfire, insect infestations and disease.

“The federal government does not have resources to treat every forest by itself,” Dructor said. “Yet America’s forest sector has the infrastructure to manage and improve the health of our federal forests. The raw excess material from overgrown forests can provide renewable energy and a number of American-made products and provide thousands of family-wage jobs.”

“It is no accident that the U.S. Forest Service is struggling to reduce fire risks in places such as California and the southwest, where this infrastructure has been allowed to disappear due to the decline of timber harvests on federal lands. By partnering with the private sector on economical forest projects, the federal government can not only reduce the risks but have additional resources to support other values such as expanding recreation on public lands and protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat.

ALC strongly supports forest management reforms that enable federal land managers to implement proactive and science-based forest management activities. ALC President Chris Potts of Alabama said Congress should include such reforms in the next Farm Bill, as well as give

federal agencies the resources they need to confront the country’s wildfire crisis.

“Loggers are America’s ‘boots on the ground conserve our forests and reduce the risks of wildfire, says. “We work in the woods every day, we understand forestry and see the dangers every day, and we know what needs to be done. Without forests, we are out of business. That’s why we’ll continue to work with Republicans and Democrats on needed reforms that will help to sustain our forests and protect our forests and communities from wildfire.”

Wood Supply Research Institute (WSRI) completes national study on Certified Master Logger Programs

By Ted Wright, Executive Director, Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestlands

HEMPHILL, TX – The nonprofit Wood Supply Research Institute (WSRI) has completed a six-month national study on the value of Certified Master Logger Programs, finding they have real worth to loggers and forest industry stakeholders, but face challenges achieving the recognition with the public that could expand their reach.

In late March 2018, WSRI contracted with the James W. Sewall Company to explore the value proposition of these programs. The American Loggers Council (ALC) Master Logger Certification Program©, which is one of the programs included in the research, requires that the on the ground performance of professional timber harvesting businesses comply with seven areas of responsibility that ensure environmental protection, forest sustainability, and business accountability.

The study focused much of its work on active programs in Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Interviews and data were collected from loggers, landowners, mills, and forestry consultants. Some of the key findings of the study include:

1. Certified Master Loggers have a real sense of professionalism and take pride in being recognized for the good work they are doing in the woods.

2. Industry stakeholders perceive that Certified Master Loggers offer more consistent compliance with “Best Management Practices” designed to protect water, soil, and forest quality and do a higher quality job on timber harvests.

3. There is a real preference for Certified Master Loggers among forestry consultants and small landowners who are aware of the Certified Master Logger programs.

“The top three benefits can be summarized with alliteration as pride, performance, and preference. They are the hallmarks of a successful certification program. While they are not true everywhere the program has been implemented and among every stakeholder, we were able to document that there is a definite beachhead established in most of the states,” the report stated.

The study concludes Certified Master Logger

programs are near the, “tipping point” of achieving real value nationally.

“Efforts should be directed at getting bigger, better, and more widely known. Done well, these efforts can be expected to bring about preference and trust from stakeholders, which will result in improved opportunities for Certified Master Loggers,” the report stated.

Richard Schwab, of the ALC Board of Directors and chairman of the Master Logger Certification Program© Committee, said he was happy that the study was undertaken and yielded information that will be valuable as the program moves forward.

“As loggers who own this program, we are excited about the challenges and looking forward to addressing them,” Schwab said. “We plan to build on the successes where the program is working well, and work together with partners that support the program to expand into states that have laid the groundwork for adopting it but have not yet done so. This report tells us we are close to the tipping point for this program, and we will build off the momentum we have established in the past year to achieve national prominence and success for it.”

Ted Wright, Executive Director of the Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestlands, which oversees the Certified Master Logger program in the Northeast and which is leading an effort by the ALC to promote the American Loggers Council Master Logger Certification© program nationally, said the report provides a solid foundation to build those efforts on, as well as documented evidence that the Certified Master Logger brand is succeeding.

“We know these programs are already making a difference and have the potential to do even more, and this study shows us the good work Certified Master Loggers are doing as well as the opportunity to grow as more and more people, particularly small landowners and mills, become aware of and learn to value that good work,” Wright said.

To learn more about the study, visit: https:// wsri.org/research/value-assessment-of-certified-loggerprograms/

Master Logger Certification programs are logger owned and logger controlled program that offers third-party independent certification of logging companies’ harvesting practices. The ALC Master Logger Certification© Program recognizes logging companies that meet the responsible forest management standards set forth by the American Loggers Council. These standards have been crossreferenced to all the world’s major green certification systems.

Congressional Delegation Update

I am proud to come from a forest-products family. The S.W. Collins Company was founded in Caribou in 1844 as one lumber mill on the frontier. Five generations later, the company is still going strong. I grew up appreciating the contributions your industry makes to communities across our state and understanding the challenges you face.

One significant challenge is developing a workforce to ensure that Maine’s heritage of family-owned logging businesses is strengthened for the years to come. That is why I strongly support the Future Logging Careers Act that would enable young people to learn to operate logging equipment safely through training and hands-on experience.

This bipartisan legislation would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 so that 16 and 17-year-olds

would be allowed to work in mechanized logging operations under parental supervision. It would level the playing field for the logging trade with other agricultural fields by allowing family members to gain experience in logging from an earlier age so that they can pursue a rewarding career and carry on the family business.

It is essential that existing, generations-old businesses be allowed to prepare the next generation for entry into the profession as experienced operators and business managers. Young people in forest-products families should have the opportunity to live and prosper in the communities they love. In addition to the key role they play in driving Maine’s rural economy, trained loggers have the skills and expertise to foster healthy, resilient forests.

Maine’s working forests are an international model of successful, responsible ownership, where public and private interests are respected and shared by all. The Future Logging Careers Act will help to preserve this model and grow our economy.

Don’t Be a Stranger

As we look ahead to 2019, I am grateful to have earned the trust of Maine people for an additional sixyear term in the Senate. The responsibility Maine voters have given me is something I take incredibly seriously, and I’m more energized than ever to work in Congress to make sure that Washington’s actions represent Maine’s priorities.

Over the past six years, I’ve fought to strengthen the future of our forest economy in the face of rapid market shifts. As many pulp and paper mills and biomass power plants closed, Senator Collins and I urged the Commerce Department to establish the Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT). Led by industry, this integrated, multiagency effort has brought together government and industry partners, as well as attract investments in new technologies including Cross Laminated Timber, biobased manufacturing, Combined Heat and Power, and more. By bringing people to the table, we can strengthen our existing forest products sector and foster innovation and commercialization in Maine’s forest economy.

We’re already seeing the benefits: in recent months, several forest industry businesses have announced significant investments into Maine operations, and in September 2018, the Forest Opportunity Roadmap (FOR)/Maine released an action plan to make sure this

industry, and the rural communities it supports, can continue to thrive for generations to come. But none of this work has been an individual effort. It’s always been collaborative, relying heavily on the input of people like you.

So, as I look ahead to a new term in the Senate, I have a request for you: don’t be a stranger. I mean it. Throughout my time in Washington, I’ve received so much important guidance from members of the forest products industry; whether I hear from you during a visit to a mill, at an event in town, or through a letter to my office, your feedback is vital to making sure our policies are crafted with you in mind. If you have a problem or an idea for how we can make something work better, let me know at https://www.king.senate.gov/ contact-home – at that link, you can write in to our office, or find the locations and phone numbers for our offices. I’ve got a terrific staff, both in Maine and in Washington, who are ready to continue the work we’ve started. Thank you all for your continued partnership, and for everything you do for our state. It’s an honor to represent you, and I’ll keep fighting hard on your behalf.

Sen. Susan Collins

Sen. Angus King

From the arrival of the emerald ash borer in Maine to the onset of devastating fires in California, 2018 has been a year of challenges for American forests. Unfortunately, these issues don’t show signs of magically disappearing as we usher in a new year.

But I do see reasons for hope in 2019. For one, I think the new Congress set to begin in January will be well positioned to address the challenges facing the forest industry. And I intend to advocate for those priorities by supporting strong funding for relevant programs, encouraging research, and ensuring the industry can capitalize on new opportunities.

Once again, I am honored to represent the State of Maine as one of our two elected members of the House of Representatives, and am thankful for the opportunity to serve our state once again. In particular, I look forward to working in a bipartisan way on several issues of importance back home in Maine and for foresters and loggers in particular.

I will continue to serve on the House

Appropriations Committee. With my six years of experience on the committee, I am ready to take advantage of the opportunities the new Congress will offer to strengthen funding research and agencies that impact our Maine woods. These include the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Forest Service and Department of Interior.

I am also eager for Congress to dig into some key issues more fully. We must place more attention on how extreme weather events like windstorms in Maine, droughts throughout New England, wildfires in the West, or category 5 hurricanes along our coasts are affecting our forests nationwide. And I am committed to working with my colleagues from other states with forested land to address the impacts of invasive species the emerald ash borer in particular.

Also, as a proud member of the Working Forests Caucus, I am eager to work with my colleagues on new forest opportunities in the upcoming session. Working to get the Timber Innovation Act over the finish line either in 2018, or in the new session, will be a priority for me. Please reach out to my office at any time to make your voice heard with issues that you would like to see us address in Congress. I am eager to hear from you and hopefully see you out and about in Maine.

Arecount of votes cast in the race for the House of Representatives seat in Maine’s second congressional district had not been completed when the deadline for content of The Logger’s Voice Winter 2019 edition expired, therefore there is no column in this issue for the seat. Since then, the recount has been suspended, however legal challenges have been filed in connection with the election and remain unresolved. The PLC looks forward to hearing from the second congressional district’s Representative in the Spring 2019 issue.

Rep. Chellie Pingree