The Logger's VOICE - Winter 2022

Volume 16 Issue 1 | Winter 2022

A Quarterly Publication of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

PLC’s 25th Anniversary and Annual Meeting Celebrating the best of 2021 Page 14

Also in this issue...

President’s Report

6

New Members

7

Director’s Report

8

PLC Awards

18

Safety

30

Board of Directors

Cover: Bidding underway in the Log A Load for Maine Kids Auction Oct. 29. Story page 14.

Tony Madden, President 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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PLC’s 25th Anniversary and Annual Meeting

18

PLC Annual Awards The Best of 2021

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

The Logger’s Voice Editor and Designer Jon Humphrey Communications and Photography ▪ jehumphreycommunications@gmail.com Advertising Jessica Clark ▪ jessica@maineloggers.com © 2021 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 6 7 8 25 26 30 35 36 37 40 41 43 48

Calendar and Updates President’s Report New Members Executive Director’s Report Log A Load Thank You Trucking Safety NE Safe Logger Forestry for Loggers Maine Forest Service Rick Lyford Master Logger ALC updates Congressional Updates

Event

Calendar

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

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Updates

Do you have news to share?

The PLC is always seeking news from our Members that showcases our industry’s professionalism, generosity, and ingenuity.

Send ideas to jonathan@maineloggers.com

The Logger’s Voice ▪ Winter 2022

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From the President

By Tony Madden Hello everyone, Again, I hope you and your families are healthy. By now everyone should be into their winter harvest plans, seems like every year winter is shorter and the fall rains last longer. Lately we have had success cutting winter ground during dry summer periods. Loggers are always adapting to weather changes.

Looks like the log market will remain strong throughout the winter and the softwood pulp market will be very limited. The biomass market is picking up some steam thanks to the high cost of natural gas. Too bad so many contractors, including myself, sold our chippers and chip vans. Wood chippers are just too expensive to keep around waiting for the market to pick up.

Fuel prices are on the rise again. In 2008 diesel fuel was well over $4.00 per gallon, Loggers and haulers managed to stay in business, but a lot has changed since 2008, we have lost several mills and loggers are much less financially stable. The increased fuel cost and the already increased labor and equipment costs may force some loggers out of business.

On a positive note! The PLC 2021 annual meeting and banquet went extremely well. In the morning session, Dana presented U.S. Senator Susan Collins with the PLC Impact Award. It was well deserved, Sen. Collins has always been a proponent of the forest products industry.

Go-Lab President Josh Henry presented plans for the future of the old Madison mill. It’s great for the logging industry to have a new consuming company coming into the state of Maine instead of leaving.

I like the format of the social media for loggers presentation from Chrissy Kimball of Kimball & Sons Logging and Carey Weston. Chrissy gave a great perspective from a logger’s point of view how to use social media.

It was great to hear from Scott Dane, executive director of the American Loggers Council.

The Log-A-Load auction set a new record, raising $95,000 thanks to Scott Hanington and the generosity of the logging community. Most people at an auction bid low to get a deal, but not this group, they bid to give!

Congratulations to all the award recipients.

Logger of the year: Thomas Logging.

PLC Impact Awards: Maine State Senator Russell Black, U.S. Congressman, Jared Golden, and U.S. Senator Susan Collins.

Community Service Award: Brian Souers and Treeline Inc. Supporting Member Award, The Northeast Center for Health and Safety.

Acadia Insurance Safety Award, Carl Morneau of Morneau Logging.

President’s Award, Jim Nicols, well deserved.

This year I had the honor to recognize and share the stage with all past PLC Presidents. It was great that all past presidents were able to attend the annual banquet. Thank for your service.

Travis Mills closed out the banquet with an outstanding inspirational presentation with the help of Scott Madden. Maine loggers need a truck load of inspiration this year, thank you Travis Mills!

Good luck this winter and stay safe!

Tony.

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

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Welcome New Members Syl-Ver Logging Inc. of Fort Kent joined the PLC as a new Contractor Member in October of 2021. The company has a professional staff of 3. For more information call Marty or Ben at 207-834-2126 or 207-398-4105 or email martypelletier@gmail.com.

The company has a professional staff of 2. For more information call Lisa at 207-631-9074 or email lrlevesque@fairpoint.net.

S. J. Rollins Technologies Inc. of Brewer, ME joined the PLC as a new Preferred Supporting Member in October of 2021.

The company is a Maine Valcourt and Sons Inc. of Fort Corporation that has been providing Hosted Services, Kent joined the PLC as a new Contractor Member in October Managed Services, Network Security, Software of 2021. The company has a professional staff of 2. For more Development, and Phone & Communication solutions since information call Rene at 207its inception in 1986. For more 834-2356 or email information visit ReneValcourt10@gmail.com. www.sjrollins.com or call Ryan Mick at (207) 941-0264 ext.

R. Levesque Logging Inc. of 102. or email him at Fort Kent joined the PLC as a rmick@sjrollins.com. new Affiliated Contractor Member in October of 2021.

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

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2009 or 2021?

By Dana Doran From the Executive Director

What a year 2021 has been. It’s hard to believe that the earth has made another journey around the sun, but here we are.

As I always do with the first edition of the Voice at the beginning of a new year, I like to reflect on what the PLC has accomplished. Although, this year, I feel a bit guilty celebrating what the PLC has done while I know so many of you are suffering out there to not only pay the bills, but to ensure that 2022 is not your last year in business. More on that a little later in this article, but first, here’s a quick recap of 2021 and I think it’s safe to say that this really was a year of leadership for the PLC and all Maine loggers.

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

2021 got off to a challenging start as the Coronavirus raged throughout the state last winter.

Typically, in winter, I spend most waking hours across the street at the Capitol, testifying on legislation and calling our members to appear with me from time to time. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen as all legislative activity was conducted online via Zoom from January through May. The Legislature finally returned to in-person activity in early June and even allowed participants to walk the halls without a mask for the final weeks of the session in late June and July.

Upon reflection, this may have been the most

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challenging legislative session I’ve ever participated in over the last two decades of working with Congress and the state legislature. Zoom was only part of this frustration as the lack of personal contact not only made processes that much more unproductive but created even more divisiveness in party politics as a result. I’m hopeful that 2022 will be different here in Augusta, but I’m not counting my chickens as it appears that the state Legislature is going to return to Zoom for the whole month of January. It seems that the old saying, “what’s old is new again,” doesn’t just apply to wood markets these days.

With a legislative session online and no

opportunity for face-to-face contact, the PLC couldn’t hold its annual legislative breakfast in March. We were also forced to hold all spring safety trainings online and postpone the Annual Meeting until fall.

Making the best of a challenging situation, we did succeed on many levels in 2021. Even though our safety trainings had to be online, we produced a quality product that rivaled our previous in person safety trainings and by all accounts, the reviews were very positive. I don’t think there will ever be a replacement for our in-person trainings, but I am proud to report that over 130 PLC member companies attended our online trainings along with over 900 of Doran Continued Page 10

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Doran Continued from Page 96 their employees. Not too shabby I would say and they couldn’t have happened without the heroic efforts of PLC Safety and Training Coordinator, Donald Burr, the tireless efforts of PLC Membership Services Coordinator, Jessica Clark, our safety training sponsors and the amazing work of our instructors.

Moving into summer, our Mechanized Logging Operations Program started off right on time in June in the woods north of Old Town thanks again to Donald Burr and the staff at Northern Maine Community College. Twelve students started the program and 12 students graduated in mid-September ready to enter the logging workforce. As of today, 10 of 12 are working for PLC members.

In July 2021, the Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers (PATHH) program was finally opened for applications to help our membership and timber harvesters and haulers across the country. For review, in April 2020, the PLC started this campaign, along with the tireless efforts of our entire Congressional delegation, the American Loggers Council and sister organizations throughout the country to provide aid to timber harvesting and hauling companies who had suffered as a result of the pandemic. The farming and fishing community had received in excess of $30 billion from Congress in 2020 and it was only right for the logging and trucking community to receive similar treatment. After getting “Loggers Relief” legislation passed in December 2020 to create the program, the application period finally opened in July and closed in mid-October. At the end of the day, 350 Maine businesses were provided with more than $12 million from the program, which was the 2 nd most in the country. That said, only $200 million was provided by Congress even though there was an established need of more than $385 million.

However, beggars can’t be choosers and for the first time in US history, loggers and truckers were finally treated the same as their sisters and brothers in farming and fishing. In Maine, our motto is Dirigo (I lead) and I’m proud to say that we did lead on this effort. I’m thankful for the collective efforts of all

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those involved.

And finally, we were able to continue with our leadership efforts this past fall for Log A Load for Kids and celebrated our 25 th Anniversary (belated) in person at the Cross Insurance Center. We were finally able to celebrate our history at our first in person Annual Meeting since 2019 to give thanks to those who have done so much for our organization and the industry. Record crowds attended the Annual Meeting as well as our two golf tournaments in Lovell and Lincoln. Between the three events, we also raised over $205,000 in 2021 for Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland and Northern Light Eastern Maine Healthcare in Bangor. Our largest previous combined total in our history was in 2020 when we raised $140,000. I’m amazed at the generosity of our membership, especially in such challenging times, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised as there’s nothing a logger can’t do when faced with a goal and a little adversity. To lead is the logger way after all.

With 2021 now in the rearview mirror, I would like to raise a serious concern being expressed by our membership consistently over the last six to eight months. What started as a murmur has now become an uproar and I know that as a result, a majority are not planning to continue the level of investment it will take to supply this industry if things do not change.

Most are looking at more profitable endeavors and looking to reduce their exposure to logging any way they can. Many are comparing the situation now to 2009, but history cannot turn a blind eye and many are vowing not to repeat their past mistakes.

Today, the good news is that hardwood log markets continue to remain strong and are carrying the load for most while biomass is making a small comeback. Looking back in time, 2009 was very similar to now. Log markets were strong, biomass was needed because fossil fuel prices were high and pulp markets were strong, but pulp prices were not.

What’s old is new again, right? Not exactly.

Back in April of 2021, I wrote an Op. Ed. for

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the Bangor Daily News on softwood lumber. At that prices was explainable through early 2021, what ’s time, demand for building products was through the happened over the last eight months is not. roof as folks were not traveling and were putting Global demand for paper products is money into home renovation. Prices for lumber shot essentially back to normal and has increased in many up and many here in Maine thought everyone in the cases. While the demand for softwood pulpwood has forest products industry was profiting as a result. not recovered from the Pixelle explosion, the demand Retail and wholesale prices then were at an all- for hardwood pulp has and we are even hearing of time high. What was not at an all-time high? Prices shortages of wood from some because logging paid to loggers and truckers for the harvesting, capacity has been reduced. delivery and stumpage costs of the fiber that goes into While increases in demand for pulpwood have those products. occurred over the last eight months, prices paid for After writing that article, I did hear of some pulpwood have not. To date, the major buyers of changes for a short period of time. pulpwood here in Maine have kept Lumber prices came down, but prices pricing flat or offered minimal “If mills want to keep increases, in the order of one half of paid to contractors went up. These price increases were short lived as obtaining reasonably the fuel cost increase. most of the increases were reduced, Currently, contractors are priced wood in the long and now things have come full circle being paid less now for mill delivered run, they would do well again as retail and wholesale prices wood then they were in 2009. This is to face facts regarding happening at a time when mills are are now even higher than they were back in April. the costs that loggers are making more money for their product What’s different now incurring to supply their than they ever have while paying less compared to April is that it’s not just mills and step up to the for their raw material. softwood logs that have created the The question I’m often asked table, respect their only discrepancy for contractors. It by our membership is, why can’t suppliers, and act as a contractors be paid a fair rate that is also appears that a similar situation has now been created in pulp markets responsible partner.” consistent rather than be gouged in as well. times like this? Isn’t it better for As our members know, when the Pixelle mill everyone to create consistency in pricing rather than exploded in April 2020, it sent shock waves through large swings in the bell curve? the industry. Suddenly, there was no home for 1.5 Contractors value good, stable markets that million tons of softwood pulpwood/sawmill residuals provide opportunity for them to operate a professional and 500,000 tons of biomass. At the same time, Covid business. Contractors also know and understand better 19 was wreaking havoc globally and the demand for than anyone what it costs to put a reliable and paper products was at an all-time low. As a result, we productive woods production team together. However, saw every pulp and paper producer in the state drop for some reason, they are never trusted nor respected their price for delivered wood by 20% because there when they present their costs. And to make matters was less competition for the product and less demand worse, when they do present the facts, it’s still their from consumers. fault as they are told there’s just too much logging Contractors understand the principles of supply capacity out there right now. The current state of and demand and while reduced demand and decreased affairs throughout the industry causes the majority of

Doran Continued on Page 126

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Doran

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our membership to believe that a sustainable supply might be in jeopardy.

So now, let’s deal with the facts. At the same time that pulp mills are paying less for wood, nearly all of these same mills have announced price increases for finished products to their clients, which have already gone into effect or will on January 1, 2022.

Some of the announced reasons for these increases by the pulp and paper community are, “the ongoing rise of raw material costs, particularly pulp, chemicals and energy in combination with extremely high freight costs due to global logistic constraints…,”.

I’m dumbfounded. Wood consuming mills can pass along price increases to their clients for their increased operational costs, while paying less for wood. If a contractor tries to pass along similar price increases to the mill for the same reasons (labor, raw material costs, energy, etc.) in their delivered price for wood, they are essentially told to go pound sand, reduce the amount of wood they produce or go out of business. I must say that it must be nice to be on top of the food chain!!!

I guess if given the chance, I would like to ask the wood buyers or corporate managers at these mills, have you ever been paid less for the job you do every day? Do you get cost of living increases, merit increases and performance bonuses each year? And to do your job, do you carry millions of dollars of overhead on your own personal balance sheet? My guess is that to every question, the answer would be no as nearly every employee of a pulp and paper mill in Maine has gotten an increase in pay in the last year and is not working for what they were paid in 2009.

Yet, they expect their wood suppliers not only to work for less, but simply absorb the cost increases that are everywhere and essentially be ok with providing a service at levels that are less than they were paid 12 years ago.

To help put this in perspective with real numbers and not just anecdotal statements, I asked Keith Michaud from Frank Martin and Sons what has

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happened to equipment prices since December 2020.

Keith offered the following: “Just a few facts on price increases above and beyond what we quoted in December 2020 to now: Machines first.

Tigercat on average up 14.4% Hitachi up 10% Liugong up 20% Kobelco up 15% Pro Pac up 15% Roto Bec up 28% Pitts up 25% then an additional 25% in January CSI delimbers up 20% Freight up 20% on average FAE/Fecon and every bucket and thumb manufacture up 20% Skidder chains up 40% Undercarriage parts up 25% Oils up 45% Hoses up 40% This doesn’t include the steel surcharges and fuel surcharges that come after the fact. In other words we have no idea where we are going on a weekly basis.”

What Keith has provided is substantiation of what is really happening out there. Contractors are not only making less for what they do, but if they can afford to reinvest in their business, which is the minority of contractors, they are paying 20-30% or more for everything, including labor, insurance, parts, equipment, fuel. It’s a double whammy to everyone and it is not sustainable. If mills want to keep obtaining reasonably priced wood in the long run, they would do well to face facts regarding the costs that loggers are incurring to supply their mills and step up

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to the table, respect their suppliers, and act as a responsible partner. Perhaps its cliché, but we hear it all the time that we are all in this together; it certainly doesn’t feel like it.

Another troubling matter that I have heard about from at least 10 of our members is, apparently, while mills resist paying their suppliers more for wood, they are offering record high wages and benefits for our member’s employees to jump ship and join their team. One member described it to me as rubbing salt in the wound, as he watched his 5 th employee leave to work at the local mill. This happened after this member invested over $20,000 in training for that employee.

For all of you ready to turn the page on 2021 and start anew in 2022, I really do hope that it can be a fresh start and you can stay in business. If that ’s going to happen, then maybe those who buy wood can be honest for once and explain to you why they’re recruiting your employees, paying you less than they did 12 years ago, while at the same time, their own paycheck has gone up? If they can’t, then I hope they realize that those of you who are diversifying your business to do other things, all while telling your kids and relatives to flee for other opportunities, is not a tall tale!!!

Stay safe, be well and I look forward to seeing all of you this winter.

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B

ANGOR – The Professional Logging Contractors (PLC) of Maine held its 25th Annual Meeting Friday, Oct. 29, raising a record $95,000 in the annual Log A Load For Maine Kids live auction and presenting awards to businesses, individuals, and legislators from across Maine for their contributions to the logging industry.

The meeting was held at a new location this year, the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, ME. Honored guests at the event included U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, U.S. Congressman Jared Golden, State Sen. Russell Black, American Loggers Council (ALC) Executive Director Scott

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Dane, and retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne.

The event – which included COVID-19 precautions in accordance with local and national health and safety guidelines - was also the first major indoor gathering of the PLC in more than a year, with last year’s Annual Meeting and Log A Load live auction being held virtually. The PLC membership had not gathered with guests since the Legislative Breakfast in early March 2020.

Many attending the Annual Meeting remarked on how good it was to see friends and colleagues in person again, and turnout and auction participation in this 25th

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Record $95,000 raised for Log A Load for Maine Kids!

Anniversary event reflected their enthusiasm.

“This event has set new records both for funds raised for our Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in Bangor and Portland, and for attendance - we have never had nearly 200 people at an Annual Meeting before,” Dana Doran, Executive Director of the PLC, said. “No matter the challenges, this group continues to exceed expectations in every way and to stand strong for the industry and the Maine children and families who benefit from Log A Load for Maine Kids, and I could not be prouder of them.”

The day included a business meeting for PLC

Member contractors in the morning, which featured a visit from Sen. Collins. It also included a presentation by GoLab President Josh Henry. A noon luncheon open to contractors, PLC Supporting Members, and guests was held with Scott Dane of the ALC the featured speaker. The evening events included the Log A Load for Kids Auction, dinner, awards ceremony, and a special presentation by Retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne.

The Annual Meeting live auction is one of the PLC’s major fund-raisers for the Log A Load for Kids Meeting

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Meeting Continued from Page 15 Foundation to benefit Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals in Maine, and last year raised more than $59,000 in support of the cause. Fund raising efforts also include golf tournaments in northern and southern Maine, which this year both broke records and generated nearly $110,000 combined.

The initial total raised the night of the meeting was $87,498. Once final donations were totaled by the hospitals that number rose to $95,000.

The combined events in 2021 and additional funds raised through sale of items including logger Christmas ornaments mean the PLC has once again broken its annual fund-raising record for a grand total of approximately $205,000!

The PLC’s Log A Load efforts have raised more than $1.5 million since 1995.

The PLC partners with the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital (BBCH) and Northern Light Health Foundation for its annual Log A Load fund drive. BBCH in Portland and Northern Light’s Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor are Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

The PLC and the Northern Light Health Foundation (formerly Eastern Maine Health Systems Foundation) have partnered in the Log A Load fundraising effort since 1996. Donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care. Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor includes a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that has received support for years from the PLC’s Log A Load efforts.

“Many important things happen at our Annual Meetings, but none more important the funds raised in our live auction for Log A Load,” Doran said. “Every member of the PLC should be extremely proud of what the organization has raised this year for the cause and we thank everyone who made this achievement possible.” *Awards were presented to the following individuals and organizations during the evening portion of the event: PLC Logger of the Year Award: Thomas Logging and Forestry of Guilford.

PLC Impact Awards: U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, U.S. Congressman Jared Golden, and Maine State Sen. Russell Black of Wilton.

PLC Community Service Award: Treeline Inc. of Chester, Maine.

Acadia Insurance Safety Award: Carl Morneau, Morneau Logging, of Chapman, ME. PLC Supporting Member Award: The Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (NEC).

PLC President’s Award: Jim Nicols of Nicols Brothers Inc. in Rumford. *For more on the award winners go to page 18.

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Auctioneer Scott Hanington and his wingman Noah Tibbetts working the Log A Load Aucton.

American Logger’s Council Executive Director Scott Dane addressing the meeting.

Past and present PLC Presidents gather for a group photo (from left to right, Greg Cyr, Jim Nicols, Steve Hanington, Tom Cushman, Brian Souers, Scott Madden, and Tony Madden. Bob Linkletter absent from photo.

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Above, retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne onstage at the end of the Annual Meeting.

“The combined events in 2021 and additional funds raised through sale of items including logger Christmas ornaments mean the PLC has once again broken its annual Log A Load fundraising record for a grand total of approximately $205,000!”

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PLC Impact Awards: Each year, the PLC recognizes individuals from the public sector who have demonstrated a commitment to the industry and made a significant impact for its improvement. In 2021, the award was presented to three individuals; U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, U.S. Congressman Jared Golden, and Maine State Sen. Russell Black of Wilton.

Each of these three legislators has established a reputation for standing strong with Maine loggers on the issues that matter to our industry and fighting for or against legislation with loggers’ interests in mind. The PLC has worked closely with all three on numerous issues, and in many cases, we owe our success on those issues to Sen. Collins, Congressman Golden, and State Sen. Black.

U.S. Senator Susan Collins, center, visiting the Mechanized Logging Operations Program.

U.S. Senator Susan Collins was first elected in 1996, one year after the PLC was created, and has worked tirelessly on behalf of Maine’s logging industry ever since.

A native of Caribou, Sen. Collins has earned a national reputation as an effective legislator who works across party lines to seek consensus on our nation’s most important issues. She receives a 100 percent rating from the National Federation of Independent Business, our nation’s leading small business organization. Her family has been in the lumber business since 1844 so she is no stranger to the forest products industry.

As a veteran lawmaker with seniority and positions on important committees including Appropriations, Sen. Collins has been a powerful ally of Maine loggers and other small business owners in our state.

Her list of contributions to our industry is a long one.

Sen. Collins is responsible for making the 100,000 lb. weight exemption on Maine highways permanent, for creating the Community Wood Energy program at the U.S.

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Forest Service to stimulate wood energy markets; and for spearheading the effort to create the FOR Maine initiative.

She also helped residential wood heating systems achieve parity with other renewables for investment tax credits.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Senator Collins co-authored the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which provided a lifeline to millions of small businesses - including many owned by PLC Members - across the country.

Senator Collins has cosponsored legislation to support Maine’s logging industry, including the Future Logging Careers Act, which would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act to allow parents who own or operate a logging or mechanized operation to employ their 16 and 17 -year-old children. Under current law, workers must be at least 18 years old to work in logging.

Sen. Collins has also supported the Mechanized Logging Operations Program created by the PLC and Northern Maine Community College with aid from important industry sponsors. Taking time to personally visit the program as she has done has elevated the program’s visibility and meant a lot to the students involved in it.

This summer, she also submitted an earmark request to provide $1 million for MLOP in the current appropriations process to double the size of the program and add a Commercial Driver’s License component as well.

Senator Collins cosponsored the Community Wood Energy Innovation Act, and this bipartisan bill authorized $25 million per year to support a grant program for community wood energy systems. This legislation also provided support for initiatives to help manufacturing plants and mills produce innovative wood products, such as mass timber or wood products from nanocellulose technology. Strengthening these sectors will ultimately strengthen wood markets for loggers.

Most significantly, in 2020, Senator Collins introduced the Loggers Relief Act to establish a new USDA program to provide direct payments to loggers who had been seriously impacted by the pandemic. Senator Collins, a lead negotiator of the COVID-19 relief bill that was signed into law in December 2020, successfully secured the inclusion of the Loggers Relief Act and $200 million in funding in the final package. Following a push led by Senator Collins and Congressman Golden, the U.S. Department of Agriculture opened the application process in July and it recently concluded. Many PLC logging companies were aided by this program, which represented a historic first by offering federal relief targeted specifically to timber harvesters and haulers just as it has been so many times before for other industries. The PLC is extremely grateful for the hard work and perseverance by Sen. Collins to secure this program.

The PLC is thankful for all Sen. Collins does for Maine loggers.

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Celebrating the best of 2021 Congressman Jared Golden represents the Second District of Maine in the United States Congress, where he serves on the Small Business Committee and the Armed Services Committee.

Congressman Golden was born in Lewiston and raised in Leeds. After the September 11th attacks, he enlisted in the Marine Corps infantry and served combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

After returning home, he used his veterans’ Congressman Jared Golden, at benefits to attend Bates left, visiting the Mechanized College.

Logging Operations Program.

Elected to Congress in 2018, Congressman Golden has become a dedicated fighter for small businesses in Maine’s heritage industries, including logging. Always willing to listen and get involved on loggers’ behalf, he has worked closely with the PLC on many issues.

Most recently, Congressman Golden invited and hosted U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh on visits in Fayette and Augusta Oct. 5 to learn firsthand from Maine loggers about the challenges in our industry. The Congressman convened a roundtable between Secretary Walsh and members of the PLC to discuss issues including logger recruitment efforts, worker classification issues, and the importance of job training and workforce development for the industry.

In September, in a hearing of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development chaired by Congressman Golden, the congressman focused on ways that a booming forest products economy can help address climate change.

In that hearing, he ensured the PLC was afforded the opportunity to testify and make sure the voices of Maine loggers were heard.

This past spring, Congressman Golden and Senator Angus King reintroduced the Future Logging Careers Act to allow small logging businesses to train 16 and 17year-old family members for futures in Maine logging, and the PLC remains hopeful that with the Congressman’s continued efforts and the support of the entire Maine delegation this act will finally become law.

Congressman Golden has also introduced

amendments to benefit Maine loggers, including one in the bipartisan National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 passed by the House in February to make Maine’s heritage industries eligible to receive federal funding through the U.S. Department of Labor programs outlined in the bill.

Similarly, last fall, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment to the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act offered by Congressman Golden to support Maine loggers and the biomass industry and promote Maine’s role in the renewable energy economy. Golden’s amendment would improve the way that biomass is inspected and permitted and ensure that federal funds directed at clean energy workforce development programs include the biomass industry.

Congressman Golden has also been a strong supporter of the Mechanized Logging Operations Program and a frequent visitor there. Students and instructors have appreciated his visits and have also enjoyed learning that his interest in the hands-on program extends to running the equipment himself whenever he gets the chance.

Congressman Golden enjoyed his visits so much that he submitted an earmark request to provide $1 million for MLOP in the current appropriations process to double the size of the program and also add a Commercial Driver’s License component.

Finally, Congressman Golden, Sen. Collins and the entire Maine delegation introduced and successfully fought for the Loggers Relief Act to establish a new USDA program to provide direct payments to loggers who had been seriously impacted by the pandemic. We are grateful for his leadership on this issue.

The PLC is grateful for all Congressman Golden does for Maine loggers.

State Senator Russell Black, at left, with PLC Member Ron Ridley at a harvest in Wilton.

State Sen. Russell Black of Wilton is currently serving his second term in the Maine State Senate Awards

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Awards

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representing District 17. This district includes all municipalities and unorganized territories in Franklin County, as well as Belgrade, Fayette, Mount Vernon and Vienna in Kennebec County.

As a farmer and logger who owns and operates Black Acres Farm in Wilton raising grass-fed beef cattle, hogs and producing maple syrup, Sen. Black currently serves very effectively on the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee and the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and has been a strong advocate for loggers on each.

Prior to his service in the Senate, Black represented District 114 in the Maine House of Representatives for four consecutive terms. While in the House he served as the Ranking Minority Member of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee, where he also represented the interests of loggers well.

Senator Black is a strong supporter of Maine loggers and the state’s forest economy, and his experience in and knowledge of that industry has brought valuable insight and emphasis to the issues Maine loggers face.

In 2016 and 2017 Senator Black provided steadfast support for the logging industry when the PLC fought a significant battle to carve out funding from timber harvests on Maine Public Lands to help Maine career and technical high schools purchase new logging equipment for their programs. As a result of Senator Black’s leadership, the PLC was able to overcome two gubernatorial vetoes to make this change permanent and the first grants to these schools were finally delivered at the beginning of the current school year.

In 2019, Senator Black took on another battle on behalf of our industry - the proverbial issue of road postings, specifically in municipalities. As a selectman in Wilton, this was risky for him, but he was willing to take on the challenge. The PLC was able to achieve a small victory on the issue and this progress was because of Senator Black’s willingness to fight for loggers.

Over the last four years, there have also been attempts at the Maine Legislature to reduce the estate tax exemption - effectively passing along a middle-class tax increase, attempts to add stipulations for Maine loggers to provide benefits for others and attempts to supersede federal law with state laws that only make operating in Maine more expensive. Again, Senator Black has been there each and every time to help the PLC and Maine logging community.

By bringing common-sense, a small rural business background, and strong values to his job in Augusta, Sen. Black has represented our industry well and the PLC thanks him for all he has and will continue to do for Maine loggers. ***

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PLC Logger of the Year Award: This award recognizes a PLC Logging Contractor for their commitment to the sustainability of the industry and logging as a profession. The recipient this year is: Thomas Logging and Forestry of Guilford.

Thomas Douglass, at right, receives the Logger of the Year Award from PLC Executive Director Dana Doran.

Thomas Logging and Forestry is a true family logging business, and owner and founder Thomas Douglass is a third-generation logger continuing a proud tradition in the woods while bringing a modern approach to the job.

Thomas came up in the industry working in the family business, RA Thomas Logging, founded by his grandparents more than five decades ago. Thomas was only 24 when he took over his grandparents’ business after the passing of his grandfather, who was a longtime PLC Board member. Shortly thereafter, he purchased the family business from his grandmother and started Thomas Logging and Forestry back in 2015 at a time when plenty of people were saying the logging industry’s days were numbered.

Since then, Thomas and his company have come to represent the best of Maine logging. The Master Logger certified company is professional and well-respected, building on its good reputation in the greater Guilford area one quality logging job at a time. Big enough to handle large jobs with its two cut-to-length crews, but small

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

enough to be a tight-knit group, it is an adaptable and resilient company that has weathered challenges in logging well.

Forest Briggs, a Sappi wood buyer for central and eastern Maine who spent five years as a forester for the Sappi Stumpage program, has worked extensively with Thomas Logging and Forestry over the years and has always found the company to be professional, easy to work with, and committed to achieving the best outcomes for landowners and the forest.

Forest says, “When things get tough, whether it be market conditions or adverse weather, Thomas is always level headed, open to suggestions, and willing to make things work. Thomas Logging is easily one of the best around at product utilization. If that means three sorts for soft maple logs, so be it, they’d do it. I will say, it doesn’t come as a surprise to me that Thomas Logging would be nominated for this award, congratulations Thomas, it’s well deserved.”

As a PLC Member, Thomas always steps up when the PLC needs him to represent the industry. Though - like most loggers - he would much rather be in the woods running his operation than speaking on camera or in front of groups at the request of the PLC, he has done it time and time again over the years. Three years ago, Thomas hosted then candidate Jared Golden for a tour of his operation.

This past summer on harvest tours with Maine teachers he promoted career opportunities in logging. And in a new ForMaine video on the logging industry that will soon be released, he champions everything that is right about this industry. Thomas also responds every time when we need Members to provide written comments or calls to the legislature on pending legislation. And like so many PLC Members, Thomas Logging and Forestry also faithfully supports PLC’s Log A Load for Maine Kids efforts and their crew has been known to don matching team shirts for the annual golf tournament in Lincoln.

A graduate of Unity College with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Forestry, Thomas is a believer that education is now a key ingredient in success in the industry and a supporter of programs in Maine’s technical high schools and the Mechanized Logging Operations Program that are raising the bar for education and training in Maine logging.

Thomas is a true advocate for and believer in our industry, even in the toughest times. Most in the industry will recall how difficult the fall of 2015 was. Mills in East Millinocket, Bucksport, and Old Town had recently closed.

Layoffs were announced at Verso. Madison Paper was struggling. Yet one of the first posts on Thomas Logging’s new Facebook page asked followers to go to a local television station’s website where a poll on the logging industry’s future was underway. There he wrote, “please

Vote NO on the Question of the Day. Logging in Maine is NOT a dying industry! It isn't the first time the industry has made some big changes and it won't be the last!”

Maine logging needs that kind of optimism and energy right now. It needs young loggers with old roots in the woods who are willing to step up and speak up when the industry needs them to. Thank you to Thomas Douglass and Thomas Logging and Forestry for representing our industry so well. ***

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. The recipient this year is: Treeline Inc. of Chester, Maine.

Brian Souers, President of Treeline Inc., at right, receives the PLC Community Service Award from PLC Executive Director Dana Doran.

In 1981, Brian Souers, owner and President of Treeline, Inc., founded a forest-based company and named it “Intensive Forest Management.” His vision was to develop a company that would advance professional forest management in Maine. Three years later Brian renamed Awards

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the company Treeline, Inc., and it has since become a wellknown and respected name in the forest industry. Brian’s daughter, Whitney Souers, serves as Vice President and the pair work hand in hand, along with a seasoned management team, to keep everything running smoothly.

Brian started in business logging with only a chainsaw and a horse named Captain. Since then the company has grown to a high of 90 employees, with over 200 trucks, trailers, service vehicles and pieces of heavy equipment, three large maintenance shops, a small sawmill, a concentration wood yard, and a supply store offering a wide range of forest-based products and services to the surrounding towns and communities that it serves.

At Treeline, the employees are family, and community is everything. Dedication to the community and to supporting worthy causes runs deep not only with the Souers family, but with Treeline’s employees.

In 2011 Treeline, Inc. decided to organize its outreach efforts and empower people to accomplish more by creating the Treeline, Inc. Making a Difference Fund.

The fund allows Treeline’s employees and clients to contribute to any of the programs the company supports, and then Treeline commits to match those contributions.

Whitney Souers says, “Many Treeline employees donate a certain amount of their paycheck to these various programs and the funds gets dispersed to those organizations once or twice a year. This is not just a Brian Souers thing, this is a good percentage of our people stepping up to the plate and giving.”

Those causes include, “House in the Woods,” a nonprofit organization in Lee founded by Paul and Dee House after their son, Sgt. Joel A. House, was killed by a roadside bomb while serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq.

House in the Woods offers outdoor programs to bring together small groups of active military, veterans, and their family members to relax, share, bond, and deal with stress, loss, and grief. Treeline has been a strong supporter of the organization and provided most of the site work for the new lodge being built in Lee. Alzheimers research and support is another cause strongly supported by Treeline through the nonprofit Alzheimers Foundation of America, whose mission is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias nationwide, and fund research for better treatment and a cure.

Treeline is a supporter of the nonprofit Master Sergeant Gary Jordan Veteran Center in Lincoln, whose mission is to honor and empower all veterans and ensure they are treated with sincere gratitude and respect for their service, and to see that veterans are given full assistance.

Some of the many things the center does include assisting

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veterans with military “forms” to receive proper benefits, providing temporary housing to homeless veterans and helping them with their future, fixing homes of veterans and acting as a “Burial Officer” at military funerals.

Treeline supports the Jeff Ludden Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is in memory of former Treeline employee Jeffrey Ludden, who tragically lost his life on his motorcycle on July 22nd, 2017. Jeff’s entire career had revolved around heavy trucks, trailers, and equipment, predominately in the forest industry, and this scholarship in his name memorializes and sustains the positive impact that Jeff had on that industry.

Treeline also supports the Community Kids organization, an extension of the children’s ministries of Community Evangel Temple in Lincoln. Community Kids serves the greater Lincoln community through an afterschool program, a preschool enrichment and full-day care program, as well as a four-week summer camp for students entering grades 1-8. In 2005, the program started as an after-school program for six students, and it now has grown to serve 110 students and their families.

Other organizations and causes supported by Treeline include Linda Gove Ministries; a special fund for Lincoln area community needs; a special fund for Treeline family emergency needs; and the Silent Sidekicks organization that provides information and education about animal-assisted therapy/activities and the services of trained volunteer handler-animal teams to communities throughout the State of Maine and the Canadian Province of New Brunswick.

And finally, the company is also a strong supporter of the Log A Load for Maine Kids efforts of the PLC. Brian and Whitney personally volunteer each year at the Lincoln golf tournament by operating and overseeing the putting contest. This year, Treeline alone raised over $1,500 all by themselves by reworking the contest to raise the bar and do even more for Maine kids.

Treeline is a founding member of the PLC, a Master Logger certified company, and Brian Souers is past President of the PLC. ***

PLC Supporting Member Award: The PLC Supporting Member of the Year Award is presented annually to a PLC Supporting Member that has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to logging contractors in Maine. The recipient this year is: The Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (NEC).

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

the PLC were involved in the process directly including in an advisory role, an effective and common-sense approach that is not always seen in such projects.

Ted Clark of Acadia Insurance, who nominated NEC for this award, noted logging’s national ranking as one of the most dangerous occupations in America, and said in his nomination, “Over the last five years the Northeast Center has worked directly with Maine loggers and through health screenings of around 400 employees, a series of surveys lasting two years, and strategic partnerships with industry professionals, they have developed significant data that has provided unprecedented information regarding the health of this critical industry in the Northeast. Through the dedication, countless hours, untold miles and significant commitment from this small team, they have laid out the groundwork to begin to implement effective changes and recommendations to shift this statistic and improve the health of our workforce.”

Baseline results of the study quantified things those working in the logging industry know all too well, including that Maine loggers work long days with long commutes to remote locations, resulting in a lack of access to services that could facilitate healthy living. The study also showed loggers may also be at higher risk of cardiac issues, as evidenced by higher than normal blood pressure Erika Scott, Deputy Director of the Northeast Center for rates and indications of sleep apnea. It covered use of Occupational Health and Safety (NEC), at right, personal protective equipment, frequency of safety accepting the PLC Supporting Member Award on behalf trainings, and the differences in results between of NEC from PLC Executive Director Dana Doran. mechanized and conventional loggers. It showed health insurance is a challenge and concern in the industry. In The NEC serves a thirteen-state region from Maine short, it provided well documented and verifiable data on to Virginia. It conducts occupational health and safety many things the PLC is working on and that can be research, provides safety trainings, and offers occupational refenced in efforts to improve outcomes in our industry. health screenings and services to workers in the agriculture, Throughout the process the NEC’s excellent staff forestry, and fishing industries. These efforts are were courteous and professional, meeting loggers in the undertaken in partnership with other National Institute for woods and manning booths at logging events around the Occupational Safety and Health centers, state and federal state to do the hard work of gathering data on an industry agencies, land grant universities, medical centers, and that is frankly hard to access for the average researcher. advocacy groups.

More recently, the NEC has been collecting data on As loggers know, the logging industry is often the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Northeast overlooked in studies and initiatives related to agriculture loggers and adding that data to the toolbox PLC uses to and forestry. And while great strides have been made in improve safety and health in Maine logging, and to improving safety in the industry overall - and certainly here influence policy and planning for our industry. in Maine thanks to the efforts of many PLC Members At all times the NEC does an excellent job there is always more to be done. summarizing and communicating the findings of its work, One of the most significant developments in this including regularly contributing to PLC communications. area in recent years has been the NEC’s Maine Logger The NEC is an organization and a resource making Health and Safety Study, launched five years ago through a difference for Maine’s logging industry and which is an NEC and PLC partnership. While basic occupational always there when the PLC needs them. safety data is collected for logging and many other industries on a national level, the NEC study went much further, looking at nonfatal and chronic health issues *** associated with logging and seeking solutions. Loggers and Awards

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PLC President’s Award: The President’s Award is presented to individuals or organizations within the PLC which have a significant and positive impact on the PLC and the logging industry in Maine. The recipient this year is: Jim Nicols of Nicols Brothers Inc. in Rumford.

thinning spruce/fir stands using a small Rottne processor and forwarder.

Since the beginning, Nicols Bros. has performed above and beyond their mission statement, which reads: “Our mission is to provide the highest quality commercial tree harvesting, utilization and transportation services. We also strive to promote professional excellence, workplace safety, and the general well-being of our employees.

Through this, Nicols Bros. aims to support sustainable forestry ecosystem management and the local economy.”

Jimmy has served, not just once, but twice as the President of the PLC (1997-2001 and again from 20182020) through some very difficult times. He has been an important member of our organization and a leader since the very beginning. He deserves this award, thank you Jimmy!

Jim Nicols, at right, receives the PLC President’s Award from PLC President Tony Madden.

The PLC President’s award is reserved for individuals who are passionate about logging and dedicated to the success of the PLC and the industry. Jimmy Nicols exemplifies both of these traits.

Jim is a first-generation logger, born and raised in Mexico, Maine. Jim and his brother Bill started their business in 1979 when they purchased their first cable skidder. Together they built a successful company that has been a strong member of the PLC since the early years of the organization.

Nicols Brothers, Inc. established a reputation for quality work over the years with various harvesting systems, and is probably best known for its work on Pingree lands back in the mid-1990’s,

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Trucking Trucking Industry News...

New Canadian Vaccination Requirement for Truck Drivers Deadline Jan. The Canadian government will begin requiring all truck drivers entering Canada to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID19 by Jan. 15 2022.

To be considered fully vaccinated, a traveller must have received the full series of a vaccine – or combination of vaccines – accepted by the Government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. To enter on Jan. 15 this effectively means a driver’s full series of shots must be completed no later than Jan. 1.

Until January 15, 2022, if an exempt essential traveller is not vaccinated, they will still be able to get an ArriveCAN receipt. After January 15, 2022, they must be fully vaccinated to get an ArriveCAN receipt.

As of this date, most travellers who are currently exempt from quarantine will need to be fully vaccinated to enter Canada. They will also be required to upload their proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN. The full announcement on this change is available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/ news/2021/11/adjustments-to-canadas-border-andtravel-measures.html

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

As many are aware, all exempt essential service providers including truck drivers are already required to identify their vaccination status in ArriveCAN, regardless of whether or not they are allowed to enter as unvaccinated.

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Mobile carriers are shutting down their 3G networks to make room for more advanced network services, including 5G. As a result, many older cell phones and other mobile devices will be unable to use data services.

Once a 3G network is no longer supported, it is highly unlikely that any ELDs that rely on that network will be able to meet the minimum requirements established by the ELD Technical

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Trucking

Specifications, including recording all required data elements and transferring ELD output files.

Therefore, any ELD that requires 3G cellular connectivity to perform its functionality will no longer be in compliance with the technical specifications in the ELD rule after the 3G network it relies on is sunset. When in an area that does not support 3G, a 3G device will register a malfunction. In accordance with 49 CFR 395.34, the carrier has 8 days to get the malfunction resolved, in this case by replacement, unless an extension is granted. *The announced sunset dates are below.

These are dates for completing the shutdowns. Mobile carriers are planning to retire parts of their networks sooner.

-AT&T 3G: February 22, 2022 -Sprint 3G (T-Mobile): March 31, 2022 -Sprint LTE (T-Mobile): June 30, 2022 -T-Mobile 3G: July 1, 2022 -Verizon 3G: December 31, 2022 *Sunset dates are subject to change.

Contact your mobile carrier for up-to-date information.

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Hours Of Service Changes Clarified – Change Does Not Impact Maine 100 Air Mile Exemption…

The recent hours of service changes that were effective September 29, 2020 have caused a few questions including about the difference between the Maine 100 air mile rule and the new Federal 150 air mile rule.

The recent changes do not in any way change Maine’s 100 air mile rule that has long been afforded to drivers and motor carriers who operate in Maine and within 100 air miles of their normal work reporting location.

In short, the Maine 100 air mile rule exempts motor carriers and drivers that operate within 100 air miles of their normal work reporting location (and do not further interstate commerce) from hours of service and from the medical card requirements found in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

These drivers may not drive when sick or fatigued, but are not required to keep a log book or ELD and do not require a medical card. This is due to the fact that Maine adopts the federal regulations with some state amendments, most notably in the area of hours of service and medical card requirements.

To summarize, the recent changes to the hours of service regulations do not impact the Maine 100 air mile rule. A CDL driver that exceeds the 100-air mile radius in Intrastate commerce must either rely on the federal 150 air mile rule (“short haul” exemption) or must keep a log book or ELD. Additionally, drivers who exceed the 100 air miles in Intrastate commerce must have a valid medical card.

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Check out the equipment and job opportunities our members have listed on the PLC website at the LOGGING ZONE! If you have equipment for sale, are looking to buy, are looking for employees, or are looking for employment - check it out!

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Safety Accident investigation and what we can learn from it

By Donald Burr PLC Safety & Training Coordinator

In this month’s article, I would like to talk about accident investigation. In the past, we have spent much discussion/training time on responding to accidents, which is undoubtedly essential, but today I am going to discuss what to do after you have gotten the injured the help they need, and the emergency is over.

Often, we are so happy that the emergency is over we don’t look at and learn from how the accident happened. In my opinion, this process is less about assigning blame for the accident and more about what we can learn from it. Think about it like education that you have paid for, and let’s get the most bang for a buck. As the employer, you are paying the bills for the accident.

Why not learn from it?

Looking at a simple slip, trip and fall accident. An employee walking across the garage carrying a large cardboard box (obstructing his view & weighing about 10 lbs.) steps on an oil patch, falls, and breaks his arm.

Here are the steps that I think you should consider when investigating this fall, (based on the fishbone method).

Materials a. List the materials involved at the time the accident occurred. Be sure to list all, not only those that caused the injury/illness. These materials include, but are not limited to: i. Material that contributed directly to the problem ii. Materials that require personal protective equipment to avoid unsafe conditions and personal exposure

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iii. Materials that require special precautions because of flammability, toxicity, temperature, etc.

1. (In this case) What were the materials involved? a. Large but not heavy box. b. Cement garage floor c. Oil puddle about 16” oval Equipment a. List the equipment used or associated with the accident or problem. List also the equipment that is intended to protect against being exposed. Include equipment that may not have directly caused the problem but was involved in the accident. i. (In this case) Was the proper equipment used?

Proper boots (Yes) ii. Gloves (Yes) iii. Safety glasses (Yes) b. If corrective action is needed in the equipment area to prevent recurrence or eliminate exposure, list the identified problem along with recommended remedial action.

People, Methods and Procedures a. List the procedures or methods intended to protect against: i. The problem that occurred (oil spill left on the floor)

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Safety

ii. The root cause of the problem (good housekeeping was ignored) iii.Contributory cause (big box obstructed view) iv. Exposure from the hazards of the materials that were listed v. Hazards, if any, associated with the equipment b. Consider the following: i. Were adequate procedures available? (housekeeping) ii. Are they understood, current? iii. Were they followed? (no) iv. Do they need to be changed? v. Were responsibilities defined relative to carrying out the procedures?

Supervision/Management

a. Was supervision adequate? This can mean anything from an inadequate span of control to lousy role modeling. b. Consider the following: i. Is the supervisor understaffed or over-tasked? ii. Is the supervisor properly placed; does he or she have the people and safety skills required? iii. Has the supervisor “bought into” the safety program? iv. Is the supervisor accountable for safety?

The next time you have an accident or a near-miss, try this process to get to the root cause. Knowledge is power, and power is good and can be used to keep you and your employees safe!

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Safety

Loggers and Knee Pain

By Brie Weisman, Occupational Therapist with Maine LogAbility Knee pain is the second most common musculoskeletal complaint in the logging industry, after back pain. The knee is regularly put under stress. Just walking on level ground produces force on the knee of 1.5 times your own body weight. Over time, wear and tear on knees is inevitable in a physically active career. Working on uneven, steep terrain that is often slick with snow, ice, or mud; having to repeatedly climb in and out of equipment with a high step up or down; and carrying heavy or awkward loads, all combine to put loggers at exceptionally high risk for knee injuries and pain.

Regardless of whether the pain is a result of an acute injury like a tear in the meniscus that requires surgery, or from a chronic issue like arthritis, logging with knee pain makes for a long day.

Below are some simple steps loggers can take to improve their knee health.

Prevention *Strengthening your quads will help protect the knee joint and improve knee stability. *Wearing quality boots can improve your traction and reduce ankle rolling. *Using anti-fatigue mats when appropriate can decrease joint stress. *Maintain your knee joint range of motion with stretching and exercise. *Improve your posture - leaning too far forward

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with knees over toes increases knee stress. *Try to keep your work areas clear of clutter to reduce fall hazards. *Use anti slip surfaces in your work areas.

Mitigation *If you’ve had an injury, talk to a therapist about taping the knee area to provide extra support. *Use the RICE method if there is swelling (Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate). *For arthritis, moist heat can help ease the joints prior to working. *Maintain a healthy body weight. Extra weight puts unnecessary stress on knees and other joints.

Every injury and person is different. Talk with your primary care provider for specific recommendations and referrals to professionals that can provide you with the right advice. Waiting too long to address knee pain not only prolongs the pain and recovery, it is likely to lessen your productivity as well as making you even more susceptible to further damage or falls.

Staff members at Maine LogAbility can help keep you working safely and successfully. For more information, contact us at maine.agrability@maine.edu or extension.umaine.edu/agrability.

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

Quarterly Safety Meeting: Non-routine tasks As we go into 2022 and the start of a new year, it’s a good chance for business owners and employees to take some time to reflect on 2021. What went well? What didn’t go well? What can we change within our operations to improve our safety and production for the years coming?

Within my role as a loss control consultant, I spend a lot of time working with individual customers as well as the PLC to review incidents and injuries and provide feedback on why they are occurring and what we can do to help prevent them.

Dissecting these incidents to get to the root cause of them is always an interesting and necessary process, because it often reveals opportunities at the core of our operations that need to be addressed.

After reviewing these incidents, I can say there is one exclamation point where, if we can get a handle on it, we could significantly reduce the injuries that are happening within our organizations. The large majority of serious injuries DO NOT result from a worker’s daily job, rather, accidents occur as a result of a non-routine task that is being performed.

This is a task that has a high potential in resulting in serious injury and is a relatively unfamiliar activity to those performing the task because it is performed so infrequently. A great example of this is trying to right a truck that has rolled into a ditch or shortening chains on a grapple. Both are high risk activities where, if not well controlled, they have a high chance of resulting in a serious injury or other incident.

Why are low frequency tasks so much more hazardous?

Naturally, when you perform a job on a daily basis you start to learn all the nuances of the work and you start to see what could go wrong. With the high frequency associated with your day-to-day job, your brain becomes programmed to recognize a hazardous situation and then instruct your body how to react for a positive outcome. The trouble with low frequency tasks such as those listed above, is your brain hasn’t had enough exposure for it to instruct you on the right response to avoid injury or incident.

We have a lot of non-routine tasks. How can we reduce our exposure?

Luckily, with most non-routine tasks, you have plenty of time to plan out your approach and, while reducing all of the exposure may not be impossible, you can improve your safety with some simple steps.

Slow down – This may be the single biggest problem I see when it comes to performing non-routine tasks. Where non-routine tasks are generally not our typical

job, we create this urgency that the job has to be completed immediately in order to get back to work as quickly as possible. The trouble with this mindset is it often leads us to diving into hazardous work with very little planning.

Come up with a plan – Prior to performing a nonroutine task you should plan out your work. Spend time identifying each step of the task and the hazards associated with those steps. Once identified, figure out the best ways to eliminate or reduce those hazards. The planning process should include everyone who will be involved in the work, taking into consideration their skills and limitations.

Communicate – Communication will be key during the performance of any non-routine tasks. Except in rare circumstances, someone should be designated as a “leader” with everyone else empowered to stop work if there is a hazard observed.

Your job involves a significant amount of hazards on a daily basis that, for the most part, you do a really good job of reducing and/or eliminating all together. When you find yourself in the position of performing a non-routine task, it is absolutely essential to take your time, carefully plan the work, and communicate that plan to everyone involved. Taking this time will help reduce the chance of an injury or incident occurring as a result of this challenging work.

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. Recipients of this material must utilize their own individual professional judgment in implementing sound risk management practices and procedures.

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

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*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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Save the Dates! Forestry For Loggers Trainings Jan. 19, 25, 27 The Professional Logging Contractors of Maine (PLC) and the Maine Forest Service, Forest Ranger division, are partnering in January 2022 to offer online (via Zoom) trainings focused on what the Maine Forest Service looks for during Timber Harvesting Inspections, and we encourage members to save the dates.

Each session will be geared toward a different region of the state and members should try to attend the session for their region if possible. Full details and registration information will be coming in early January, but meanwhile the dates are below: Jan. 19 – Northern Maine (Aroostook, Penobscot, Piscataquis and Washington Counties) Jan. 25 – Central Maine (Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Waldo and Somerset Counties) Jan. 27 – Southern Maine (Androscoggin, Cumberland, Sagadahoc and York Counties) The sessions are designed for owners, foremen, and managers of logging companies. Topics covered will include what to expect during an inspection, how to prepare, resources the Ranger Division has to help loggers, *This is the first in a series of PLC Logger Leadership what triggers involvement of the Forest Policy and trainings planned for 2022. Watch your email for updates Management Division, Ranger enforcement philosophy, on additional trainings and topics. data Rangers collect, and more. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and offer suggestions.

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Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

Introducing your District Foresters Meet Kenny Fergusson Old Town District Kenny Fergusson began his forestry career working as a wood cutter in the woods of northeast Scotland. He earned forestry degrees from the Universities of Aberdeen, Maine, and Yale. He worked with Huber Resources for twenty-six years beginning as the Ashland District Forester and ending as the Maine Woodlands Forester. During this time Kenny was active with management plans, harvesting, green certification, inventory, recreation, and research. While at Huber Resources Kenny particularly enjoyed being on the advisory committee of the Cooperative Forestry Research Unit at the University of Maine, which focuses on finding practical answers for forestry problems. Kenny resides in Orono with his wife Meg, who works at the Center for Research on Sustainable Forests. He enjoys golf, coaching soccer, hiking and travel.

Kenny can be reached at (207) 215-9092, or emailed at kenneth.e.fergusson@maine.gov.

As always, you can call the Maine Forest Service for more information or assistance at 800 367-0223 (in state) or (207) 287-2791, or e-mail forestinfo@maine.gov

Did you know you can ask a District Forester to visit a site before, during or after logging? Understanding harvest regulations and identifying ways to apply Best Management Practices (BMPs) that protect water quality are two of the most common requests. Every situation is different so it’s often helpful to have a forester come out to a site – ideally before work begins - to help determine if and how the rules apply, and to talk about different ways to control water and prevent soil movement using BMPs. Kenny and other District Foresters also teach classes about a range of forestry topics, from forest management to BMPS to wildlife considerations in forestry to the Tree Growth Tax Program. District Foresters are a great resource – please use them!

District Forester Kenny Fergusson.

The Logger’s Voice ▪ Winter 2022

37

Allowing Filter Areas to Do Their Job

By Tom Gilbert Water Resources Specialist Maine Forest Service Filter areas, or “buffers” along waterbodies are a lot like your personal protective equipment. For your PPE to work as intended it needs to be in good condition, and you must never depend on PPE to save you from poor safety practices. Filter areas are the same, in that for them to work properly, they must be kept in good condition, and will not protect water quality if BMP practices are neglected elsewhere on the site.

Filter areas are forested areas bordering waterbodies that provide important functions, especially absorbing runoff and preventing pollutants from reaching waterbodies.

Filter areas have several components. *The banks of streams; *The forest floor; and *Trees and other vegetation Limiting impacts to these components within a minimum distance from the waterbody helps to protect water quality. Filter areas are not “no-harvest” zones; if legally allowed you can cut within them. However, disturbance of soil in these areas may be restricted. Be sure

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

to check the legal requirements for harvesting in shoreland areas at your site before working within filter areas. When working in filter areas, keep the following principles in mind: *Minimize damage to the stream channel and stream banks; *Protect the forest floor from disturbance; *Disperse concentrated flows of water through the area; and *Retain an adequate canopy of trees and/or other vegetation.

Increase the width of the filter area and install more water diversion structures when conditions call for it, such as steep slopes. The recommended minimum filter area widths are based on the ability of the undisturbed forest floor to absorb water and filter sediment.

The actual width needed for the filter area to be effective may be greater than the minimums listed. Examples of situations where it is best to designate a wider filter area include: *ephemeral flow, or “wet runs” within the filter area; or *forested wetlands and floodplains within filter areas.

As described in the introduction, careful attention

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

to how BMPs are applied outside of the filter area is critical to how well a filter area will be able to handle runoff and filter sediment. BMPs must be used to slow water down and spread it out so the filter area can do its job. If runoff from your road can gain too much volume and velocity, your filter area won’t be of much use, just as your hard hat may not protect you if you’re not using good safety practices on site.

For more info on filter areas check out the MFS BMP manual at:

http://www.maine.gov/dacf/ mfs/policy_management/ water_resources/bmps.html

Minimum Filter Area Width

Slope (%)

Width from high water mark (ft)

0 10 20 30

25 45 65 85

40

105

50

125

60

145

70+

165

Note regulatory requirements may be wider or narrower than described here

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In memoriam: Rick Lyford *On November 9, 2021, our logging community lost Rick Lyford. Rick was a valued instructor in the Mechanized Logging Operations Program for the past two years and a great friend to many in the logging industry and his local community. He will be deeply missed.

October 6, 1958 - November 9, and eventually left to start up his own trucking company.

For over 25 years, Rick owned and operated Rick Lyford 2021 Trucking.

Rick loved to go snowmobiling and 4-wheeling.

GREENBUSH - Rick He never missed his son's football games. He was a J. Lyford, 63, passed away devoted father and a wonderful son. Rick never met a unexpectedly at his home in stranger and made strong connections with all of his Greenbush, on November 9, friends.

2021. Rick was born in Milo, Rick is survived by his loving parents, Kempton October 6, 1958, the beloved and Beryle Johnston; his son, Eric Lyford; stepsons, son of Kempton Earl Johnston Shawn and Joey Downs; grandchildren, Mikey and Casey Jr. and Beryle K. (Lyford) Downs; a special "brother," John Lyford; grandmother, Johnston.

Elnora Lyford; his special friend, Nancy Lyford; and his Rick was a star football furry friend, and one of many dear pets - Buddy. He will Rick Lyford player for Old Town High also be missed by many extended family members and School, where he graduated. He very dear friends.

Rick was predeceased by his enjoyed five years of playing defensive tackle for the team. grandfather, Percy Lyford.

Rick went on to work for H.E. Sargent after graduation

BILL HIGGINS 207-538-6613 HOULTON LINCOLN CARIBOU Bangor St. 207-492-1500 207-794-3310 207-532-2211

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

PRESQUE ISLE 207-764-1800

HOULTON North Rd. 207-521-2402

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestlands Annual Meeting region by expanding the ranks of certified Master Logger BANGOR, ME - The Trust to Conserve Northeast companies in the region.

Forestlands (TCNF) held it’s 2021 Annual Meeting on Friday, Oct. 29, presenting awards and welcoming new loggers to the *Launched a highly successful series of logger stream Northeast Master Logger Certification Program, which TCNF crossing workshops across the region. The workshops are an administers. opportunity not only for loggers to refresh their skills, but to The event at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, ME share their own experiences and ideas with the greater logging community. was attended by dozens of Master Logger certified companies from Northeast states, who gathered in person for the first time in *Conducted a harvest tour in Oct. 2021 hosted by Maine two years. The 2020 meeting was held online due to the COVID- Master Logger Trees Ltd. with U.S. Secretary of Labor, Marty 19 pandemic.

Walsh. Walsh participated in a roundtable discussion with Don and Will Cole of Trees Ltd., and Master Loggers Steve Master Logger Sam Lincoln of Lincoln Farm Timber Hanington, Duane Jordan, and Tony Madden. The event Harvesting in Vermont was awarded the 2021 Master was also attended by U.S. Congressman Jared Golden of Logger Leadership Award, which is presented to Maine and the media. outstanding supporters of the Northeast Master Logger Certification Program. *Won additional recognition for certified Master Loggers when it comes to meeting fiber sourcing and forest Sam is an exemplary Master Logger who served management standards. The new recognition will become for nearly four years as Deputy Commissioner for the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation. In that role, he was effective in 2022. a strong advocate for loggers and the industry who earned praise *Expanded outreach efforts to certify additional Master for focusing on practical, on-the-ground solutions to ensure Loggers. including two recent meet and greet events in New forestry operations are conducted in a York and a strong presence at the 2021 way that protects water quality. He Northeastern Forest Products championed work related to Vermont’s Equipment Logger’s Expo in Maine. forest economy, including logger safety New Master Logger training, a workers’ compensation companies in 2020 and 2021 include: insurance program for employers, in-theAldrighetti Logging, LLC, Randolph, woods workshops for loggers designed to VT; Burbank Logging & Trucking Inc., improve water quality, forest Weld, ME; Charles Lane Inc., management mobile technology tools, Sherman, ME; Crown Point and initiatives supporting forest products Excavation, LLC, Chester, VT; businesses.

Emerson And Sons Logging, LLC, “It was great to have so many Groton, VT; Fortune Trucking LLC, Master Loggers in attendance, to Washington, ME; JCG Logging Inc., recognize Master Logger Sam Lincoln of Fort Kent, ME; Kimball & Sons Lincoln Farm Timber Harvesting in Logging & Trucking, Poland, ME; L.E. Vermont with the 2021 Master Logger Taylor, Porter, ME; Lipsky Logging Leadership Award, and to welcome new and Land Clearing, LLC, Stowe, VT; Master Loggers who earned certification LJG Woodlands LLC, Fort Kent, ME; TCNF Director Ted Clark, at left, presents the McCafferty Logging, Hebron, ME; in 2020 and 2021,” Ted Wright, 2021 Master Logger Leadership Award to Executive Director of TCNF, said. “The NDB Logging, ME; Olmstead Property Master Logger Sam Lincoln of Lincoln Farm Services, LLC., Bethel, VT; Pepin last year has been one of expansion and Timber Harvesting in Vermont . progress for the Trust and the Master Lumber, Coburn Gore, ME; Plummer Logger program, and we are excited to Forest Products, Palermo, ME; R & J look ahead at plans for even more in 2022.”

Logging, New Limerick, ME; Rolling Meadows Farm Logging, Reading, VT; S&S Logging, Inc., Wallagrass, ME; SKS Furbush In the past year, the Trust and the Master Logger Logging, LLC., Smithfield, ME; Southwind Forestry LLC, program have: Pawlet, VT; Spaulding Field & Forest, Hartland, VT; Third *Won a $250,000 grant through The Future Forest Economy Initiative to enhance markets for certified wood and to Branch Horse Logging, LLP, Braintree, VT; Thurston Forestry, N. Clarendon, VT; TNT Road Company, Inc., Fort Kent, ME. strengthen the supply chain for wood in the Northern Forest

The Logger’s Voice ▪ Winter 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 and Capitol Christmas Trees, a symbol of the Christmas season. I reflected upon the many symbolisms that the Christmas tree represents and how it can display the true meaning of Christmas.

Of course, the correlation to the logging industry was not missed either.

When I watch my wife decorate the Christmas tree, I can’t help but see the picture of our life together manifested in the ornaments hanging on each branch. Branches themselves that represent the growth of our marriage and family.

There are two bears and a heart that says, "Scott and Melody - 1988", the year we met. Then there is a crystal ornament with two doves that is inscribed "Our First Christmas 1989", the year we were married. In 1992 we added a "Baby's First Christmas" for the birth of our first son, and another "Baby's First Christmas" ornament in 1994 for our second son.

Homemade Popsicle stick ornaments with glued on buttons were made by the boys. Sand dollars and seashells hang on the tree from the years we lived on a tropical island. Ornaments from other areas mark travels to Maine, Minnesota, and Arizona. The "Nutcracker" ornament is a souvenir from attending the Nutcracker Ballet on Christmas. The ornaments on the Christmas tree chronicle the joyous events or our life and family. We added a new ornament with a “C” which represents our foster son.

The Christmas tree is a symbol of the Christmas Holiday which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The perpetual green of the evergreen represents the eternal life of our Lord and Savior. The Christmas tree lights are for the stars of the universe created by God. The gifts beneath the tree are worldly tokens of the blessings bestowed upon us, much like the frankincense, gold and myrrh brought as gifts to the baby Jesus 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:

Practically Frankincense would be a familiar smell to baby Jesus as this was the same God that was worshiped in the Old Testament. Symbolically Frankincense represented the divinity of Christ because as mentioned Frankincense was burnt as an offering to God • Gold represents kingship. The King that Christ is for us.

It also represents the purification process we go through in our trials as a Christian. Gold is one of the only metals that when heated with fire will not lose anything of its nature, weight, color, or any other property. Genuine faith is the same way. Gold is used in scripture when talking about the strength of someone’s faith. Job refers to gold after he has been through all his trials.

Job 23:10 Jobs says, “But He knows where I am going. And when He tests me, I will come out as pure gold.

But even these gifts, like those beneath our Christmas trees, pale in the light of the gift of forgiveness and eternal salvation given to us through Jesus Christ.

Atop the Christmas tree is a star depicting the star that the scripture tells us marked the birth of the Savior. The tree itself symbolizes our Lord and Savior. The branches reaching out like our Lord’s arms stretched out and nailed to the cross.

Hanging on those branches are the ornaments that represent our family, love, and life. But without those blessings being supported by the branches they are just meaningless trinkets.

This makes me remember that family, love, and life are not complete without Christ as the center on which all the rest is built upon.

From myself and the American Loggers Council, I wish you each a Merry Christmas and encourage you to take a moment to reflect upon what and Who the “Christ”mas season celebrates.

• 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

American Loggers Council sees generational changes at its 27th annual meeting. *Article reprinted with permission from Hatton-Brown Publishers and Timber Harvesting magazine. This article appeared in the November/December 2021 edition and has been reformatted to fit this space.

BY David Abbott and Dan Shell

COUER D’ ALENE, Id.

W

hen the members of the American Loggers Council met for the organization’s 25th anniversary in September 2019, no one at the time knew that it would be two years before the group would have its annual meeting in person again. Due to the pandemic, the 2020 meeting, which would have taken place in Branson, Mo., the home state of then-President Shannon Jarvis, was held virtually instead in September 2020.

At that time, ALC’s board voted for all officers elected in 2020 to serve two-year terms and for the annual meeting to take place in Branson in 2022, at which time new officers will be elected. This decision was reaffirmed in the American Loggers Council members gathered in Idaho to discuss issues pertinent to the industry.

2021 meeting.

This year’s meeting took place on October 7-9 in Coeur of the industry, has grown significantly, and the impact of their d’Alene, Id. efforts is now becoming apparent. “We don’t call them anymore Current American Loggers Council President Tim Christofferson they call us,” Dructor said, citing the example of Arkansas welcomed attendees to his home state of Idaho. New ALC Congressman Bruce Westerman texting him directly to discuss Executive Director Scott Dane rose to the challenge of his first forestry issues. “The letter (from President Biden) we just got annual meeting admirably well, while his predecessor in the was proof positive that we have arrived in Washington, DC. We position, Danny Dructor, who handed the reins over to Dane are in a position now we have never been in. We are speaking for earlier this year after 20 years on the job, clearly enjoyed the ourselves, our sector of this industry; we have not had that chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the meeting free from all the opportunity in the past.” He noted that ALC reps are now sitting headache of organizing it. in on advisory panels, working on policy, testifying before The future picture of the American Loggers Council is taking Congress. “We have built relationships with members of shape in real time, building on the foundation of its past. Signs Congress that are priceless, and we have to continue that. It abounded that the dedication and hard work of so many people doesn’t matter which party is in power.” Concluding his remarks, over so many years has paid handsome dividends, with ALC now Dructor left his friends with this advice: “You are loggers being recognized in new ways. As Dructor himself put it, “We working for loggers; don’t ever let anyone take that away from have arrived.” you.”

That turned out to be a recurring theme of the weekend, underscored by the fact that no less than the office of the Seminars President of the United States sent ALC a message during the meeting. Responding to the message, Tom Trone, who Industry consultant and former John Deere man Tom Trone moderated Friday’s seminars, said, “The work of 27 years has paid off, because ALC is on the radar of the highest office in the served as moderator and facilitator for a full day of seminars and set the tone for the day by commenting on what he land. Five years ago they wouldn’t called a “generational shift” in the logging industry, in have known (anything) about us.” the ALC and in its leadership.

At one point Trone invited Noting that information is key to success, Trone Dructor on stage with him to look introduced Pete Stewart, President, CEO and founder of back on what ALC has Forest- 2Markets, who kicked off a slate of speakers accomplished, how it has grown, with discussion focused on post-Covid markets in 2021 where it came from and where it is and going forward. headed. Dructor noted that Capital expenditures at mills have been almost entirely participation in the annual fly-in in the South, which has added 2.5 billion board feet of event, in which ALC members visit new capacity. “Capital is flowing to the South, China, their state’s Congressional Hunt’s Jeremy Morris discuss and Latin America and nowhere else,” he says. Why is delegates to represent the interests trucking.

ALC

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ALC

Continued from Page 43

buy every log sold in a year in the U.S. for 2% of their revenue, he warned.

Dana Doran, Executive Director of Professional Logging Contractors of Maine was on a panel with Julie Tucker from the DC office of the US Forest Service speaking on the work it took to achieve success with PATHH this past year. Doran said, “$200 million puts the logging community on the face of the earth when it comes to Congress and the Executive Branch. It was a battle,” he admits to get PAATH cleared. “We have gotten on the map and we can use that for what we need going forward.”

Henry Scheinebeck, ALC committee chair on government affairs, reported ported on his having testified before Congress. “We mostly listen to WIE-FM: What’s In It For Me,” he said. “Somebody’s got to do it or you got to pay someone else to do it for you. I don’t Logging tour visited Bob Danielson Logging’s fully mechanized tethered operation want to do this I want to be in the woods but someone near Clarkia, Id has to.”

Another panel considered the challenge of finding, training and it all in the South? Because the Northeast has a balance of supply retaining qualified employees. Delbert Gannon made a and demand, leaving no room for growth. The situation in the presentation about the HELO (Heavy Equipment Logging South is a negative for landowners but a boon for suppliers.

Operations) training program at northern California’s Shasta Agriculture has a similar problem with over production and a College.

Rex Storm of Associated Oregon Loggers (AOL) and tension between supply and demand, he noted.

Sara Nelson, AOL’s workforce development manager, discussed Stewart cited 50 million tons of excess pulpwood in the U.S. and how to attract new workers to replace older ones retiring. Nelson 40 million tons of excess saw timber, asserted: that 80% of logging businesses in Oregon use adding that “The South alone could word of mouth as the primary method of finding new produce another 10 billion board feet of employees. “That’s not the best way to reach young lumber, easily.” Overall, industry trends people,” she points out. are fairly clear, he asserted: increasing Dan Snidarich, a member of the International Union of demand for logs and pine pulp in the Operating Engineers Local 49, based in the Virginia office South, flat demand in the northwest, and but representing workers in Minnesota, discussed how his declines in the Midwest outside of some group helped the timber industry in Minnesota design a choice markets. With such an healthcare agreement for loggers and their employees—a oversupply of fiber, he said, loggers benefit that’s not often feasible for many small operators to Dructor, left, and ALC-Idaho’s have little choice but to get more Christoperson. offer potential hires. efficient.

Meanwhile, according to Caterpillar’s marketing As for other, less traditional industry consultant Mike Lenzie and senior project engineer Mike markets, Stewart admitted progress is Greco, future loggers may not even need as many being made in advanced biofuel and employees.

They say timber harvesting technology is on chemicals, but slowly. Meanwhile, he the path to autonomy: remote controlled machines with no called the market potential for mass operators physically in the cab. timber “enormous.” He further advised The annual auction Friday night was as spirited as usual members of the forest products and attendees proved themselves as generous as always, community to pay attention to carbon perhaps more so this year. Normally the proceeds from the credits, calling greenhouse emission Tim Curren’s Seaway Timber auction go to the ALC and to Children’s Hospitals. This offset trading a new global currency.

Harvesting was the TH Logging time, though, they went further, also donating to help one The Blackrock hedge fund alone could Business of the Year. of their own (see sidebar).

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

Meetings, Awards During Saturday’s meetings, Henry Scheinebeck reported on climate change mitigation and carbon neutrality biomass credits, and lamented stalled progress on the proposed safe routes act to increase weight tolerance for log trucks on interstates nationwide. Frustrated with the lack of traction on the interstate issue at the federal level, some suggested confining the issue to the local and state level, an approach that has been successful in many areas.

According to Richard Schwab, lobbyists have told him that “No legislator in their right mind will increase weight limits nationwide for just one industry.” As an alternative, state associations and politically active loggers can lobby to carve out exemptions specific corridors close to a local market, rather than a blanket change for the whole country. This piecemeal approach, some suggested, may also prove more palatable to railroad lobbies, which have opposed the Safe Routes Act at the federal level.

At the awards lunch on Saturday, ALC gave special recognition to Dructor, calling him a trailblazer who left a path others can now follow. Receiving a special ax and plaque in appreciation for his two decades of service, Dructor was emotional in his thank you, and said, “I’m pleased to see in my successor what it takes: it’s called passion.”

At the President’s farewell banquet Saturday night, TH Managing Editor Dan Shell presented the Timber Harvesting 2021 Logging Business of the Year award to Tim Curran of Seaway Timber Harvesting in Massena, NY. Like Southern Loggin’ Times, Timber Harvesting magazine is a publication of Hatton-Brown Publishers.

Seaway Timber Harvesting is a major timber producer that operates multiple crews and a pellet mill. The company is the 24th winner of the award, which recognizes loggers who step outside the woods in support of their industry and communities, and the first winner from the state of New York.

The keynote speaker was Staff Sgt. Travis Mills, a veteran of Afghanistan who woke up from an encounter with a land mine in 2012 to learn on his 25th birthday that he was a quadruple amputee. He didn’t let this stop him from leading full life with his family and helping others.

Urging his audience to never give up and never quit, Mill’s speech was moving, motivating and, perhaps surprisingly, extremely funny. No doubt those in the room left with a renewed perspective on their own lives.

TH

Helping Out

higher during the ALC’s Auction Night.

After American Loggers Council (ALC) board member Dan Leeds suffered a stroke a while back, fellow loggers across the nation stepped in to lend a hand during the recent ALC annual meeting. A beautiful Stihl 880 Magnum chain saw with 4 ft. bar donated by Michigan logger Jim Carey went into the silent auction, and the saw was won and re-donated and auctioned several times with the proceeds designated for Leeds of the Northern Arizona Loggers Assn. and owner of Northwoods Logging in Greer, Ariz. Together, the ALC members attendance raised more than $20,000 in one night to help a fellow logger in a time of need.

The Logger’s Voice ▪ Winter 2022

45

As We Are Seen October 2021

By Scott Dane The American Loggers Council recently held its 2021 Annual Membership Meeting and Conference in Coeur d’Alene Idaho. Even with the ongoing uncertainty of the Pandemic, 180 timber industry representatives gathered for 3 days of business, seminars, logging operation tours and other events.

Why did logging industry representatives from all four corners, and in between (28 states) attend? Because these industry leaders know that it is the American Loggers Council that represents them and their issues.

Opening the Conference was Idaho Governor Brad Little, who personally attended, formally addressed and welcomed the group, and visited with the attendees.

Why, in his busy schedule did Governor Little attend the Conference? Because he recognizes the value of Idaho’s timber industry (not to mention his personal and professional relationship with the Associated Contract Loggers - Idaho, their staff and members) and the role that the American Loggers Council plays in collectively representing the 30 state association members.

Participating in the Conference was Julie Tucker, a representative of the US Forest Service - DC Headquarters Office.

Why did the USFS official attend and participate in the conference? Because the US Forest Service appreciates the collaborative professional relationship between themselves and the American Loggers Council. Additionally, as the PATHH program application deadline approached they knew that directly reaching the 28 states that were represented at the Conference was the most effective way to reach out to loggers and truckers across the country.

While at the Conference, the American Loggers Council received a direct official correspondence from the White House specifically addressing the American Loggers Council, the Conference, and the economic and environmental benefits that the timber industry provides in sustainable forestry.

Why did President Biden reach out to the American Loggers Council during the Conference? Because healthy

46

Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

forests, wildfire mitigation, rural jobs, and carbon sequestration are not partisan issues. They are shared objectives, and the timber industry, represented by the American Loggers Council, is recognized as being a key element to accomplishing those objectives.

A couple of weeks ago the House Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Underserved, Agricultural and Rural Business Development held a Hearing on “Sustainable Forestry’s Role in Climate Solutions. Of the four witnesses testifying two were American Loggers Council affiliated. Scott Dane, American Loggers Council Executive Director testified on behalf of the minority party (Republicans) and Dana Doran, Professional Logging Contractors of Maine (American Loggers Council member) Executive Director testified on behalf of the Subcommittee Chairman Jered Golden and the majority party (Democrats).

Why was the American Loggers Council invited to provide Congressional Testimony? Because both parties recognize and respect the fact that the American Loggers Council and its members are necessary to heathy forests, created by science based silvicultural practices performed by the timber industry. The American Loggers Council, Legislative Committee Chairman, Henry Schienebeck (GLTPA Executive Director) testified at a previous Congressional Hearing this past summer as well.

So, “How are WE, the American Loggers Council, Seen?”

We are seen as a leading professional organization that represents the American Logging Industry, speaking on their behalf, and as the National Voice for Professional Loggers.

To be part of the American Logging Council join your state associations, join the American Loggers Association directly as an Individual Logging Member if your state does not have a logging association, or if you are an ancillary company (supplier, consumer, vendor, OEM, or other Association) you may join as an Associate Member.

Be Seen, Be Heard For more information on these membership options and to join visit www.amloggers.com

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

As We See It November 2021

By Scott Dane The National Voice for Loggers, the American Loggers Council has opened an office in Washington DC, one block from the White House.

The iconic movie, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, depicts a "common-sense", "small town", albeit naïve and politically unsavvy, Washington outsider going to D.C. In a sense perhaps the American Loggers Council can be likened to that Jimmy Stewart character, "Mr. Smith", who quickly discovers many of the shortcomings of the political process but remains steadfast in his values as he stands alone in an inspired fight against corruption and greed, ultimately succeeding in his political quests. It is likewise our intent to prevail.

Some may view the American Loggers Council, and the people that we represent, as “naïve” to the inner workings of the DC machine, but like Mr. Smith, in my 17 years of state and federal legislative work, I have found one simple formula for political success – forthright honesty. If elected and non-elected officials know that they can trust you and your message, then they are willing to work with you.

Furthermore, for the most part loggers are respected within the halls of Congress, both right and left. Loggers represent hard working, "boots on the ground", "salt of the earth", "last of a breed" men and women who are admired within the denizens of the Capitol.

Additionally, relationships are the basis for both business and politics. The American Loggers Council represents the politics of business, particularly at the federal level. To establish and build these relationships you must be “where” this business of politics is conducted – Washington DC, not Gilbert, Minnesota.

"The famous bank robber Willie Sutton was asked, “Why do you rob banks?” He replied, “Because that’s where the money is.”

Washington DC is where the money is, (at least you’d think so the way it is thrown around sometimes), but that is not actually why the American Loggers Council is establishing an office in DC. More importantly, Washington DC is where the laws, policies and decisions are made that

affect your business and your “money”.

It has been said: "If you are not at the table, you are probably on the menu."

The American Loggers Council wants to make sure that the timber industry has a seat at the table and is not on the menu, that is why we have opened an office in DC. This American Loggers Council office will be available to use for the members during their visits to DC as an additional benefit of membership (Please contact the Council in advance to schedule use of the office and its amenities during your visit in Washington DC).

Some may believe that the timber industry is Mr. Smith, but like him, naïve as it may seem, the American Loggers Council believes that those in Washington DC still work for us, those who elected them. Therefore, the Council is prepared to be in DC: working to address the challenges and threats to the timber industry, establish relationships and solve problems. After all, the timber industry is a vital economic and environmental partner: • • • • • • •

Post-Pandemic Recovery Rural Job Development Healthy Forest Management Wildfire Mitigation Carbon Sequestration Renewable Energy & Fuel Forest Products Production

Absent a stable and sustainable timber industry, none of these economic and environmental benefits are achievable.

Healthy forests should not be a partisan issue. The American Loggers Council looks forward to working with our elected officials and government agencies in Washington DC to address the shared objectives and take advantage of the opportunities that the timber industry represents in achieving these benefits.

The Logger’s Voice ▪ Winter 2022

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Congressional Delegation Updates Supporting Maine’s Forest Products Industry During the Pandemic and into the Future It was a great pleasure to attend the PLC’s 25th annual meeting in October to hear directly from loggers and haulers about the issues impacting your industry and to receive the Impact Award.

In the early days of the pandemic, some logging contractors benefitted from the Paycheck Sen. Susan Collins Protection Program I wrote, allowing them to keep their workers employed. As the pandemic persisted and the forest products industry encountered unique market challenges, however, it became increasingly clear to me that the industry required specific, targeted assistance.

That is why I, along with Representative Jared Golden, introduced the Loggers Relief Act to provide financial assistance to your industry. This legislation, signed into law last December, established a program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide more than $200 million in direct payments to timber harvesters and haulers across the nation that have suffered significant reductions in revenue due to the pandemic. Never before had the USDA provided direct relief to the industry. Your organization helped to craft this bill and worked tirelessly to build strong support for it in Congress.

This crucial program started accepting applications in July, and, to date, more than 350 Maine logging and hauling operations have been approved for more than $12.4 million.

The pandemic has underscored other issues that affect your industry. The shortage of truck drivers has a direct impact, which is why I co-sponsored the DRIVE Safe Act to establish an apprenticeship program for drivers ages 19 to 21 to operate commercial vehicles in interstate commerce. I strongly supported the inclusion of a pilot program for this much-needed change in transportation policy in the bipartisan infrastructure law that I co-authored with nine of my Senate colleagues.

Your organization has long recognized the importance of robust workforce development programs, such as the Mechanized Logging Operations Program. I have visited this program in the woods of Western Maine, and it was inspiring to meet young Mainers who are passionate about learning new skills that will propel them on a promising career path and strengthen our state’s forestry sector. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I secured $1 million in the Senate Appropriations bill to help continue and expand this program.

It is essential that your businesses are supported at this difficult time. It also is essential that the hard-working and skilled people in your industry have the support they need to live and prosper in the communities they love. I look forward to continuing to be a strong partner on issues to strengthen your industry.

American Rescue Plan Aid Boosting Maine’s Forest Economy

operating expenses impacted by the pandemic, including payroll, rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, personal protective equipment, or other essential business costs. After a challenging year and a half, these grants will build on the work of the Forest Opportunity Roadmap (FOR/ ME) and help stabilize our forest economy and increase the sector’s competitiveness in the short- and long-term. I’m grateful to Governor Mills for putting these federal funds Sen. Angus King to work for Maine’s forest products industry, providing an important boost for the businesses and people who found themselves needing a little extra help due to forces outside their control.

Applications for Phase 1 of the FRI are open now through January 31st, with additional phases of the grant program coming online in early 2022. Details on eligibility and how to apply are available at https:// www.mainetechnology.org/recovery-funding/forestry/; if you or someone you know is eligible, make sure to get an application in soon.

Thank you again, for all that you do – and know that we are with you, and committed to ensuring that this industry continues to play a vital role in Maine.

The forest products industry has been tested during the COVID pandemic, as so many business sectors have seen unpredictability and change. Indeed, the virus’s global impact has upended business-as-usual, with market disruptions leading to significant challenges for the entire logging supply chain. It quickly became clear that in order to protect this important economic driver for Maine communities, support was required. A major federal boost came in the December 2020 COVID relief legislation, which established a fund to support logger and log hauling businesses – but now, more help is on the way.

When we crafted the American Rescue Plan, I was determined to make sure the legislation delivered funds to be given directly to the states, to be allocated as their leaders saw fit – and when the legislation passed in March 2021, that approach was an important part of the package. These funds allow each Governor to make the investments that address the unique needs of each state, helping fuel a fast recovery from the pandemic. Governor Mills is rising to the occasion – and last month, announced a $20 million fund to provide grants to Maine loggers, foresters, lumber yards, and others involved in the forest economy.

These grants – available through the Forestry Recovery Initiative – can be used for a number of necessary

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

In September, I wrote about economic relief available for timber harvesters and haulers through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) PATHH program. That much-needed assistance is helping countless loggers and haulers in Maine and across the country who have faced serious challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, disasters like the mill explosion in Jay, and a changing 21st century economy. Now, I’m proud to say there’s even more help on the way.

Rep. Chellie Pingree The recently passed Build Back Better Act (BBB) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) together mark the most consequential investments in the American people, our environment, and our infrastructure in a generation. The investments made by these bills will reach every corner of our nation—including Maine’s forests and those who work them.

First, the Build Back Better Act includes a historic investment in Maine’s forests as a climate solution, supporting innovation and additional market opportunities for the forest products sector that will drive more green jobs in our state. The Build Back Better Act will invest $775 million for the Forest Service’s Wood Innovation Grants, which accelerate advancements in wood energy and wood products markets throughout the United States.

It also invests in research on the lifecycle greenhouse gas impacts of wood products, which will help build the body of evidence on the role of forest products as a climate solution and

Bringing the U.S. Secretary of Labor into the Maine Woods Too often, the federal officials and bureaucrats making policy in Washington just don’t have a good understanding of what’s happening on worksites in rural America, particularly in complex industries like logging. That’s why I brought U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh to Fayette and Augusta in October so he could learn firsthand from Maine loggers and discuss opportunities and challenges facing the Rep. Jared Golden logging workforce.

We took him around to Maine Custom Woodland’s harvest site in Augusta and Trees, Ltd.’s harvest site in Fayette, and convened a roundtable between the secretary and Maine loggers to discuss issues including logger recruitment efforts, worker classification issues, and the importance of job training and workforce development for the industry.

Secretary Walsh came away with a better idea of the challenges loggers are facing and committed to work with us to address many of these issues.

Relief for Loggers and Truckers

It won’t be a surprise to folks who read this newsletter every quarter that for most of the past year, I’ve been working

increase demand for innovative, sustainable forest products sourced from and made in Maine. The Build Back Better Act also includes $1.25 billion for grants to help family forest owners sequester more carbon, increase the resilience of their forests, and participate in voluntary carbon markets, which will bring additional revenue streams to rural communities and help keep Maine’s forests from being lost to development. As we confront the increasing threat of climate change, the Build Back Better Act will promote the important role that our state’s forests can play in addressing this crisis.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is also a critical piece of legislation for the forest products sector and rural communities in Maine. A report by a transportation research nonprofit released in 2020 showed rural roads in Maine are some of the worst in the country. The infrastructure bill’s $550 billion investment in roads, bridges, rural broadband, and more will make daily life for Maine loggers and people across the country safer, easier, and more efficient, at the same time helping our small business owners compete in the expanding marketplace. IIJA also sets aside $40 billion in new funding for bridge repair, replacement, and rehabilitation, which is the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system; this is a much-needed infusion of support here in Maine as our aging infrastructure brings added costs and burdens to every one of our neighbors.

I welcomed my sixth grandchild into the world in November. With his arrival came an overwhelming sense of hope and urgency to act for the next generation. We truly are on the cusp of a historic transformation in this country, and I couldn’t be prouder to fight for the change these bills make possible. I am fighting for you, for your grandchildren and for my own. These bills will ensure a brighter future for them.

with Senator Collins to get a pandemic relief program for loggers and log haulers stood up, the USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers. The goal has been to help recover at least some of the losses that loggers and truckers have faced as a result of the pandemic, the Jay mill explosion, and the other factors that have made 2020 and 2021 a tough couple years for the industry. It’s the same kind of relief that farmers or fishermen receive when their industries suffer from circumstances beyond their control.

This week, we found out that Maine loggers are going to get $12.3 million through this program. That’s $12.3 million going straight to regular people who make their living in the woods. I’m under no illusions that it’s enough to make anyone whole coming out of the last two years, but I hope it’ll help to set loggers up for success as we dig out and set our sights on the future. Those relief funds should be heading out the door and into bank accounts soon.

We’ve been working with dozens of loggers to help them apply for the program and we expect to keep working with them to resolve any issues as funds are disbursed. If we can ever be helpful to you or your team, please shoot our logger support team an email at MELoggerSupportTeam@mail.house.gov. We’ll get back to you quickly.

PLC Annual Meeting Lastly, I wanted to thank Dana Doran and the entire PLC community for the PLC Impact Award this year. This work will never be about the hardware for me, but it’s an honor to receive this recognition from a community that I deeply respect. Thank you.

The Logger’s Voice ▪ Winter 2022

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Professional Logging Contractors of Maine

Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995

The Logger’s Voice ▪ Winter 2021

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