The Logger's VOICE - Spring 2022

Volume 16 Issue 2 | Spring 2022

A Quarterly Publication of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Nathan O. Northrup Forest Products & Earthwork Page 14 This issue of The Logger’s Voice is dedicated to the memory of Rodney Wales In Memoriam Page 5

Also in this issue...

President’s Report

6

New Members

7

Director’s Report

8

Annual Meeting

18

Columbia Forest Products

20

Board of Directors Tony Madden, President

Cover: Shawn Nichols loads a truck in Whitefield for Nathan O. Northrup Forest Products & Earthwork in February. Story page 14.

Chuck Ames, 1st Vice President

Will Cole, 2nd Vice President Duane Jordan, Secretary Andy Irish, Treasurer

A quarterly publication of:

Jim Nicols, Past President

Aaron Adams

The Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Kurt Babineau Donald Cole Tom Cushman

Brent Day Marc Greaney

108 Sewall St., P.O. Box 1036 Augusta, ME 04332 Phone: 207.688.8195 www.maineloggers.com

Steve Hanington Robert Linkletter

Scott Madden Randy Kimball Ron Ridley

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Member Showcase: Nathan Northrup Forest Products & Earthwork

20

Supporting Member Spotlight: Columbia Forest Products

Brian Souers

Wayne Tripp Gary Voisine

PLC Staff Executive Director Dana Doran ▪ executivedirector@maineloggers.com Membership Services Coordinator Jessica Clark ▪ jessica@maineloggers.com Safety and Training Coordinator Donald Burr ▪ safety@maineloggers.com Office Coordinator Vanessa Tillson ▪ office@maineloggers.com

The Logger’s Voice Editor and Designer Jon Humphrey Communications and Photography ▪ jehumphreycommunications@gmail.com Advertising Jessica Clark ▪ jessica@maineloggers.com © 2022 Professional Logging Contractors of Maine All material (“content”) is protected by copyright under U.S. Copyright laws and is the property of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine (PLC) or the party credited as the provider of the content.

For more information call (207) - 688 - 8195

Also Inside 4 5 6 7 8 18 23 26 28 36 41 44 46 48

Calendar Rodney Wales Remembered President’s Report New Members Executive Director’s Report Annual Meeting BPL Grants for CTE Schools Trucking Safety Training 2022 Maine Forest Service Master Logger MLOP 2022 ALC updates Congressional Updates

Event

Calendar

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

In Memoriam: Rodney Wales On February 5, we lost one of the PLC’s most dedicated and spirited champions, Rodney Wales.

Rodney lost his battle with cancer and is now in heaven with his son Randy.

As many know, Rodney was a founding member of the PLC and a member of the Board from 19952012. He and his wife Pat also spent countless days at the Fryeburg Fair each year recruiting new members and spreading the positive word about PLC and the Master Logger Certification Program.

“I respected Rodney so much,” PLC Past President Jim Nicols said. “I had the good fortune to spend hundreds of hours traveling with him to meetings around the state over 20 years or so. We would talk all the time about how to fix logging's problems. He didn't speak often but when he did people listened. He never compromised in what he believed in and what was the right thing to do for the logging profession. He always worked to make it better for the logging profession in this state. Ultimately the conversation would go back to family, which was most important to him.”

The PLC will make a $500 donation in Rodney’s memory to the Austin Bemis Cemetery Association.

This edition of the Logger’s Voice is dedicated to his memory. Rodney’s obituary can be found below.

logger’s way of life being threatened and like the July you 22, 1936 - Feb.news 5, 2022 to Do have eagles that nested on his land, loggers might become share?

Bridgton – Rodney H a rare and possibly extinct breed. Rodney was asked

to join the Professional Logging Contractors of Wales, 85, of Fryeburg Maine, where he served as secretary from 1995 to Harbor, died, Saturday, The PLC is always seeking February 5, 2022, at Bridgton 2012. Rodney helped to put together the Master Logger Program and served on the executive board news from our Members that Hospital, of natural causes, well as the certification board. Throughout with his familyour and Pastor showcases industry’sas Rodney’s career all of his work came to him by word Cathy Cantin by his side. professionalism, generosity, and of mouth, and he was highly respected in the Rodney was born on industry. ingenuity. the old homestead in Fryeburg Rodney Wales Rodney was a man of great faith with a warm Harbor to Cory and M. Evelyn greeting for everyone. He served as the Lay Leader (Emery) Wales. He attended Fryeburg Harborto Send ideas School, and Fryeburg Academy, graduating with the and President of the Board at the Bradley Memorial jonathan@maineloggers.com United Methodist Church, as the President of the class of 1954.

Austin Bemis Cemetery Association, as well as a In 1955 Rodney married Patricia Y. Madsen, member of the Historical Society. Rodney enjoyed they moved into a one room camp on the McNeil picking cranberries from the fen out back of the old Road and started their family. Rodney started his homestead, and later sold it to the Greater Lovell logging career working with his father in the woods Land Trust, so to preserve it for future generations. with a chainsaw and horses. He hauled timber After retiring Rodney found he enjoyed products for his brother-in-law before going out on cooking, still taking Sunday drives with Pat, his own cutting timber. In 1983 Rodney incorporated gardening, and taking care of his lawn. He was proud with his wife Pat and son Randy in addition to to have lived his whole life in the harbor and built mechanizing the whole operation, providing their retirement home on the banks of the Old Saco selective cutting, chipping, and land clearing River. He enjoyed watching the sand cranes, eagles, services. geese, and all the other wildlife from his chair. We R.H. Wales and Son was named the Forest will miss his wit, wisdom, and positive attitude.

Resource Associations Northeastern Outstanding Rodney was loved and will be missed by Logger for 1993. After giving a speech at the all.

National Conference in San Antonio Texas, about

The Logger’s Voice ▪ Spring 2022

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From the President

By Tony Madden Hello everyone I hope you are all healthy, wealthy, and wise. Let me rephrase that, I hope you are all healthy and wise, from the words of the late Great Meat Loaf, two outta three ain't bad. Most Maine loggers and haulers are not wealthy, the last two years has been devastating to logging contractors, many loggers are working off the equity of the good old days when logging was profitable. Some loggers would be out of business by now if it had not been for the State and Federal financial Covid-19 pandemic assistance programs.

A recent survey of Maine logging contractors shows an average cost increase of 24% for parts, equipment, services, and labor since January 2020. Market prices are not keeping pace with rising expenses, with the exception of saw logs, which is a small percentage of what most contractors produce.

A 16-yard dump truck hauling gravel on paved roads and with a class B driver can make as much per hour as a log truck with a three-axle trailer hauling wood on much worse roads and a driver with a hard to get class A license. A simple low maintenance 20-ton excavator makes as much per hour as a high maintenance $600,000 Feller buncher. Logging contractors who can, are diversifying their operations away from logging to construction.

Construction workers are much easier to hire and less expensive to train. This will eventually create a shortage of logging production. With this weak link in the supply chain, mills will eventually have to overpay for their wood to encourage loggers and haulers to reverse the trend. This scenario is not good for all involved in our industry. Market prices should have kept pace with inflation.

On a more positive note, Congressman Golden has been successful in getting an earmark for MLOP training and an expansion of CDL for timber hauling. This will allow us to double the size of MLOP classes for the next two years and create a new CDL program at the Community College system for wood hauling. Thank you, Congressman Golden.

PLC was unable to hold our March Legislative breakfast in Augusta again this year, another casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to monitor any proposed legislation that will adversely affect our industry. Please pay attention to the legislative updates and legislative alerts. Dana and Jess make it super easy for you to give written or zoom testimony. You have more of an impact in Augusta than you think!

Don't forget to sign up for our annual meeting. The 2022 PLC annual meeting and Log -A-Load for Maine Kids live auction will be held on May 13 at a new location, The Harborside Hotel, Spa, and Marina in Bar Harbor. Always an informative meeting and always a ton-a-fun Log-A-Load for Kids auction.

Enjoy your spring break, let's hope for a better summer! Good luck and be safe!

Thanks, Tony

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

Welcome New Members Modern Woodmen Fraternal Clark Timber Harvesting of Financial of Alfred, ME joined the Benedicta joined the PLC as a new PLC as a new Preferred Supporting Affiliated Contractor Member in Member in February of 2022. Modern March of 2022. The company has a professional staff of 2. To learn more Woodmen of America is a membercontact Ian Clark at (207) 267-5439 or owned fraternal financial services organization providing financial email services to businesses and Clarktimberharvesting@gmail.com individuals. To learn more contact Scott McDonald at (207) 490Haslam Enterprises Inc of 3495 Eastbrook, ME joined the PLC as a or scott.m.mcdonald@mwarep.org new Forest Contractor Member in December of 2021. The company has a professional staff of 2. To learn more Dow Enterprises Inc. of Fort Kent contact Scott Haslam at 207-479-6077 joined the PLC as a new Enhanced Supporting Member in December of or haslamenterprises@gmail.com 2021. The company is a dealer and on -site installer of telecommunications Granite State Cover & Canvas of Plaistow, NH joined the PLC as a new and industrial equipment based in Fort Kent. Their brands consist of Preferred Supporting Member in weBoost, Iridium, Garmin, KC Lights, December of 2021. The company is and Kärcher. To learn more, contact New England’s premier cover and Patrick Dow at (207) 242 canvas distributor. To learn more contact Tina Duval at (603) 382-5462 8661, Patrick.dow00@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/dowenterprisesinc or office@granitestatecover.com or visit www.granitestatecover.com

Not a member but interested in joining the PLC? Contact Jessica at (207) 688-8195 or email jessica@maineloggers.com The Logger’s Voice ▪ Spring 2022

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Invest in the Long Term

By Dana Doran From the Executive Director

there? And many, to their own disappointment, tell me As all of you head into mud season for a much deserved rest, I wanted to take this opportunity to share the that they might not make it to mud season before closing their business. five word quote from Warren Buffet in the title of this article, but also commend you for making it through to this These conversations are probably some of the time of year; overcoming the most challenging business most challenging that I have had with members across the environment that any of you have ever faced. My respect state, big and small, since I started this job eight years ago and admiration for the work that all of you do has never this week. been higher.

Every year of this job has been challenging and On almost every business day of 2022, I have there has always been a tough circumstance to overcome. received a phone call, an email, or a text message from the However, there always seems to be a bright light at the end membership asking me what others are going through. of the tunnel that folks can look forward to.

Many want to know if others are feeling the same pain and Not this year. going through the same thing. Is there any good news out I have never heard folks so down and I have never

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

Nathan O. Northrup Forest Products & Earthwork operating in Whitefield, story page. 14

heard so much discussion that the end is near. Not to be For anyone that follows the stock market or the Debbie Downer, but things are bad and there just doesn’t acquisitions of Warren Buffet, the true American rags to riches story, his usual statement is, “invest for the long seem to be any good news on the horizon. term”. Mr. Buffet has always said that you can’t look at As most know, we conducted an inflation survey of our membership and released the results about a month short terms gains or quick profits and your strategy needs ago. We compared January 2020 to January 2022 prices on to be long term. If you can’t invest long term, you shouldn’t buy or invest in anything. a uniform list of commodities that loggers use across the state. The end result was on average, 24% increases in all Long term investment requires patience, goods and services. The sad part is, this was before diesel perseverance, and hard work. These are hallmarks of increased by $.75 in less than a week. Yes, we are hearing loggers and you all have more in common with Mr. Buffet mills are providing fuel bonuses because of the sharp rise, than you know. but this is not going to cover the increases on so many Loggers are long term thinkers and long term other commodities. investors, just on a different scale.

Doran Continued Page 10

The Logger’s Voice ▪ Spring 2022

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Doran Continued from Page 96 Your companies are generally passed down from generation to generation from one family member to another. The next generation actually took on the chore of moving the business forward because it was profitable over the long term. The sad part is, what Warren Buffet has always said to be true for business success, is not true for loggers anymore.

To magnify this point, I would like to use two examples of what you are up against which illustrate the problem and are not making the future any better.

Short Term Mindset Many of those who you sell wood to suffer from chonic short term thinking. This short sightedness and refusal to do something to help contractors is bleeding many of you to death. As a result, the majority are rethinking their business investment for the long term.

Here are some examples which are symbolic of what you are facing: Example 1: ∙ Wood buyer A decides to make 2% more revenue by selling high grade sawlogs to an exporter instead of a local mill. ∙ Six months later, the local mill is shut down due to running out of raw material and was not able to keep their crew in place. ∙ Also six months later, the exporter, who paid 2% more, is now not willing to pay the same high price and so now Wood Buyer A sells it’s logs for 5% less than what the local mill would have paid. ∙ The contractors that provided the wood are now paid less for the work that they did just six months before.

In this scenario, who is better off?

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Example 2: ∙ Logger A has two mechanical crews and is a service contractor for Wood Buyer B. ∙ Logger A requests a 10% rate increase from Wood Buyer B in order to cover increased costs that are beyond Logger A’s control. ∙ Wood Buyer B agrees to a 2% increase and no more. ∙ Logger A shuts down both crews and sells their equipment. ∙ Wood Buyer B entices Logger B to gear up in an effort to replace Logger A’s production. ∙ Logger B is an experienced operator, but inexperienced business owner. ∙ Logger B cannot get financing to buy updated equipment, so he buys older worn down equipment. ∙ Within a year, Logger B is out of business after one of his employees is seriously hurt and the workers’ comp. carrier won’t rewrite their policy. ∙ Wood Buyer B then contracts with experienced Logger C at 15% higher rates than what Logger A was being paid.

Reminder, Logger A only asked for a 10% increase.

In this scenario, who is better off?

Both of these scenarios detail how many in this business aren’t interested in taking a long term view and don’t realize how the decions they make are creating waves which are more like a tsunami.

We live and operate in a free market, so it’s understandable that those in business are trying to be as profitable as possible. This should be the perspective of anyone in business regardless of what they make or what they do. This is not a socialistic country and it is not why individuals go into business.

That said, it appears that the old saying, “Doing well by doing good” has been thrown out the window. The general perception is that there is always another who can buy the wood or do the work and as long as there is, price

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

always wins. As long as wood keeps moving across the work and the next four weeks will be full of floor activity on how to use large sums of surplus funding and what to do scales, what does it matter who gets hurt along the way? with over $1 billion worth of requests for new funding However, as is detailed through the scenarios and from the Legislature. what we are now seeing play out across the state in our membership, price for the wood buyer, whether it is paying Two bills this session were directed at logging less for logging services or getting paid more for wood, contractors in an election year push to help try to save all of doesn’t always win. The collateral damage that is being you. The issue is, no one is asking for a legislative savior done is simply throwing gas on a fire. So in in the end, and surprisingly, no one consulted the industry to see if they wanted them. Both highlight the short term vs. long does price always win? I would argue it doesn’t. term strategy that has been lost when it comes to As a second example of short term vs. long term point of view, I would like to point to what is happening at investments that really help. the Legislature this session to illustrate the lack of LD 1919, An Act to Encourage Job Growth in the understanding of how their decisions can Forest Products Sector Through Tax Incentives, which has been working it’s impact your business. way through the Taxation Committee, “The time of As all of our members know, the might have had some legs, but for the PLC has taken a defensive posture this adversaries and short term view of certain legislators. legislative session. Conditions are so thinking that there is challenged for the membership right now This bill, which was sponsored by that it is in our best interest to be sure that just another logger out Rep. Richard Evans (Dover-Foxcroft), nothing else from state government is there to take the job was originally an attempt to make logging brought forward that could do more harm trucking businesses eligible for more has to end. No one will and than good. favorable income tax treatment under the be better off and Employment Tax Increment Financing 2022 is an election year.

Amazingly, bills have been brought forth cutting our own throats (TIF) Act that is already in statute for other types of businesses. The PLC this session from many at the Legislature will not lead us to testified neither for nor against it because to, “try to help”. Similarly, none of the prosperity.” at the end of the day, it would only make bills that have suddenly popped up were a bad employment situation even worse asked for by our industry, nor were they by subsizing employment practices and drafted with our input. It brings a whole new meaning to the term, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.” facilitating the cannibalization of employees from one contractor to another.

The short term point of view by many at the After discussing it with the sponsor ahead of the Legislature in an election year is is that bills like this are public hearing, it was clear that it wasn’t written with the necessary to help with re-election. While this might be help of the industry.

However, giving credit where credit is important for those who seek re-election and those who due, the sponsor was willing to work with the PLC to want to maintain majority party power, the lack of long amend it with our issues in mind to help, rather than hurt term thinking causes more problems than it solves. The law of unintended consequences is generally not considered the industry. Unfortunately, that collaboration was fleeting and the bill took on a life of it’s own with the help of one and no good deed goes unpunished as they say. specific Senator from northern Maine who was clearly the As I’m writing this article, the Legislature has architect behind the bill all along. exactly one month to go until the statutory date of The PLC has walked away from the bill and if it adjournment. Committees are hustling to complete their

Doran Continued on Page 126

The Logger’s Voice ▪ Spring 2022

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Doran

Continued from Page 11 16

does manage to get out of committee, we will be working to oppose it and hope that the Mills Adminstration will do the same. Election year politics has reared its ugly head and this is nothing that will help any of you either now or in the future.

Also at the Legislature this year, is LD 1724, An Act to Create a Logging Dispute Resolution Board and to Require Proof of Ownership Documents to be Available within 14 Days of Request. This bill, which was invented out of thin air with no industry input, has proven to be quite revealing in terms of what it’s for.

At the public hearing, the only support for the bill came from labor unions and Senator Troy Jackson. It appears that Senator Jackson’s primary mission is to bring unionization to the ranks of the logging industry. Not one industry representative spoke in favor of the bill but five union reps. did.

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

In the real world, no bill for loggers and truckers should ever move forward if it doesn’t have industry support. Unfortunately, especially in election years, the Maine Legislature is not looking at things through the lense of the real world.

The jury is still out on what will happen with this bill, but my prediction is that the Labor and Housing Committee will vote this bill out on strict party lines and move it to the floor of the Senate where Senator Jackson can continue to move it forward.

It's amazing to me that just six years ago, when divided government existed and folks had to compromise, legislators wanted to hear from loggers and do everything they could to help. Now, six years later, when divided government does not exist, and loggers need more help than ever, loggers have suddenly become the enemy by many with self serving interests because it’s really not

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

about what’s in the best interest of loggers, it’s really about what’s in the best interests of legislators for their own reelection.

I guess I’ll go back to where I started. Short term thinking is truly quite short sighted and does not help many. Long term thinking and long term investment is what needs to take place to ensure the sustainability of all.

Regardless if its in business or politics, we need to return to the middle to get things done. The time of adversaries and thinking that there is just another logger out there to take the job has to end. No one will be better off and cutting our own throats will not lead us to prosperity.

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J

EFFERSON – Nathan Northrup started his logging business in 1998 when he was 22 years old, buying a 1973 John Deere 440B cable skidder and a couple of used Husky chainsaws he found in a pawn shop, and heading into the woods on his own.

Over the years, Nathan O. Northrup Forest Products & Earthwork - a Member of the Professional Logging Contractors (PLC) of Maine for two decades grew, shrank, and grew again with the ups and downs of the economy and wood markets, but no matter big or small the company got, that 440B cable skidder remained.

“I bought it off a guy locally, he put two new tires

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

on the back and rebuilt the motor and it was $11,500,” Nathan recalled on a recent winter day, standing by the old skidder, which was parked across the road from the lot in Whitefield where the rest of his logging equipment and crew had been logging all morning. “People have asked me before if I’d sell it and I tell them there isn’t enough money in Fort Knox to buy that skidder, I couldn’t do it, it would be like selling off my firstborn. Ironically though, at the end of the week, I made more money with that going to work by myself, than I do today with all the equipment behind me.”

Hard to believe, maybe, unless you are aware of

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

Nathan O. Northrup Forest Products & Earthwork

Nathan O. Northrup Forest Products & Earthwork operating in Whitefield, in February 2022.

the realities in the logging business today, but Nathan’s As he expanded, he added equipment on the earth work experiences and the arc his business has followed over the side as the business diversified. past two decades are not uncommon in Maine’s logging The company kept growing, and by 2013 he had industry. two whole tree crews in the woods, two chippers, trucks Growing up, Nathan gained experience working hauling wood, and a lot of wood being cut. But fuel prices with his father and developed an interest in both heavy were very high, help hard to find, and wood markets equipment and trucking. He started his logging business unstable. small and grew over time, adding machines and employees “Finally, I just said, I’m tired of banging my head to handle more jobs and bigger jobs as demand and markets against a wall, so I sold all the rigging except the chippers allowed. He bought his first grapple skidder in 2004, his and sold most of the trucks and the only thing I had in the first feller buncher in 2006, and his first chipper in 2007. woods was that cable skidder right there again and I tried to Northrup

The Logger’s Voice ▪ Spring 2022

Continued Page 16

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Northrup Continued from Page 15 focus on chipping and trucking,” Nathan said. “I kept a more CO2 released than if it rots in the woods, but guys go driver so it was just me and another guy for a couple years. away from it because they get sick of making money one So, at one point I had almost 10 people and then I day and losing it the next.” downsized to two of us, and then slowly I started building While saw log markets are strong, you can’t just back because there was so much work.” cut saw logs to properly manage a wood lot, and even with Today, Nathan O. Northrup Forest Products & demand high prices paid for the logs are not enough to Earthwork has one whole tree crew operating, but the offset the recent inflation in costs for everything from fuel logging season for the company is short. Like many other to parts to equipment that is biting hard into what margins firms that once logged a good part of the year, harvesting remained in the logging business, Nathan said. wood is no longer the main focus of the business. Site Unlike many businesses that can simply charge development, excavation, road building, septic systems, more as their costs rise to keep up with inflation, most hauling sand and gravel and loam, and mowing and logging firms are at the mercy of wood prices paid by mulching now pay the bills, Nathan said. Several factors mills. Nathan O. Northrup Forest Products & Earthwork have led to that reality, but inadequate wood prices and does what it can to run leaner and more efficiently, from markets are at the root of them. sourcing its own parts to avoid dealer premiums to His company didn’t sell a lot of pulp wood to the working on machines in the open because a garage would Verso mill in Jay, but the loss of that mill to an explosion be cost prohibitive right now, but there is only so much in April 2020 hurt him just the same, Nathan said. you can do on that side of the ledger, Nathan said.

“Verso was where I sold most of my softwood pulp, albeit Meanwhile, logging rules and regulations that a modest amount, but could benefit from the bigger thing was I common-sense had a truck and driver changes remain dedicated to another obstacles to profit local PLC member and growth. Nathan every week averaging is a strong believer 10-13 loads of in safety and taskpulpwood for them, specific training suddenly I had an when it comes to extra driver looking logging but says for something to forcing logging haul.” companies to hold certificates or take The biomass training that has market has also been nothing to do with inconsistent and their work in the frustrating. Despite an woods is inefficient, abundant supply and costly, and deep-water ports that unnecessary in a are the closest on the The crew, from left to right: Jordan Mayo, Robert Turner, Greg Althen, Nathan business that is East Coast to the Northrup. Absent from photo: Shawn Nichols, Lari Stevens, Paulette Thibodeau already tough thriving European (Vice President of Operations). biomass market, Nathan O. Northrup Forest Products & Earthwork also employs Glen McAfee, enough.

Maine has not taken In 2021, subcontracted hand crew. off as a major Nathan O. Northrup biomass exporter. Meanwhile, here at home markets are Forest Products & Earthwork parked its logging equipment unreliable. A year ago, it was hard to even sell biomass. when mud season hit in April and never got back into the Now, with natural gas prices high there is strong demand, woods until January of 2022. Nathan and the crew shared a but prices per ton once you factor in trucking costs to laugh recalling the difficulties of getting the logging side deliver it aren’t enough to make it worthwhile. He keeps of the business going again after idling the machines for his chipper more for clearing lots and mulching than for months - the batteries in every piece of logging equipment any revenue it generates, Nathan said. were dead.

“They have their place, but it's the most expensive Although this winter featured some sustained cold piece of equipment to buy that gives you the lowest return temperatures, a warm spell and heavy rains swept much of on your investment,” Nathan said. “Biomass is the most the state in mid-February and Nathan was already volatile priced material I think any of us have ever seen, watching the weather forecasts closely on the Whitefield you can’t make any heads or tails of it. Why the public and job a week later. the government will not recognize biomass as a green “We get another week like that, and this alternative is beyond me. When you burn it there is no equipment is all gonna be lined up with flowers growing

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

Nathan Northrup, in crane, slashing wood in Whitefield in February.

up around it for the next 10 months. The only way we’re gonna use it is if someone is paying me to cut the wood to convert the land, that’s it,” Nathan said. “I’m not going to log, I’m going to convert land and I’m going to get paid to cut the wood, then I’m going to get paid whatever little they pay for it at the mill because it’s the only way a load of wood pays enough.”

Like most loggers still operating, Nathan is an optimist. He would not still be logging if he weren’t, but the head winds in the industry just seem to keep getting stronger. He believes there is great potential in Maine’s logging industry, but to tap it and ensure loggers don’t leave the industry for greener pastures many things need to change.

Nathan joined the PLC early in his logging career, and he has been pleased to see the organization grow stronger and more aggressive in recent years, fighting for loggers at every level and beginning to tackle the biggest issues loggers face head on.

“I’m extremely happy that PLC is finally standing up and having some tough conversations. Some days you just have to take politically correct and throw it out the window and stand toe to toe and say this is how it’s gonna be,” Nathan said.

The company has a great relationship with other PLC Members.

“Our company does a lot of work with other

members, whether it be selling and delivering aggregates, or forestry mulching or trucking,” Nathan said. “It’s a great network of professionals helping each other succeed.”

If money were the only consideration, he’d probably not be logging anymore, but there’s more to it than that. He still looks forward to getting into the woods in the morning or getting on the road at 3 a.m. to haul wood.

It may not make a lot of sense, but he still loves logging, Nathan said.

“I love the woods, I love the smell of it, I love watching wood piles grow and straps going over a truck when it leaves, it just makes me smile. It used to be because there was money going into my bank account, now it’s just because, I don’t know, I made that pile of wood,” Nathan said, his crew laughing along with him. “It really is almost like a disease when you get so you like it and get it in your blood.”

He, like many others across the state who share that feeling, hopes to keep logging for years to come. But as the industry gets tougher and tougher, even the best logging companies that remain may not be able or willing to continue to work so hard for so little profit. And even if they are, margins are so thin one misstep by a company in the woods or in the paperwork could be all it takes to end them.

“There’s just not enough money in the woods anymore for any mistakes,” Nathan said.

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27th PLC Annual Meeting, Dinner & Log A Load for Kids Auction CHARTING A COURSE TOWARD A PROSPEROUS FUTURE May 13, 2022 - Harborside Hotel, Bar Harbor, ME

An Invitation,

Please join us for our 27th Annual

27TH ANNUAL MEETING

Meeting to learn and network with other professional loggers as we chart a course towards a prosperous future.

Highlights

-Governor Janet Mills -PLC Cost Calculator Training -Panel: Wood Supply & Logger Health -Log A Load Auction Retired New England Patriot - Rob Ninkovich

The Morning Session is only for PLC Contractor Members. During this time, we will: conduct a general membership meeting, and review our legislative agenda. Acadia Insurance will let us know how the dividend program performed in 2021, there is a presentation by Jeff Benjamin on how to use PLC’s Cost Calculator. Panel: Wood Supply and Logger Health - representatives from Lumbra Hardwoods, Robbins Lumber, Woodland Pulp (invited) and Stratton Lumber (invited).

During our Luncheon, which is open to all PLC Contractor Members, Supporting Members and invited guests, we will hear from current Maine Governor, Janet Mills.

We reconvene at 4:00 pm for our social hour and time to preview the Log A Load Auction items, open to all PLC Contractor Members, Supporting Members and invited guests.

To help the Children’s Miracle Network raise money, our Log A Load Auction will be kicked off by the Miracle Network Children, Scott Hanington and special guest Rob Ninkovich, retired New England Patriot linebacker!

Can we exceed the $87,498 we raised in 2021?

Meet the amazing people that our fundraising is impacting and feel the difference that we are making!

Dinner Guests — Join us at 6:00 pm for a buffet dinner and the honor of meeting a couple of the children helped by the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN)! The new Master Logger certificate ceremony will follow and the PLC’s annual awards presentation will close out the night.

Creating Real Miracles by Raising Funds for Local Hospitals Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals have raised more than $5 billion for 170 children’s hospitals across the United States and Canada. The PLC of Maine and Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems (EMHS) Foundation have raised over $1.5 million since 1996 for children in Maine. These donations have gone 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. Some are battling cancer, some are suffering from a traumatic injury, and others require constant care because they were born too early, or with a genetic disease.

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In 2021, the PLC of Maine raised over $205,000 to support local Maine children!

Professional Logging May Contractors of -Maine Loggers Serving 13, 2022 Harborside Hotel, Bar Harbor, ME Loggers Since 1995

Meeting Agenda: May 13, 2022 - Harborside Hotel, Bar Harbor, ME

Morning Session

Highlights

PLC Contractor Members Only 7:30 AM Registration (Coffee & Full Continental Breakfast) 8:00 AM

Full Board and General Membership Meeting, Board Elections, Legislative Update & Acadia Dividend Program update.

9:45 AM

Break

10:00 AM

Calculating the Cost of Logging & Trucking, Jeff Benjamin, S.J. Rollins

11:00 AM

Panel: Wood Supply and Logger Health

Afternoon Session

-Governor Janet Mills -PLC Cost Calculator Training -Panel: Wood Supply & Logger Health -Log A Load Auction Retired New England Patriot - Rob Ninkovich

Children’s Miracle Network Auction

PLC Contractor Members, Supporting Members & Invited Guests

12:30 PM

Lunch Buffet

1:00 PM

Luncheon Speaker: Governor Janet Mills

Donations for auction items are welcome & needed!

2:00-4:00 PM Afternoon Break

Evening session 4:00 PM 5:00 PM

6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:15 PM 7:30 PM

PLC Contractor Members, Supporting Members, Invited Guests Social Hour—Auction Items Preview Children’s Miracle Network Children & Log A Load for Kids—Special Guest Auctioneer—Scott Hanington & Rob Ninkovich, Retired New England Patriot Dinner Buffet PLC President’s Welcome Presentation of Master Logger Supporter Award & Presentation of Certificates to 2022 Cohort of Certified Master Logger Companies Awards Presentation: PLC Logger of the Year, Acadia Insurance Safety Award, PLC Community Service Award, Supporting Member Award & PLC President’s Award

Logger’s Voice ▪Hotel, SpringBar 2022 May 13,The 2022 - Harborside Harbor, ME

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them. Each week we produce enough veneer to run an 8PRESQUE ISLE - When you walk through the Columbia Forest Products log yard in Presque Isle you can foot-wide strip of veneer from Presque Isle to Bangor.” be sure you’re going to see some of the best logs you will Founded in 1957, Columbia Forest Products is find in any log yard in New England. That’s because high North America’s leading manufacturer of hardwood quality logs are the only ones that meet the unique needs of plywood and hardwood veneer products, which are used to the veneer mill located here in the northeast corner of create high-quality cabinetry, fine furniture, architectural Maine. millwork and commercial fixtures. Columbia’s products Columbia operates four face veneer mills, located are sold through a network of wholesale distributors, mass in Vermont, Ontario, Wisconsin and in Maine. The Maine merchandisers and original equipment manufacturers. mill buys logs from a vast area, with three wood buyers in Columbia’s Maine veneer mill was originally built Maine and another in New Brunswick. Steve Tudor, Log in the early 1960s as the Indian Head Plywood mill in Procurement Manager for the mill, has been in the business Skyway Industrial Park, which was established after the since 1980, most of those years with Columbia. Together, closure of the Presque Isle Air Force Base on the site. The he and the other buyers must work constantly with loggers, mill would later be acquired by Columbia as the company landowners, commercial wood yards, lumber mills and expanded. Today it employs more than 160 workers in two other sources of high-quality logs to keep the mill shifts and is a major contributor to the local and regional supplied. economy.

“We’ve got beautiful growing stock in the state of The mill consumes thousands of white birch, Maine, we just have a diameter problem,” Steve said. “It’s yellow birch and hard maple logs each year, as well as taking a full-time year-round effort to buy our 7 million lesser numbers of red oak logs. Logs are sorted, debarked, feet a year. We’re looking for quality stuff, and it’s a softened, heated, run through veneer lathes, peeled, and cut challenge. We need a straight log, and we need a lot of into sheets of high-quality veneer, 42/100s of an inch

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

Columbia Forest Products thick, which is thick enough to be lightly sanded unlike some of the thinner imported veneers. Drying is part of the finishing process, as is gluing.

The mill’s 10-foot lathe has been there since the beginning, and an 8-foot lathe was added two decades ago. “That’s our new line,” Steve said. “An eight foot lathe, when you chuck a log, has tight tolerance, you chuck an eight foot log and your spindles are way in where on a 10 foot lathe you’ve got weak tolerances and you don’t get as good a cut.”

The mill produces a quality and competitive product, but it all starts with finding the right logs. Over the years, Steve said that has grown more challenging and today it takes a vast network of suppliers and strategies built up over the years to meet the demand. Veneer logs are sparse and scattered, a dozen at one yard, a few more at another. Buyers constantly cruise their territory, generally in a circle two hours from their homes, seeking the right logs and building the relationships and partnerships with loggers, landowners, commercial wood yards, and lumber mills to ensure that when logs worthy of being marked with a “V” show up, they’ll find their way to Presque Isle.

Working with loggers unfamiliar with the mill’s demands to help them both identify veneer quality logs and harvest them in a manner that maximizes their value is part of the process, Steve said.

“Everything here is measured in percent yield, every log we buy has an expected yield for the length diameter and grade,” Steve said. “Three-quarters of your yield is in the outer third of a log, so we just ask all operators of mechanical equipment to respectfully and gently handle the logs, minimizing compression stains and fractures. We encourage them to put log savers on their buckets and to lower their roll pressure on these processors and we’re constantly talking to contractors about doing that.”

“We go out of our way to teach suppliers how we grade wood, therefore they can make better wood and more efficient decisions,” Steve added.

Columbia’s buyers are seasoned professionals with experience in logging and or forestry. They understand the realities in the woods, as does mill manager Kevin Paradis, a former logger himself.

Arguments with suppliers over log quality are part of the business, but Steve said the mill recognizes loggers are challenged right now and strives to offer wood prices that are consistent and sustainable from a harvester’s perspective.

While the vast majority of logs in the yard in Presque Isle are destined for the veneer market the mill does also sell some to niche markets. On a cold afternoon

Photos: Opposite page, the Columbia Forest Products mill in Presque Isle viewed from the log yard.

Above top, a log beginning the process of being peeled into veneer.

Above bottom, a roll of freshly peeled veneer is inspected before moving on through the finishing process.

Columbia

The Logger’s Voice ▪ Spring 2022

Continued Page 22

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Columbia

Continued from Page 216

in January Steve could be found at the industries that rely on loggers for their north end of the yard circling a couple raw material. dozen premium logs with Randy Lucas After Randy leaves Steve talks of Lucas Custom Instruments in more about the trends he has seen since Indiana, talking about grades of wood starting in the business in 1980. One is suitable for mandolin necks. fragmentation of major commercial Randy and Steve have known timberlands as the profitability that each other for years, and Randy – a powered Maine’s forest economy for well known premium guitar builder in generations and kept huge swathes of music circles – visits periodically to Maine forestland undeveloped has come find the right wood for necks, bodies under siege. and fretboards. The best logs are Columbia is committed to the expensive, the process of finding the future of Maine’s forest economy and right ones is time consuming, and became a Preferred Supporting Member there is plenty of good-natured banter of the Professional Logging Contractors in the process. of Maine (PLC) to support Maine’s “Are you insane?” Steve asks loggers, a critical piece of that Randy at one point in the negotiations. economy, Steve said.

There is laughter, and they keep “We joined the PLC to show dickering over the logs’ texture, twist, respect to the logging force that has figure, and grain. given us our capacity in business,” Not long afterward Randy Steve said. “We want to see sustained completes his buys. It has taken two growth in our industry, we’ve had a hours to find the right 11 logs, and sustained demand and we want to stay he’s happy as he heads south to the in business for years to come so it’s airport in Bangor to return home, important they get their recognition, we where at some point in the near future want to support our contractors.” those logs will be crafted into “We thank all the landowners, components of fine instruments sold contractors and skilled slashers who all over the world. make this industry possible,” he added.

Randy travels the country looking for logs for his business, and Photos: Top and middle, veneer sheet All of Columbia’s plywood and veneer mills hold FSC chain of custody at one point before he leaves, he and rolling off the line is inspected and certified by the Rainforest Alliance, an Steve talk about the trends he has seen cut. Bottom, Steve Tudor, at right, independent, non-governmental everywhere in the logging industry of working with Randy Lucas to find organization with the published aims of an aging workforce, lack of new logs suitable to provide wood for working to conserve biodiversity and ensure workers, and cost challenges. Those musical instrument components sustainable livelihoods by transforming same challenges are here in Maine, including stringed instrument necks land-use practices, business practices and they agree, and are a threat not only to and bodies. consumer behavior. the logging industry, but to all the

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands grants and partnerships benefit Career and Technical Education Logging and Forestry Programs MORO PLANTATION – It was a mid-February with some trees that are good candidates for recovery, and plenty of wildlife. It is also a lot that can greatly benefit morning and temperatures were hovering around zero as the woods east of Route 11 filled with the sounds of heavy from an improvement cut. equipment, chainsaws, and two-way radios.

“It’s a real tough spot because there’s not a lot of good quality stuff to leave, it’s mostly poplar and fir, an Here, on 20 acres of Bureau of Parks and Lands occasional maple, we’ve got a lot of blowdown that was (BPL) woodland, students in the Region 2 School of naturally occurring before we Applied Technology Forest even started, so we’re going to Management and Operations leave all the ash, release the program were hard at work ash, and if we have any spruce harvesting timber under the we’re going to try and leave direction of instructor Rob the spruce and get the next Greenier, felling and limbing crop coming in,” Jacob said. trees with a processor and chainsaws, and transporting The lot is in a good the logs to a yard with cable spot for the students to skidders and a forwarder. commute to and from Region 2 in Houlton, and the partnership The harvest, which has has been a success for the continued for the remainder of school and BPL. the winter, represents the first partnership of its kind between “It’s been great, it’s BPL and Career and Technical worked out really well,” Jacob Education (CTE) schools in said. “We’re glad to see the Maine, giving students a The Foster Career and Technical Education Center interest from the students and chance to work directly with Forestry and Wood Harvesting Program on March 9 the school and glad we could BPL northern region staff and unveiled its new mini-forwarder purchased with the aid work it out.” learn about the expectations of Maine’s remaining of grant funds from the Maine Bureau of Parks and logging on public lands, while CTE logging and forestry Lands (BPL). providing BPL with an programs are critical to the improvement cut on the lot. Revenue from wood sales is future of the logging industry in Maine, which is struggling benefiting both. to attract and retain workers in the midst of a general Jacob Guimond, northern region manager for BPL, worker shortage, accelerating retirements among the said the lot provides a great learning opportunity for the existing logging workforce, and public perceptions that the students, with mixed terrain, a brook, an old apple orchard future of timber harvesting in Maine is in doubt.

Grants

The Logger’s Voice ▪ Spring 2022

Continued Page 24

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Grants

Continued from Page 23 The CTE programs are also a natural feeder The new law specifies that money must be applied system for students enrolling in the Mechanized Logging for by each school and caps the amount each applicant can Operations Program (MLOP) after graduation. The receive in a biennium at $50,000, while capping the entire community college program developed by the expenditure allowed in the biennium for the grant program Professional Logging Contractors of Maine and Northern at $300,000, or $150,000 per year. While timber revenue Maine Community College with state and industry from Public Lands has significantly declined due to recent partners is gearing up for its next class in June, and as in timber markets, BPL recognizes the importance of past years, some training new loggers students from the CTE and decided to programs are already prioritize this enrolled in it. expenditure in 2021.

Every It is instructor for a CTE noteworthy that one of logging/forestry the original purposes program will tell you for which Maine’s one of the biggest Public Reserved Lands challenges they face is were set aside was to acquiring and support schools, and maintaining the heavy that Maine’s Office of equipment required to the Attorney General in properly prepare 2015 reaffirmed this students for careers in historical reference by logging. Mechanized stating that funding of logging equipment education of the sort dominates the industry, LD 586 would support but the costs associated at public schools is with that equipment consistent with that Students in the Region 2 School of Applied Technology Forest have risen rapidly over Management and Operations program work harvesting timber on purpose. the years.

As a result, the BPL land in Moro Plantation in February.

It was because Bureau of Parks and of that need that the Professional Logging Contractors of Lands (BPL) now has the authority to provide grant (PLC) Maine began working toward funding for the opportunities to eligible educational programs in order to programs in 2015, when PLC Board Member Tony develop loggers prepared to work on Maine’s public Madden served on a commission organized by Maine’s reserved lands.

Legislature in 2015 to consider potential uses of what In 2021, the first time this grant program was proved to be a temporary increase in revenue from offered, a total of eight proposals were received for the Governor Paul LePage’s plan to fund energy upgrades for $150,000 in available funds. After much consideration, low-income Mainers with revenue from increased timber the Bureau’s review committee awarded the top three harvesting on public land. proposals $50,000 each. Programs selected were Foster The work of the commission led to legislation Career and Technical Education Center – Mount Blue in introduced by former State Sen. Tom Saviello in 2016 Farmington, Oxford Hills Technical School – Region 11 recommending the use of public lands timber revenue for in South Paris, and the Region 2 School of Applied logger education programs at CTEs. That legislation drew Technology Forest Management and Operations in bipartisan support, and the PLC and other prominent Houlton/Dyer Brook. supporters including State Sen. Russell Black led an effort Curriculum units covering Public Lands forestry to override two Gubernatorial vetoes to see the final practices were developed in partnership with each school. version of the bill, LD 586, passed into law in 2017.

The curriculum outlines the Bureau’s Integrated Resource The new law allowed the CTEs to apply for funds Policy as a means to supplement existing curriculum that generated by timber harvests on Maine Public Reserved provide students the basic knowledge of Forestry Lands to purchase newer and better equipment to train principles, law and regulations needed for the trade. students for the professional logging industry of today.

All the schools are planning to use the grants to purchase Only an educational program at a public secondary or better equipment. public postsecondary educational institution or career and “We’re planning to upgrade our CAT 305 e2 mini technical education center that is related to logging or excavator to a 306 with a hydraulic feller buncher head. It forestry, is eligible to receive funding under the grant will be limited to 10” trees but that’s fine with me. This program. is a good start for teenaged operators” stated Al

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

Schaeffer, Logging Instructor for Region 11.

Region 2’s equipment is not new, but the program is fortunate to have multiple pieces including cable skidders, a forwarder, and a more recently acquired Ponsse processor. The oldest cable skidder is a 1969 model in need of replacement. Instructor Rob Greenier is still weighing options for a purchase to replace it.

In mid-March, Foster Tech hosted a public unveiling of its newest piece of equipment, a brand new miniforwarder that is being purchased in part with the grant funds. The machine is already in use by students.

Representatives from BPL and the Maine Forest Service, and former State Sen. Saviello were on hand along with PLC Members.

BPL Deputy Director Bill Patterson attended the Region 9 event and said the grants have helped accelerate a strong and valuable relationship between the BPL and the CTE programs in logging and forestry.

“The thing that excites me about the grant program is obviously equipment is critical to giving these kids a good experience, but having our foresters come in and talk to them about what they do in the woods and how they work with loggers, that’s going to be one of the greatest values of the program,” Bill said. “We need people to work in the woods, whether its loggers or foresters, and this is giving them a general introduction on how forestry is done by the Bureau of Parks and Lands, and then really it’s about getting out in the woods together and talking about it, I think they’ll remember a lot more of that than what’s written on a page.”

Back at the ongoing harvest in Moro Plantation, Jacob agreed.

“We’ll be glad to see them put that money to use and be able to learn about public lands and potential opportunities after they graduate to work for us,” Jacob said.

The Logger’s Voice ▪ Winter 2022

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Trucking Trucking Industry News...

Final Reminder: Mobile carriers are sunsetting 3G. Have you checked to see if your ELD is affected?

Mobile carriers are shutting down their 3G networks to make room for more advanced network services, including 5G. As a result, many older cell *Sunset dates are subject to change. Contact phones and other mobile devices will be unable to use your mobile carrier for up-to-date information. data services.

Once a 3G network is no longer supported, it Roadcheck 2022 Inspection Dates are May 17-19… is highly unlikely that any ELDs that rely on that network will be able to meet the minimum The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance requirements established by the ELD Technical (CVSA) has announced this year’s International Specifications, including recording all required data Roadcheck dates are May 17-19, and will have a focus elements and transferring ELD output files.

Therefore, any ELD that requires 3G cellular on wheel ends.

International Roadcheck is a 72-hour highconnectivity to perform its functionality will no visibility, high-volume commercial motor vehicle longer be in compliance with the technical inspection and enforcement initiative carried out specifications in the ELD rule after the 3G network it throughout North America. Commercial motor vehicle relies on is sunset. When in an area that does not inspectors in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will support 3G, a 3G device will register a malfunction. conduct North American Standard Inspections of In accordance with 49 CFR 395.34, the carrier commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh and has 8 days to get the malfunction resolved, in this inspection stations, on roving patrols, and at temporary case by replacement, unless an extension is granted. inspection sites. *The announced sunset dates are below.

Each year, CVSA focuses on a specific aspect These are dates for completing the of a roadside inspection. This year, the focus will be on shutdowns. Mobile carriers are planning to retire parts wheel ends. of their networks sooner.

CVSA said wheel end components support the -AT&T 3G: February 22, 2022 heavy loads carried by commercial motor vehicles, -Sprint 3G (T-Mobile): March 31, 2022 maintain stability and control, and are critical for braking. Violations involving wheel end components -Sprint LTE (T-Mobile): June 30, 2022 historically account for about one-quarter of the vehicle -T-Mobile 3G: July 1, 2022 out-of-service violations discovered during -Verizon 3G: December 31, 2022 International Roadcheck, and past inspection data routinely identified wheel end components as a top 10

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

Trucking

vehicle violation.

During International Roadcheck, commercial motor vehicle inspectors examine large trucks and motorcoaches and the driver’s documentation and credentials using CVSA’s North American Standard Inspection Program procedures which are the uniform inspection steps, processes and standards established to ensure consistency in compliance, inspections, and enforcement.

Using the North American Standard Out-ofService Criteria, also established by CVSA, inspectors identify critical out-of-service violations that if found, require the inspector to restrict the driver or vehicle from travel until those violations or conditions are addressed.

The Logger’s Voice ▪ Spring 2022

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Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

The Logger’s Voice ▪ Spring 2022

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Safety Fire Suppression, Part I

By Donald Burr PLC Safety & Training Coordinator safety@maineloggers.com

3. Automatic system activation: Systems run a wire or a tube around into the areas where heat can build up and fires commonly start. When the wire or tube Part 1 burns, though, the system activates.

4. A manual system activation. These involve This quarter we are talking about what to do if plungers placed in one or two locations easily accessible you have a fire. to the operator to set the system off manually.

First, your safety is most important. Only engage 5. A central control center informs the operator a fire when it is reasonably safe to do so. Stay out of the of the fire system status. This comes in many unique heat & smoke; both are killers.

Every piece of equipment should have these four firefighting tools on board. An installed fire suppression system, an ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher, a loaded stream fire extinguisher, and the operator who is making the decisions on when and how to fight the fire. Every operator must know how these tools work and how best to use them. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) says that every employee who is expected to use a fire extinguisher will be trained annually on their use and proper care. I will go over the primary use of these four firefighting tools.

The installed fire suppression system comes in many distinctive styles, but they all work basically the same, and you should get trained on your system. All types have the following five components: 1. Suppression agent. This can be a dry chemical or a liquid mixture. Each agent has pros and cons that styles, and each has different options on how to interact we will not discuss here, but as an operator, you should with the control center. Generally, they have an audio know what you have and what to expect when the alarm and status lights. system is activated.

The second type of firefighting tool is a 10 lbs.

2. Nitrogen agent propellent. or larger, ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher. It should Two-part series on fire suppression.

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

Safety be mounted securely in a place the operator can access easily. ABC means that it can be used on a class “A” fire ordinary materials or anything that produce “ASH.” Class “B” petroleum fire or anything that will “Boil” and create a flammable gas. Some of these liquids can boil or off-gas at very cold temperatures. For example, gasoline offgasses at –45*F. Class “C” fires are electrical fires or anything that has “Current.” A dry chemical extinguisher blankets the fire and smothers the fire.

The third firefighting tool is the loaded stream extinguisher. These extinguishers look a lot like a water can fire extinguisher, but the loaded stream has an additive that assists in putting a fire out and keeps the water from freezing. This extinguisher does two things to put the fire out. First, it removes the heat and smothers the fire.

Loaded stream are class A & B class fire extinguishers.

When filling these do not use RV or automotive antifreeze and only use the proper additive (potassium

carbonate).

The fourth firefighting tool is the equipment operator or mechanic holding the fire extinguisher and fighting the fire. Knowing when & how to use the first three tools cannot be overstated.

Next month we will go into how fire extinguishers work and best practices when using them on a fire.

We Support Maine Loggers The Logger’s Voice ▪ Spring 2022

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Safety

Loggers and Rotator Cuff Injury

By Brie Weisman, OTR/L with Maine LogAbility with assistance from Michaela Marden, OTR/L Shoulder injuries may not be the first thing that comes to mind when contemplating the dangers faced by loggers, but it only takes a moment to realize why they are commonplace in the industry. Tasks like pitching a strap over a load, and putting on tire chains can put great strain on the shoulder at awkward angles. Other tasks involving repetitive motion cause wear and tear. Beyond the work itself, logging environments can be snowy, muddy, or uneven terrain full of trip hazards that cause falls, a major cause of shoulder injuries.

An unusual joint, the shoulder is one of only two ball and socket joints in our body, allowing for exceptional rotation (the other is the hip). But the shallowness of the shoulder socket leaves it especially vulnerable to injury, particularly the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a series of muscles in the shoulder that form a “cuff” of tissue around this ball. A rotator cuff injury is the result of a tear in a portion of this muscle group. Someone experiencing general shoulder pain, weakness, and/or loss of range of motion, especially with overhead movement or external, extended rotation, is very likely suffering from a rotator cuff injury.

There are two main causes of rotator cuff tears: natural degeneration and injury. With aging, comes the degeneration of muscles tissues, creating heightened chances for rotator cuff and any other number of injuries, even in the course of everyday activities. In the young and healthy, an injury to the rotator cuff may happen suddenly when attempting to catch oneself with an outstretched hand during a fall, or by overexerting oneself, be it in a moment of great strain, or hours or even weeks of overdoing work especially new activities that the body is unaccustomed to.

This is not an injury to be pigeon-holed; weight lifters, golfers, pitchers, swimmers, all get rotator cuff injuries. Symptoms can vary in both detail and severity. If a tear is suspected, you should see your primary care provider for a comprehensive assessment.

Using ice and resting can go a long way in addressing a temporary injury versus making it a lifelong injury. A rotator cuff can be treated with surgery, but the shoulder area will

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

always be compromised.

Preventing shoulder injuries is about working smarter, not harder.

*Use proper body positioning. Lift closer to the body rather than with outstretched arms. *Maintain good posture. Truckers suffering from fatigue should take care not to slump forward or round the shoulders. *A properly fitted five point harness can help with posture. *Conserve energy. Use gravity to your advantage and take regular rest breaks, or break up a long task by alternating with other tasks. *Reduce repetitive motion wear and tear. Something as simple as changing up the angle of pitching straps over a load is helpful. *Keep abreast of changing technology in logging. Simple things like changing over to newer, lighter straps to reduce stress on shoulders can mean an injury avoided.

These small adjustments to daily work and being proactive in addressing pain can make a big difference in reducing risk of serious and painful shoulder injuries. A good stretching routine and moderate strength training exercises are crucial to keeping the shoulders and other joints ‘well oiled.’

Ask your primary care provider for exercises or other recommendations.

There is an excellent YouTube video that answers other questions about shoulder injuries management for log truck drivers created by British Columbia Forestry Council. https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=emmPSSL3aDE For More Information, visit Maine LogAbility, part of the Maine AgrAbility program: https://extension.umaine.edu/ agrability/

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

Safety Ted Clark, CLCS, Loss Control Consultant, Acadia Insurance

Quarterly Safety Meeting: Eye Hazards A few years back I was chatting with a driver who had lost the sight in one of his eyes due to an accident that occurred years ago. While we were discussing the incident that led to the loss of his sight, he noted that most people don’t realize how much loss of sight, even if only one eye, can affect your work and personal life. It’s hard not to take your eyesight for granted. Most of us wake up every morning, open our eyes, and maybe with the help of corrective lenses, we see perfectly fine. But I want you to try to imagine how much your life would change if you couldn’t see out of one eye? How about both eyes? The change would be dramatic and it could last a lifetime. At a minimum, your hobbies, your job, and your family life would likely change dramatically.

Eye injuries in the workplace are very common and can range significantly in severity. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates that every day about 2000 U.S. workers sustain an eye injury that requires medical treatment. Even a seemingly minor eye injury can have a major impact on your life. According to the American Optometric Association, 3 out of 5 of those workers who were injured were not wearing any eye protection at the time of injury. According to the same article, those injuries can be reduced by 90% by simply wearing the right eye protection and using it correctly. Luckily, this is an easy problem to fix, and it starts with understanding the hazard and knowing how to reduce it.

OSHA requires that eye and face protection is worn when there is a reasonable probability of injury.

What are some eye hazards we see in the logging industry?

Typical hazards may include projectiles from dust, metal, wood, or brush. We also see eye hazards whenever we deal with chemicals such as, diesel, hydraulic fluid, oils, cleaners, etc.

Safety glasses should be worn to protect your eyes from general hazards. When there is a high probability of projectiles such as wood debris, pressurized liquid and metal from grinder, or there is a possibility of chemical splash, a face shield and/or goggles should be considered.

It’s important to recognize that safety glasses are not one size fits all. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the glasses you purchase fit properly and comfortably for the conditions you will encounter. Adjustable temples, eyewear retainers and, tint can all make the glasses more comfortable to wear. Glasses that do not fit snug around the face, will leave gaps where debris can enter or the glasses will fog up.

When selecting a pair of safety glasses, you should start by looking for the imprint “Z87” or “Z87+”. Typically, this will be on the frame, but occasionally it will be on the lens. This rating confirms that the glasses have been tested to

withstand a barrage of impacts and meet a list of requirements set forth by the American National Standards Institute.

Typical prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses will not meet these requirements and, therefore cannot be counted on to protect your eyes from hazards common to the workplace.

If you require prescription glasses, you need to verify that the glasses you wear meet the same ANSI Z87.1 standard. If your glasses do not meet this standard, there is a risk of them shattering due to impact, or allowing debris or splatter to get into your eyes through openings.

I was a firefighter in Pennsylvania for 4 years prior to moving home to Maine. My first call out with the fire company was for an auto accident where we had to cut the vehicle apart to extricate one of the people involved in the accident. When I exited the truck, I was quickly pulled aside by one of the more experienced firefighters who told me to put my safety glasses on and, “don’t let Pat catch you without your glasses.” Pat was the captain of the fire department and was known to take calculated risks while on the scene, but one thing that he did not mess around with was eyesight. At a young age he had lost the sight out of one of his eyes while working in a mill and after that, he began taking eye sight safety extremely serious. Learn from this lesson and don’t get caught up in the all too easy trap of not wearing your safety glasses. A simple step to help reduce this hazard is to wear glasses that are designed and tested to protect your eyes.

Assuring the glasses fit properly and are intended to suit the environment you are working in will help make sure they work when you need them and help ensure good eye health into retirement.

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.

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

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Safety

*This sign-in sheet is intended to be used with the quarterly Safety Training Topic on page 33. Refer to the cutline on page 33 when removing it from the magazine.

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

April 2020 worsened an already deteriorating economic AUGUSTA – The Professional Logging Contractors (PLC) of Maine in February released results of storm for most in the industry. a survey of its members showing Maine logging companies 2021 saw some market improvement for have seen cost increases averaging 24 contractors, but not enough to offset percent for parts, equipment, services, increased costs and other challenges and fuel since January 2020. including a shortage of qualified truck drivers, equipment operators, and The PLC asked members to other workers. Many PLC contractors report their increase in costs for 20 are reporting they expect their wood goods and services that are vital to production to decrease over the next logging operations over the period of year as a result.

January 2020 to January 2022.

Loggers reported increases ranging The survey findings may be from 17-30 percent, with truck and viewed at: https://maineloggers.com/ equipment insurance the lowest at 17 wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Inflation percent while oil and lubricants saw -Member-Survey-2022-2.pdf the highest increase at 30 percent. Many of the costliest items on the list including heavy equipment tires rose 24-26 *The survey conducted by the PLC took place prior percent in cost. to the economic effects of war in Ukraine, which The logging industry cost increases far exceeded an immediately increased fuel costs and are now beginning to average 8.4 percent increase in costs for American raise costs elsewhere. consumers over the same period, 7.5 percent in 2021 and 1.4 percent in 2020.

“While all Americans and industries are facing higher costs, it is clear that Maine logging companies are being hit harder than many at a time when most are already struggling with difficult markets and wood prices that are not keeping pace with rising expenses,” Dana Doran, Executive Director of the PLC, said. “Now, spiking energy costs are projected to add to even more to the price of most goods and services in the coming months, worsening an already critical situation.”

Maine’s timber harvesters and haulers were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic effects. Most Maine logging contractors who are members of the PLC, the state’s trade association for timber harvesters and haulers, reported a 30-40 percent reduction in wood markets in 2020 alone. Many suffered severe revenue losses, layoffs, loss of clients, reduced productivity, and inability to plan for the future. The loss of the Pixelle Specialty Solutions pulp mill in Jay to an explosion in

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Meet Maine’s New Chief Forest Ranger Chief Forest Ranger Robby Gross started his career with the Maine Forest Service in 1995 as a Forest Ranger in the East Branch District in Island Falls. He followed his career dream of becoming a Forest Ranger after being hooked on the job growing up in Topsfield and working with Forest Rangers in the area.

“It was the excitement at the time” according to Chief Ranger Gross, that convinced him that the Forest Ranger job was what he wanted to do. While that statement still holds true today, the immense responsibility that his position and agency have within the State of Maine isn’t lost on Chief Gross. His time as District Ranger in the Aroostook Waters District in Masardis and Regional Ranger of the Northern Region in Ashland has prepared him to be the next leader of the Forest Protection Division.

According to Chief Gross, “we have a huge responsibility to interact with all in the forest industry to ensure that our fire programs are understood and capitalized on.”

By itself, this is no easy task considering the magnitude of the workforce in the forest industry and what the forest industry means to Maine’s economy. The guiding actions for Maine Forest Rangers include Chief Forest Ranger Robby Gross conducting wildfire planning sessions, ensuring landowners, foresters, and lately? If not, I would challenge you to reach out to your contractors are trained and local Ranger as I have challenged them to reach out to you. equipped for wildfire response, You may find out that we would much rather be proactive and suggesting opportunities to with our jobs rather than reactive. Maine Forest Rangers make forest lands more fire safe. have ideas and suggestions for you to improve equipment These actions capability for quick onsite fire suppression tactics. You collectively will help keep our may find out why we visit your harvest operations during goal of containing every wildfire the weekends when your equipment is the most vulnerable that occurs to under an acre in size. Inevitably, there will to vandalism. Every year we help several of you recover continue to be large wildfires in the State of Maine, but our restitution for lost fuel or damages. collective response will minimize loss of forest land and Maine Forest Rangers are more than willing to visit keep people safe. It is expected that Maine Forest Rangers a site with you to talk about best management practices for will have interactions with foresters and contractors alike to water crossings, help answer questions on forest practices specifically talk about what to do when a wildfire occurs, act, or talk about ways to deal with slash to avoid fire using and developing equipment to contain wildfires, and hazards. Have a problem with the public dumping illegal to highlight areas of significant concern or value. Have you materials or rutting your land management road? Maine been actively involved in a wildfire response in your Forest Rangers can intervene to help hold people career? If not, at some point in time, it will happen. Being accountable. We understand how hard you work, what prepared for that response will only benefit you and the down time means, what the magnitude of equipment costs lands that you work on. are and want to do our part to ensure your livelihood is Have you talked with a Maine Forest Ranger protected.

Ranger Continued Page 37

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

Introducing your District Foresters Meet Alyssa Gregory Mid-Coast District Forester Allyssa Gregory is the Maine Forest Service’s Mid-Coast District Forester.

She obtained a forestry degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Her professional

background includes rural forestry, urban forestry, horticulture, and structure firefighting.

Allyssa has most recently worked for the state of South Dakota as a Service Forester. She has been an active member of SAF, serving as the DSAF chapter’s treasurer for two years. Allyssa is involved with the Tree Farm program as a certified inspector and is a Project Learning Tree facilitator. She welcomes landowners to contact her with questions about their forests.

“I enjoy working with Maine’s woodland owners and operators and I’m happy to offer assistance and answer their questions,” Alyssa said.

Alyssa and other district foresters are a great resource. Please use them!

District Forester Alyssa Gregory.

Ranger

Continued from Page 366 We all face challenges and opportunities in our jobs every day. It is up to all of us to make the most of relationships that can support each other. Reach out, ask questions, find out what we can do for you. In return, you will find a professional Maine Forest Ranger that is ready to assist and protect.

Respectfully, Robby Gross, Chief Forest Ranger The mission of the Maine Forest Service, Division of Forest Protection is to protect Maine’s forest resources and homes from wildfire, respond to disasters and emergencies and to enhance the safe, sound, and responsible management of the forest for this and future generations.

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BMP Principles: Tools for Protecting Water Quality

By Tom Gilbert Water Resources Specialist Maine Forest Service have a lower risk to water quality due to their elevation Most BMP techniques are based on a few basic principles. Understanding these principles will enable you and/or drier soil type. When planning for and adapting to to select or adapt the BMPs that are the most appropriate to changing weather conditions, consider the following: the situation and cost effective for your operation. Think of *Time operations appropriately. Weather, season these principles as goals. Any single practice or and site conditions all play a role in timing. combination of practices that effectively achieves one or *Know your site! Find dry ground ahead of time more of these key goals can be considered an appropriate for harvesting in wetter conditions.

BMP. Remember the outcome is more important that the *Plan to monitor, maintain and adjust BMPs as tool! There are 7 basic BMP principles detailed in the needed.

Maine Forest Service BMP manual including: *Define Objectives and Responsibilities *Pre-Harvest Planning *Anticipate Site Conditions *Control Water Flow *Minimize and Stabilize Exposed Soil *Protect the Integrity of Waterbodies. *Handle Hazardous Materials Safely

To view the Maine Forest Service BMP manual please visit the MFS website at: https://www.maine.gov/ dacf/mfs/policy_management/water_resources/bmps.html

Some principles may be more important to pay attention to than others during certain times of the year.

Principle #3; Anticipating Site Conditions may be more important to consider during late winter and spring, when harvesting conditions are less than ideal.

As sites begin to thaw and rain becomes more frequent, consider sites or portions of a harvest site that

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

Nice job by PLC Member and Master Logger Kimball and Sons Logging and Trucking of Poland, ME hosting UMaine Forest Operations Winter Camp students at two of their active harvest sites in Stoneham and Canton on Jan. 10, showing students both cut-to-length and whole tree harvesting systems in action. These visits give future foresters an opportunity to hear from professional loggers and learn about the issues and concerns they face on a daily basis. Thanks to the Kimballs for hosting!

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2022 PLC Call for Award Nominees Do you know a person or business involved in the logging industry who ought be recognized for service to the community, outstanding professionalism or service to the industry? If you do, please nominate them for one of the PLC’s annual awards!

∙ PLC Community Service Award: This Award is given annually to a PLC Member, Supporting Member or affiliated organization that has demonstrated a significant commitment to giving back to their community ∙ PLC Logging Contractor of the Year Award: The PLC Logging Contractor of the Year award recognizes a PLC Logging Contractor for their commitment to the sustainability of the industry and logging as a profession

∙ PLC Supporting Member of the Year Award: The PLC Supporting Member of the Year Award is presented annually to a PLC Supporting Member who has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to logging contractors in Maine Contact Jessica Clark at 207-688-8195 or Jessica@maineloggers.com to nominate!

Nominations should be received no later than April 22, 2022

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

Master Logger Third-Party Audits Completed Master Logger is a company certification that audits loggers’ performance both in the field and in the office and also takes into account the training of individual employees. This independent verification for each logging company that becomes certified takes place both initially and on an ongoing basis.

On Dec. 8, 9 and 10 independent third-party audits were conducted at sites across Maine with some great Master Logger companies.

There is a checklist that each auditor must review in the field to show compliance with the “Nine Harvest Goals” of the Master Logger Certification standard. Auditor Randy Coots, a Forestry Specialist with Preferred by Nature, spent the three days meeting with loggers at harvest sites and offices to go over how each company meets the standard in their own unique way. The field

practices. These audits help the program find ways to improve and verify the professional work by loggers that largely goes unseen. They also help identify areas for companies to improve their performance.

Companies audited included Linkletter & Sons Inc., Thomas Logging & Forestry, Morrison Forest Products Inc., Madden Timberlands Inc., WW London Woodlot Management Co., Hanington Bros.

Inc., SDR Logging, Matt McGary Logging Inc., and Treeline Inc. Thank you to these companies for working with the auditor so well, embracing the process, and sharing their quality harvests and work!

Master Logger Gathering at the Logger’s Expo May 6, 2022 5 p.m.

We will be located in the rear of Ware building at Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, VT We look forward to seeing many Master Logger’s for drinks, snacks, presentations on the program and market updates.

Join us!

Free drink tickets! verification report is crucial for the certification board to understand the logger’s practices.

Over the course of the audits we saw some high quality harvests, great use of technology to improve outcomes, and great attention to safety

Bring another contractor who is interested in the Master Logger program and get 2 tickets!

RSVP to masterlogger@tcnef.org if you will attend!

The Logger’s Voice ▪ Spring 2022

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As We Are Seen December 2021

By Scott Dane While in DC I had the opportunity to visit the National Practically Frankincense would be a familiar smell to baby Jesus and Capitol Christmas Trees, a symbol of the Christmas season. I as this was the same God that was worshiped in the Old Testament. Symbolically Frankincense represented the divinity reflected upon the many symbolisms that the Christmas tree represents and how it can display the true meaning of Christmas. of Christ because as mentioned Frankincense was burnt as an Of course, the correlation to the logging industry was not missed offering to God either.

• Gold represents kingship. The King that Christ is for us.

It also represents the purification process we go through in our When I watch my wife decorate the Christmas tree, I trials as a Christian. Gold is one of the only metals that when can’t help but see the picture of our life together manifested in the ornaments hanging on each branch. Branches themselves that heated with fire will not lose anything of its nature, weight, color, or any other property. Genuine faith is the same way. Gold represent the growth of our marriage and family. is used in scripture when talking about the strength of someone’s There are two bears and a heart that says, "Scott and faith. Job refers to gold after he has been through all his trials.

Melody - 1988", the year we met. Then there is a crystal ornament with two doves that is inscribed "Our First Christmas - Job 23:10 Jobs says, “But He knows where I am going. And when He tests me, I will come out as pure gold.

1989", the year we were married. In 1992 we added a "Baby's But even these gifts, like those beneath our Christmas trees, pale First Christmas" for the birth of our first son, and another in the light of the gift of forgiveness and eternal salvation given "Baby's First Christmas" ornament in 1994 for our second son.

Homemade Popsicle stick ornaments with glued on buttons were to us through Jesus Christ. made by the boys. Sand dollars and seashells hang on the tree Atop the Christmas tree is a star depicting the star that from the years we lived on a tropical island. Ornaments from the scripture tells us marked the birth of the Savior. The tree other areas mark travels to Maine, Minnesota, and Arizona. The itself symbolizes our Lord and Savior. The branches reaching out "Nutcracker" ornament is a souvenir from attending the like our Lord’s arms stretched out and nailed to the cross.

Nutcracker Ballet on Christmas. The ornaments on the Christmas Hanging on those branches are the ornaments that represent our tree chronicle the joyous events or our life and family. We added family, love, and life. But without those blessings being a new ornament with a “C” which represents our foster son. supported by the branches they are just meaningless trinkets.

This makes me remember that family, love, and life are not The Christmas tree is a symbol of the Christmas Holiday which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The perpetual complete without Christ as the center on which all the rest is green of the evergreen represents the eternal life of our Lord and built upon.

Savior. The Christmas tree lights are for the stars of the universe From myself and the American Loggers Council, I wish created by God. The gifts beneath the tree are worldly tokens of you each a Merry Christmas and encourage you to take a the blessings bestowed upon us, much like the frankincense, gold moment to reflect upon what and Who the “Christ”mas season and myrrh brought as gifts to the baby Jesus celebrates.

Many years ago, I was working in the Persian Gulf and made ports of call to Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. In the market there was Frankincense and Myrrh for sale. I bought some for Melody as a souvenir and to round out the gifts of Frankincense, Gold, and Myrrh I bought an Eternity ring that Melody wears as a wedding band.

These gifts brought to the baby Jesus represent the following: • Myrrh is an aromatic gum resin from a small shrubby tree that was used as a healing stimulant and as a burial spice.

Myrrh, like Frankincense, also is the sap from a tree that is hardened and then used. However, unlike, Frankincense which is sweet…Myrrh has a bitter taste to it. Myrrh was mostly used to embalm the dead because it had the property to preserve. It was also used as a perfume, an ingredient of holy ointments mentioned in Exodus but its most practical use for Mary & Joseph would be its medical uses. Lastly, Myrrh represents the bitter cup that Christ had to drink in suffering for our sins and the healing for us that his death brings • Frankincense is a fragrant gum resin obtained from certain trees, frequently associated with Myrrh. It was used in making of perfume and in sacrifices. Frankincense is made by cutting a tree named “Arbor Thurisfrom” found Persia, Arabia and India. It’s like a sap that is gathered and then dried for 3 months and becomes like a hardened resin or gum. Frankincense is used as a perfume but mostly it was burned as a sweet incense during worship. During the Exodus Aaron would burn Frankincense at the alter as a sweet offering to the Lord.

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

The Logger’s Voice ▪ Spring 2022

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Mechanized Logging Operations Program to Expand in 2023! Now Recruiting for Summer 2022!

AUGUSTA – The Professional Logging Contractors (PLC) of Maine and Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) applauded the announcement March 15 that $1 million in dedicated federal funding has been secured to expand the Mechanized Logging Operations Program (MLOP) in 2023 and 2024 and add Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training to the program to train the next generation of timber haulers.

The funding secured on behalf of NMCC was one of Congressman Jared Golden’s Community Project Funding requests. The House passed the bill containing Golden’s request March 9. It subsequently passed the Senate with support from Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and was signed into law by President Biden on March 15.

Under guidelines issued by the Congressional Appropriations Committee, each U.S. Representative could request funding for up to 10 projects in their community for fiscal year 2022. Projects were restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding.

The funding will allow the program, which currently operates one 12-week class each summer, to

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

expand to two classes per year for the next two years.

In addition to expanding the logging operations training program, the funding will support an extra course for program graduates to attain a CDL, with a specific focus on timber hauling. This training will further prepare graduates of the mechanized logger training program with advanced skills to haul loads and move equipment in the Maine woods. This enhancement will enable employers to have multi-skilled operators who can efficiently haul timber, haul equipment and operate the equipment needed to harvest logs in today’s forest.

“This is great news for the future of Maine’s logging industry,” PLC Executive Director Dana Doran said. “The Mechanized Logging Operations Program is critical to addressing our state’s shortage of qualified logging operators in an efficient and affordable way. It has a proven track record of success, and we thank Congressman Golden and Senators Collins and King for their support of the program over the years and for securing this funding to expand and improve it.”

“We are grateful for Congressman Golden’s work to deliver this funding,” said Tim Crowley, president of Northern Maine Community College. “This project will allow us to continue our work with the Forest Industry in

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

Maine to build the workforce they need for today and the future, grow the program’s footprint, and serve more Mainers looking for good-paying jobs in the woods. The partnership between NMCC and the PLC is helping Maine respond to the demands for its outstanding wood products.

Congressman Golden’s support for and confidence in this partnership and our training program will have a real impact on our students.”

Recruiting is now underway for students in the 6th cohort of the program, which begins its next 12-week class June 27 in the woods northeast of Old Town.

Students enrolled in the post-secondary training program will spend three months harvesting timber using sophisticated state-of-the-art machines like those they will encounter in the logging industry. The hands-on experience students gain operating equipment is something unavailable anywhere else in Maine and neighboring states and will prepare them for in-demand careers with logging contractors throughout the state of Maine. A report released by the University of Southern Maine in 2019 documented that up to 2,000 positions in timber harvesting and trucking will be available in the next decade. MLOP is one of the primary opportunities for new job seekers to enter the industry and earn more than $47,000 annually after completing a 12-week program.

Graduation for the class will be held September 15.

The program was jointly developed by the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine and NMCC with generous support from Milton CAT/CAT Forest Products, Nortrax Inc./John Deere, and other industry

partners. With a strong emphasis on safety, students gain broad knowledge of the most common mechanical systems found in modern timber harvesting equipment, and an understanding of the variables of timber growth, tree species, and markets.

Supported by the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce, students pay no tuition or fees and the program provides all required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Anyone with an interest in the program should contact Leah Buck at Northern Maine Community College at 207-768-2768. Information may be found online at https://www.nmcc.edu/industry-customized-training/ mechanized-forest-operations/

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As We See It February 2022

By Scott Dane “I have been in the trucking business for over 40 years.

The availability of parts, tires, filters are at a level not seen in the past.” -Minnesota Trucker

“A set of four tires for a F-350 pickup cost $2,012 two weeks ago, $400 more than at this time last year.” -Idaho Trucker “A pallet of bar and chain oil last year was $1,300, today it is $2,000.”

-Missouri Logger With pandemic illnesses and hospitalizations falling, and restrictions being lifted, it appeared that the worst might just be behind us. The timber industry was deemed essential and worked through the COVID crisis providing the resources to support the production of forest -based products. Most survived, both literally, and businesswise.

However, after over two years of pandemic economic impacts to the U.S. economy, studies concluded that over $1 billion in negative economic impact occurred within the timber industry, due to some mills closing and others taking downtime. Now hyper-inflation has reared its ugly head.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that inflation was 7.5% compared to a year ago, the highest in 40 years. I do not know what type of “new math” or formula they are using, but it doesn’t take a convoluted calculation to feel the “real” inflationary impacts. Just fill up the tank of your logging truck, buy consumables or parts – they’ve all increased by at least 3-4 times the 7.5% rate being reported (this assumes the products are even available due to the breakdown in the supply chain).

Additionally, labor costs are increasing as the logging industry competes to attract and retain workers.

The Department of Energy (DOE) documents fuel prices. These are the average diesel prices reported by the DOE across the country:

“The cost of fuel has now risen to $4.30/gallon in northern Wisconsin.”

-Wisconsin Logger

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

“Slasher saw blade was $1,888, now it’s $2,958. Tracks and chains for six-wheel skidder were $20,300, now they are $27,300. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) was 95 cents per gallon, now it is $2.64 per gallon.” -Maine Logger “The prices being paid to loggers and truckers are not keeping up to the increased cost of doing business.” Minnesota Trucker The numbers don’t add up. At this point, the timber industry would embrace a 7.5% inflationary increase compared to what we are really paying! Unlike other industries that can pass on the additional costs to the consumers, the timber industry does not have that option in most cases. In an industry where half operate at a breakeven or loss and the largest percentage of profitable companies (24%) operate on a 1%-3% profit margin, absorbing these additional costs is not sustainable.

Everybody likes to talk about sustainability within the forest industry, except when it comes to the logger.

The Professional Logging Contractors of Maine has conducted a survey comparing the cost of specific industry items between 2020 and 2022. That data will be available on their website. The American Loggers Council is going to utilize that survey, with a couple of additions, and distribute it nationwide through our databases and state associations. It is imperative that the real inflationary numbers be documented and verifiable to provide credibility when demonstrating the impact to operational and production costs. When the survey is released, please take a moment to complete and submit it.

Your participation will assist in developing quantifiable proof of the level and impact that inflation and supply chain interruptions are having on the U.S. timber industry.

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

As We See It March 2022

By Scott Dane The American Loggers Council recently completed the 2021 Loggers Survey. One of the glaring findings, although not a surprise, that was identified was the fact that 50% of the companies that responded were 25 years old or older (the survey did not breakdown the age of companies beyond the 25 years).

This, along with the average age of the logging and trucking workforce being in the upper 50’s, is an issue that must be acknowledged. What does it mean? It means that the half of the logging and trucking infrastructure and workforce will potentially exit the industry in the next 10-15 years. How does the U.S. forest products industry survive with a major loss of infrastructure and workforce?

If a company does not have a succession plan in place, someone to take over the company, (which is less and less the case in what has historically been a generation transfer), then the common “retirement plan” is to sell-off the equipment and shutdown the business.

There are some young guns that have come into the industry, that are carrying on the family business and taking a seat at the table of organizations representing the timber industry. But the numbers are disproportionate, there are far greater number of old loggers and truckers compared to young loggers and truckers.

Look around the industry, it is these “old” loggers and truckers that have built today’s timber industry upon the foundation that generations before them laid.

It is said that: "The one who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life. A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall not sit."

Today young loggers and truckers are enjoying the shade because of the trees their fathers, grandfathers, and others planted over the generations before them. Their jobs are easier today because of the hard work and heavy lifting done by the previous men and women.

America’s “Conservation” President and founder of the U.S. Forest Service, Teddy Roosevelt gave a speech “The Man In The Arena” where he said; It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short

again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasm, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

The “old” loggers and truckers are the men that have been in the arena, whose faces are marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strived valiantly; who came up short but continued daring greatly; who spent themselves in a worthy cause.

Ronald Reagan gave his famous Freedom speech which stated: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream.

It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.

I say – The logging industry is never more than one generation away from extinction. There may be sawdust in your bloodstream, passed on from generation to generation, but if you don’t fight for it, protect it, and hand it on to them as the generation before you did, you will spend your sunset years telling your children and your children’s children what it was once like in the woods where men worked hard and proud to keep the forest healthy.

These “old men” planted the trees in whose shade you sit and whose trees you will harvest. Who fought for it, protected it, and handed it on to you, as the generation before them did. But it would not have happened had they not come out of the woods, attended meetings, formed organizations, lobbied, and fought to protect and defend the timber industry.

The 20, 30, and 40 year old’s today must replant so the generation after them can also enjoy the shade and trees.

I want to challenge the next generation to step up. To be the man in the arena. To quell the storm and ride the thunder that challenges the timber industry. To be the strong man that stumbles and not the cold and timid soul who neither knows victory or defeat.

So you don’t have to tell your children and children’s children what it was once like to work in the woods...

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Congressional Delegation Updates Investing in the Future of Maine’s sustain good jobs. It also helps prepare the next generation Forest Products Industry for entry into a profession that is not only financially rewarding but also fulfilling. That’s why I advocated for and secured $1 million in the new funding law to purchase In the face of significant challenges in recent years, America’s equipment and develop curriculum for Northern Maine Community College to help continue and expand this logging and log hauling businesses program. MLOP is exactly the type of initiative we need to have responded with determination and resilience. As a senior member move Maine forward and grow our rural economy. of the Senate Appropriations Additionally, with my strong support, the Committee, I strongly advocated for legislation included $1 million to construct an anaerobic several provisions in the new biodigester at the Forest Products Hub in Madison. The government funding law to help keep Hub, which is located at the site of the former paper mill in Sen. Susan Collins you moving forward.

Madison, has created new employment opportunities and spurred the development of innovative uses for forest In 2019, I visited the Mechanized products. This investment in a waste-to-energy biodigester Logging Operations Program (MLOP), a three-month will supply it with clean, renewable energy. Maine’s training program, located in the woods of Western forests are a vital contributor to our state’s economy, Maine. MLOP is an outstanding initiative created in partnership among the Professional Logging Contractors of particularly in rural communities, and that’s why it’s so important that we continue to find new opportunities to Maine, industry groups, and Maine community colleges.

It was inspiring to meet these young Mainers who support and sustain this plentiful natural resource.

It is essential that your businesses are supported at are passionate about learning new skills that will propel them on a promising career path and strengthen our state’s this difficult time and have the opportunity to grow. I look forestry sector. MLOP is an excellent example of the type forward to continuing to be a strong partner. of robust workforce development we need to create and Budget Delivers Wins for Maine’s Forest Economy

opportunities to strengthens both the forest products industry and the regional economy.

The forest products industry is critical driver of Maine’s economy, creating good jobs and supporting A fourth request was communities across the state. This month, Congress focused on supporting 21st century passed a meaningful, wide-ranging bipartisan budget that forestry technologies like crosswill make much-needed investments to sustain and grow laminated timber (CLT), ensuring Maine’s forest sector in the years ahead – aided by that Maine’s forest products Congressionally-Directed Spending (or CDS), which industry is always keeping pace allows Members of Congress to respond to the needs of with new trends and giving it the our towns and cities. After a year of vetting some tools to help it evolve. The incredibly well-thought proposals, I was proud to secure University of Maine is receiving Sen. Angus King 93 CDS requests totaling $137 million for Maine in the $2 million to support its CLT final legislation – including several that will strengthen our research, helping to propel a forest economy. promising new use for Maine trees that could increase demand for wood products.

The funded CDS projects include investments to revitalize former mill sites, workforce development, and Finally, a fifth CDS request was centered on commercialization of new forest products technologies. training the forest professionals of the future. Northern Maine Community College will be receiving $1 million to The Town of Madison is receiving $1 million to support the Forest Product Hub’s Economic Revitalization help expand the college’s successful Mechanized Logging Operations program.

Project, providing funds to help acquire an anaerobic digester that will provide low cost power and heat, reduce I’m excited to see the impacts of these investments environmental contamination, and make sure every part of that build on the FOR/ME initiative – and want you to the tree is being used effectively. know I am accepting proposals for CDS projects for this upcoming year online at: https://www.king.senate.gov/cds.

East Millinocket will receive $2.8 million to Please reach out if you have a project that might help – renovate and repair their former mill site. Our Katahdin will be receiving $671,000 to fund a site assessment of the I’m here to do whatever I can to support important projects that will make a tangible difference for our communities Great Northern Paper Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Combined, these investments will open a new era for these and future of our forest spaces by bringing in new tenants and creating economy.

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

The “Farm Bill” is wideranging omnibus legislation that reauthorizes much of federal farm and rural development policy every five years. It may not sound like a bill that is important for working forests, but this legislation has huge implications for loggers, forest landowners, and the forest products sector in Maine.

The last Farm Bill, which Rep. Chellie Pingree became law in 2018, authorized critical U.S. Forest Service (USFS) grant programs that are supporting innovation and developing new markets for wood products like Wood Innovations Grants and the Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program (CWEWIP). These programs have funded research at UMaine and helped Maine businesses explore sustainable wood energy and develop new, innovative wood products.

The 2018 Farm Bill also funds Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation programs, which help private forest landowners voluntarily improve the sustainability of their working forests. This includes the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which leverages federal funding through public-private partnerships to improve wildlife habitat, water quality, soil health, and provide other environmental benefits. Maine’s loggers have been important partners in RCPP projects in

our state, helping to install stream restoration projects that restore critical habitat for brook trout and Atlantic salmon.

The current Farm Bill expires on September 30, 2023. That may seem like a long time from now, but the House Agriculture Committee is already beginning its work on the 2023 Farm Bill, looking at how U.S. Department of Agriculture programs have been working and developing ideas to improve these policies and programs.

I have already introduced legislation to make the 2023 Farm Bill work better for Maine’s forest economy.

For example, my Community Wood Facilities Assistance Act would double CWEWIP funds available each year, increase the maximum grant available to $5 million, and expand the federal share of project costs up to 50 percent. It would also modernize and increase the federal share of project costs for a second USFS grant program, the Wood Innovations Grant Program. These changes will make the programs more workable and flexible so these federal investments can deliver more benefits back to your industry and our state.

I want to assure you that as a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I will be your voice through this process and work to ensure the 2023 Farm Bill continues to support the many loggers and forestry professionals in our great state. So, as we look ahead to the 2023 Farm Bill, I want to hear from you about your priorities for this important legislation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.

equipment, harvesting laws, and safety regulations. The funding we secured will cover the cost of accelerating and expanding two cohorts in this program, as well as an extra course for program graduates to attain a Commercial Driver’s License with an off-road hauling focus for Over the next 10 years, logging. This training will further prepare graduates of the 850 loggers and forest products mechanized logger training program with advanced skills workers are expected to reach in road building and provide hands-on experience hauling retirement age. For the logging industry in Maine, attracting and loads and moving equipment in the Maine woods. This enhancement will enable employers to have multi-skilled training younger workers for a good-paying career in the woods operators who can efficiently haul and operate the equipment needed to harvest logs in today’s forest. is going to be essential for the In its first four years, NMCC’s program has future of the industry. That’s one Rep. Jared Golden reason I’ve been working since produced more than 50 graduates. Graduates frequently receive job offers from multiple contractors due to their inlast year with Northern Maine demand, up-to-date skills and enjoy top earning potential.

Community College and the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine to secure dedicated funding for the Expanding NMCC’s mechanized logging program Mechanized Logging Operations Training Program run by with this funding is one key to addressing the workforce Northern Maine Community College (NMCC). shortage in our logging industry and will help more Mainers to get good-paying jobs that allow them to stay in Earlier this month, we found out that our effort rural communities across our state. was successful. We’re proud to have secured $1 million for NMCC’s Mechanized Logging Operations Program.

If we can ever be helpful to you or your team, please shoot an email to our logger support team at Established in 2016 with bipartisan and industry MELoggerSupportTeam@mail.house.gov. support, the program teaches participants about logging machine operation and basic repair, maintenance of We’ll get back to you quickly.

Delivering New Training Opportunities for the Next Generation of Maine Loggers

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine 108 Sewall St. P.O. Box 1036 Augusta, ME 04332