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A Hatton-Brown Publication Co-Publisher David H. Ramsey Co-Publisher David (DK) Knight Chief Operating Officer Dianne C. Sullivan PUBLISHING OFFICE Street Address: 225 Hanrick Street Montgomery, AL 36104-3317 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2268 Montgomery, AL 36102-2268 Telephone (334) 834-1170 Fax 334-834-4525

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Executive Editor David (DK) Knight Editor-in-Chief Rich Donnell Western Editor Dan Shell Senior Associate Editor David Abbott Associate Editor Jessica Johnson Associate Editor Jay Donnell Art Director/Prod. Mgr. Cindy Segrest Ad Production Coord Patti Campbell Circulation Director Rhonda Thomas CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Bridget DeVane 334-699-7837 bdevane7@hotmail.com ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Vol. 63, No. 6: Issue 653

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

OurCover After working for “the other man” for 18 years, Gilbert Gladson, 44, now leads his own team in eastern North Carolina, carefully extracting hardwood from places often treacherous and unforgiving. This Cat 521B feller-buncher leads the charge in his 90 loads per week shovel logging effort. Story begins on page PAGE 10. (Jessica Johnson photo)

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SOUTHERN USA Randy Reagor • P.O. Box 2268 Montgomery, AL 36102-2268 (904) 393-7968 • Fax: (334) 834-4525 E-mail: reagor@bellsouth.net

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INTERNATIONAL Murray Brett Aldea de las Cuevas 66, Buzon 60 03759 Benidoleig (Alicante), Spain +34 96 640 4165 • Fax: +34 96 640 4022 E-mail: murray.brett@abasol.net Timber Harvesting & Wood Fiber Operations (ISSN 21542333) is published 6 times annually (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/December issues are combined) by HattonBrown Publishers, Inc., 225 Hanrick St., Montgomery, AL 36104. Subscriptions are free to U.S. logging, pulpwood and chipping contractors and their supervisors; managers and supervisors of corporate-owned harvesting operations; wood suppliers; timber buyers; businesses involved in land grooming and/or land clearing, wood refuse grinding and right-of-way maintenance; wood procurement and land management officials; industrial forestry purchasing agents; wholesale and retail forest equipment representatives and forest/logging association personnel. All non-qualified U.S. subscriptions are $50 annually; $60 in Canada; $95 (airmail) in all other countries (U.S. funds). Single copies, $5 each; special issues, $20 (U.S. funds). Subscription Inquiries— TOLL-FREE 800-669-5613; Fax 888-611-4525. Go to www.timberharvesting.com and click on the subscribe button to subscribe/renew via the web. All advertisements for Timber Harvesting magazine are accepted and published by Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. with the understanding that the advertiser and/or advertising agency are authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser and/or advertising agency will defend, indemnify and hold Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. harmless from and against any loss, expenses, or other liability resulting from any claims or lawsuits for libel violations or right of privacy or publicity, plagiarism, copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or lawsuits that may arise out of publication of such advertisement. Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. neither endorses nor makes any representation or guarantee as to the quality of goods and services advertised in Timber Harvesting & Wood Fiber Operations. Copyright ® 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Ala. and at additional mailing offices. Printed in USA.

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Sticks With Used Equipment

Mid-Atlantic Expo Gets High Marks

NC’s Ezzell Trucking Takes To The Woods

Annual ALC Meeting

New Members, Program, More

OurDepartments My Take _________________________________________________ 4 News Lines _______________________________________________ 6 Equipment World_________________________________________ 28 People Power____________________________________________ 30 Innovation Way __________________________________________ 32 Select Cuts _____________________________________________ 35 THExchange _____________________________________________ 36 Events/Ad Index __________________________________________ 38 Other Hatton-Brown Publications: Southern Loggin’ Times • Wood Bioenergy Timber Processing • Panel World • Power Equipment Trade

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MyTake DK KNIGHT dk@hattonbrown.com, 334-834-1170

The Bear In The Woods Note: Given the late summer death of logging activist-legend Earl St. John, Jr., and the news article on St. John’s career that appears on page 6 of this issue, it is appropriate to present the following piece about St. John that appeared in the October 1999 edition of Timber Harvesting, the one that made the case for the magazine’s naming St. John Forest Products as its Logging Business of the Year. The column was written by Rich Donnell, now our Editor-in-Chief, who spent two days with St. John and came away with tremendous respect and admiration for him. Email rich@hatton brown.com When I met logger Earl St. John in late August on the front steps of his lovely home in Spalding, Mich., he shook my hand and then put a piece of paper in it. The paper was a copy of a page from this magazine, dated exactly 10 years ago this month. On it was my photo beneath an editorial I had written, entitled, “If It’s That Bad...” The editorial basically criticized loggers (I was fairly bold in my younger days) for complaining too much about their situations, especially treatment from mills, and especially rates, and yet failing to establish a national organization that could represent loggers on the important mill-logger issues of the day, including rates (not in violation of anti-trust mind you, but through powerful unified messages). I noted at the time the recent formation of the Associated Contract Loggers in Minnesota, and the stirring of a few statewide loggers’ groups. After my initial reaction—wow, an editorial from 10 years ago! Look how young I look!—I started reading the piece and it quickly occurred to me what St. John’s point was. Then perhaps in case it went over my head, which happens from time to time, St. John stated, “We proved one thing. We’re independent, but we can get together.”

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cash; we don’t charge to loggers.” Neither had St. John forgotten how timber brokers had taken advantage of his grandfather and great-grandfather. “My great-grandfather couldn’t read or write; my grandfather couldn’t either,” St. John said. “They farmed all summer to pay for what they lost in the winter logging for these brokers. They were taken advantage of all through their life.” Even St. John’s future in-laws weren’t happy when their daughter was dating St. John in high school, because he was a logger. Neither had St. John forgotten when he became the first logger ever to serve on the board of American Pulpwood Assn. “Like any logger, I didn’t feel I was educated enough to be on the board with paper mill people,” St. John recalled. “I was afraid to speak out. I would actually sweat when I had to get up and say something.” So when St. John told me, “It’s always been a goal of mine to improve the status of loggers,” this wasn’t a notion that had come up late in his career. He had tasted inferiority early in his life, and each subsequent taste of it during his career caused him increasing bitterness. “The chip gets pretty heavy on your shoulder,” he said. The tremendous successes St. John achieved during his career obviously improved his quality of life, and the

St. John was referring to the establishment of American Loggers Council, a national organization for loggers that St. John helped to found in 1994, and which since then has strengthened its punch, especially with regard to mill-logger issues. This summer, ALC even showed strength in pulling its punch when its members refused to participate with mill interests in the Sustainable Forestry Initiative National Forum. What I would come to understand during the next two days of combing the Upper Peninsula with St. John’s work with the American Loggers St. John is that St. Council—indeed, his overall impact on the John doesn’t forget things easily. The edi- logging ranks—should never be forgotten. torial I wrote 10 years ago had obviously touched a chord. Why else would he quality of life of his immediate family file it away and remember to retrieve it and will enhance the quality of life of on just the right occasion? future St. Johns. But those successes Neither, I would learn, had St. John have also provided St. John in the latforgotten when as a young logger he ter years of his career the time to vigtraveled to Green Bay in search of orously pursue his goal of improving parts for a bulldozer. The sales agent the status of loggers. asked St. John what construction comSt. John’s work with the American pany he was with. St. John replied, Loggers Council—indeed, his overall “St. John Forest Products.” “Oh,” said impact on the logging ranks— should TH the agent, “you’ll have to pay with never be forgotten.

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NewsLines Streamside Zones Expanded In Oregon

Earl St. John, Jr., Was Logging Leader, Champion

Oregon’s Board of Forestry has voted to double the no-logging buffer zone along small- and medium-sized streams in western Oregon in response to a lawsuit that state forestry regulations don’t do enough to protect water quality for trout and salmon. The new Oregon Forest Practices Act rules increase buffers to 80 ft. around medium-sized streams and to 60 ft. around smaller streams. The rules apply in western Oregon to private, county and state lands, with the Siskiyou region in southwest Oregon being exempt. Timberland owners and logging groups protested the move, citing the economic impact and calling it arbitrary and political with no evidence to back it up. Supporters of the new rules say wider buffers increase shade to help keep water cool and reduce runoff from logging sites and roads.

Biomass Plant Planned For Perry, Florida Applied Gaia Corp. of Houston plans to build a $60 million wood biomass power plant that will use a pyrolysis process to create energy and biochar byproduct in Perry, Fla. A company spokesman said they chose the area because of its area supply of wood chips and has agreements with several suppliers. The facility may also burn chicken manure. The facility will operate as Perry Natural Technologies and could create and impact 300 jobs

Weyco Buys Plum Creek, May Sell Pulp Mills Weyerhaeuser Co. and Plum Creek announced a merger that will leave nearly two-thirds majority ownership in Weyerhaeuser shareholder hands. The combined company creates a $23 billion timber REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) with more than 13 million acres of timberland in the U.S. The combined company will retain the Weyerhaeuser name. Weyerhaeuser brings nearly 7 million acres and Plum Creek 6.3 million acres to the deal. Weyerhaeuser also announced it is exploring “strategic alternatives” for its Cellulose Fibers business, including a 6

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Michigan logging legend and logger activist Earl St. John, Jr., whose impact on the U.S. logging industry was profound and whose various business successes were considerable, was eulogized September 17 at St. John Neumann Church in Spalding, Mich. Burial followed at Spalding Township Cemetery. St. John, 79, died of health complications on September 13. A fourth generation logger who was born in a small log cabin, St. John cut, peeled and stacked pulpwood by hand in his high school years. Following a hitch in the military, he founded St. John Forest Products, Inc. in 1962 and developed Earl St. John, Jr. it into one of the nation’s premier logging entities, at one time employing upwards of 100 across multiple crews. In recent years he had largely turned management of the company over to his son, Tom. St. John was an innovator who embraced the emerging technology of the day, including whole tree chipping, feller-bunchers, grapple skidders, stroke delimbers and, in more recent years, the cut-to-length system. After serving in leadership capacities on state and/or regional logging organization boards and committees, St. John was the first logger to serve on the board of the American Pulpwood Assn., forerunner to the Forest Resources Assn. He resigned after an affiliated group, the American Forest & Paper Assn., adopted the then controversial Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) with little logger input. Meanwhile, St. John, an outspoken critic of traditional wood procurement practices and policies, helped form the American Loggers Council, partly in protest over the way SFI was developed and partly over the way it was implemented. He served as the ALC’s first president, leading it through the critical developmental stage. He was a giving community leader who accumulated some 30,000 acres of property, mostly timberland, in Upper Michigan. He also served for two terms on Federal Reserve Board Region Nine, probably another first for a logger. St. John was honored on two occasions by Timber Harvesting, first with its Pacesetter Award in 1983 and in 1999 was recognized as its Logging Business of the Year. In 1987 he was singled out for Northern Michigan University’s Distinguished Citizenship Award, given annually to those who provide “unselfish support for civic, social and cultural activities.” Aware that his ancestors had been taken advantage of by the established logging industry culture of their day, and having felt the prevailing subservient sting himself early in his career, St. John was driven to succeed and to help elevate the status of loggers overall. Here are some observations: Danny Dructor, Executive Vice President of the ALC: “Earl was a leader and visionary in our industry. He not only was instrumental in the formation of the American Loggers Council but also became a mentor to many up-and-coming loggers throughout this country.” Keith Olson, Executive Director of the Montana Logging Assn., who worked with St. John during the ALC’s formative period: “We’ve lost a champion.” Richard Lewis, retired president of the Forest Resources Assn.: “I will always remember what a strong and passionate advocate he was for the logging profession.” DK Knight, Executive Editor of Timber Harvesting: “One of the highlights of my career was spending 32 hours with him on his turf in 1983 and getting to know him better. He put me at ease with his smile, outgoing nature, and wit. A second highlight was honoring St. John Forest Products as the TH Logging Business of the Year in 1999. Many loggers have local, state, and/or regional impact. Earl had national and international impact.” Survivors include his widow, Rosemary (they were married for 67 years); two sons, Tom and John; three sisters; one brother; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The family is considering establishing a scholarship in St. John’s name to help encourage young people to enter the logging industry and related fields. Funds so designated can be sent to St. John Forest Products, P.O. Box 130, Spalding, MI 49886. TIMBER HARVESTING & WOOD FIBER OPERATIONS

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NewsLines possible sale. The company’s Cellulose Fibers business includes pulp mills in Port Wentworth, Ga.; Vanceboro, NC; Grande Prairie, Alberta; and a modified fiber mill in Columbus, Miss.; as well as other international facilities. Plum Creek operates a medium density fiberboard plant, plywood mill and a board sawmill in Columbia Falls, Mont.; a plywood mill in Kalispell, Mont.; and a stud mill in Kalispell/ Evergreen, Mont. Weyerhaeuser operates approximately 11 sawmills in the Southern U.S., four in the Northwest and three in Canada. It also operates various engineered wood products facilities in North America.

Lawsuits Entangle Restoration Project In its October update, Good Earth Power reports that in the two years since GEPAZ took over the 4FRI (Four Forest Restoration Initiative) contract in Arizona, it now employs 150, owns and operates two lumber mills, has two pole peeling facilities, operates an in-house trucking fleet, and has developed forest infrastructure capable of operating simultaneously on six individual Forest Service task orders. But GEPAZ also has a lawsuit on its hands. 4FRI is the Forest Service project to restore/thin 300,000 acres in 10 years on the Coconino, Kaibab, Apache-Sitgreaves and Tonto national forests, following years of devastating wildfires. Good Earth Power AZ, based in Flagstaff, was created to take over the 4FRI contracts as part of its acquisition of the assets of Pioneer Forest Products, which had been awarded the contract in 2012 but failed to find financing for it. Campbell Global, which initially contracted with GEPAZ in May 2014 for forest restoration services, and which left the project in June, has sued GEPAZ for breach of contract and failure to pay nearly $3 million for services. GEPAZ has since counter-sued Campbell Global for $1 million for failure to perform services. Campbell Global claims GEPAZ did not pay monthly and annual management fees and other incentive and sourcing fees as stipulated in the agreement. In June 2015 Campbell Global withdrew from the deal and gave GEPAZ 8

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seven days in which to make full payment of more than $3 million. Campbell Global says that GEPAZ offered to make monthly payments but tendered only $18,000 to Campbell Global, which in September filed suit in U.S. District Court, District of Oregon, Portland Div. GEPAZ claims Campbell Global was entitled to compensation only if Campbell performed its obligations, which GEPAZ says Campbell failed to do. GEPAZ says it and Campbell failed to complete and approve business plans and an operating budget as directed by their agreement and this automatically terminated the agreement. GEPAZ also says Campbell failed to monitor prevailing wage payments to subcontractors, resulting in the Dept. of Labor fining Good Earth for violating certain provisions of Good Earth’s contract with the U.S. Forest Service GEPAZ also claims Campbell Global was negligent in its performance by failing to solicit a satisfactory pool of bids from local logging companies, for hiring an inexperienced logging company against Good Earth’s advice, for failing to register Good Earth for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program federal subsidy by the deadline and for failing to attract log and chip sales for Good Earth. GEPAZ also claims Campbell Global induced Good Earth to spend its last capital on projects Campbell Global so designated, with a promise to secure financing for Good Earth, but that instead of coming through with the financing, Campbell Global notified Good Earth it was canceling their agreement. Because of these and other alleged breaches, GEPAZ filed a counter-suit in the same court in October, seeking damages of at least $1 million. As of October, 5,000 acres had been restored, and GEPAZ was working with 19 Forest Service Task Orders in various stages of activity or inactivity.

More Biomass Power Plants In The Works Georgia Renewable Power, LLC (an affiliate of GreenFuels Energy) is reportedly building a $100 million 58 MW wood biomass power plant in Colbert, Ga. at the site of a former Weyerhaeuser engineered wood products facility. The new operation,

which will be called GRP—Madison Renewable Energy Facility, is expected to be operational in May 2017. Georgia Renewable Power is also reportedly building a 79 MW wood biomass power plant at Carnesville, Ga.

Canada’s Canfor Purchases Anthony Forest Products Canfor Corp. has purchased Anthony Forest Products Co. based in El Dorado, Ark. for $93.5 million (U.S.) AFP operates six facilities producing lumber, engineered wood and wood chips with a combined capacity of 250MMBF equivalent. AFP owns a sawmill in Urbana, Ark., which produces southern pine lumber and has an operational capacity of 150MMBF per year. It owns laminating facilities in El Dorado, Ark. and Washington, Ga., which produce beams, columns and other glulam products with an annual combined capacity of 75MMBF, and owns chip mills in Louisiana and Texas with a total annual capacity of 800,000 tons.

SD Thinning Contractors Must Pay Federal Fines According to a state newspaper account, the owners of two companies in South Dakota have been ordered to pay more than $1.2 million for employing undocumented immigrants under a U.S. Forest Service contract that involved the thinning of timber in the Black Hills National Forest. U.S. Attorney Randy Seiler said a civil judgement of $759,999 has been entered against Aurelio Munoz-Escalante of Black Hills Thinning of Rapid City and a judgement of $458,374 against Sergio Munoz-Escalante of SM Logging & Services of Hermosa. Federal contracts do not permit work to be done by undocumented immigrants. Seiler said the contractors submitted invoices for payment, which falsely certified that the work was performed by legal workers. The False Claims Act imposes damages and penalties on persons and companies who knowingly submit false claims to the government. In all, the U.S. attorney’s office in South Dakota has recovered $1.67 million in damages and penalties in the past year for similar fraud, according to Seiler.

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Gladson Geared For Soft/Hard Sites NC logger leans on his own experience and that of the logging brotherhood. JessicaJohnson

he year 2015 was a big one for North Carolina’s Gilbert Gladson in that he officially started doing business as Gladson Logging. After working in the woods for over 25 years, 18 of them in the challenging lowlands of the central Carolina coast, the pieces fell into place for Gladson, thanks in large part to support from Enviva Biomass. Based in New Bern, the area around which has an average elevation of less than 30 feet, Gladson, 44, is a swamp logger who has learned “to make the ground work for us,” which means controlling an area of Earth that isn’t exactly easy to control. By using a tracked feller-buncher and a shovel machine fitted with an extended boom the crew builds a network of “roads”—mats of logs placed end to end—to provide access for dual-tired skidders, and by default, controlling

ground pressure. Part of making the “ground work” means controlling the unthinkable: Mother Nature. The tracked machines, matted log roads, dual tired skidders and plank mats used around the landing and on access roads ensure that Gladson’s crew is rarely rained out. “As long as we can get in to lay them, we have access; we don’t stop.” Thus the crew is able to move consistent amounts each week, putting Gladson’s mind at ease a tad on officially jumping into the business. He’s learned a lot as he has progressed, but he often second-guesses himself. “I want to make sure I make the right decisions. As I get more experience in owning a business, these decisions are a little easier to make. I don’t have to second-guess myself so much. But so far we’ve done very well,” he says. This crew consistently turns out 90 Gilbert Gladson

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loads per week, running the two tracked machines, two loaders and two skidders. For extra flotation and better traction on the slippery log roads, Gladson’s skidders have dual tire setups—30.5 on the inside and 24.5 on the outside. With a booming laugh, Gladson refers to the more conventional flat terrain logging commonly seen around New Bern as “tennis shoe logging,” and looks at the challenge of swamp logging like something he will never know completely, even though he has been doing it for the majority of his adult life. “I learn something new every day. I don’t think it ever ends. What’s the fun in it once I stop learning?”

has meant to him to have other loggers, even those he’s worked for in the past, share information. “Everyone knows the uphill battles that I’ve faced as a new owner; they’ve already faced them. A lot of them have been very supportive and have shared knowledge.” He explains that often during these conversations, he’ll get encouragement along with new ideas. “I didn’t want them to look at me like just another competitor, putting pressure on them.” Instead, he’s gotten advice on everything from setting up his landing to specific things to discuss with his insurance company.

At any given time at Gladson’s landing you may see another logger drive up, check out the operation and have a quick conversation with him. He can’t always talk, since he runs the cutter full time, but it makes him feel good, he says, to be in this part of the logging brotherhood as an owner. Like many, Gladson says logging flows in his blood, and the pride he has in his crew and his business is palpable. He also is aware of the negative perception the public has about logging, especially near water. To combat what he calls the target on his back, before moving into a tract, Gladson gets the GPS coordinates and incorporates buf-

Shared Knowledge Gladson is clear about constantly pushing himself and his crew to be better, leaning heavily on the brotherhood that is logging. He admits that learning and starting the business was the toughest thing he’s done and says a lot of loggers have really helped him get it off the ground. He credits a solid relationship with his forester and a strong hardwood pulpwood market in Enviva Biomass for this success, production-wise. But the day-to-day? That success is on Gladson himself, and he eagerly listens to those who have come before him. He comments about how much it Nicknamed “The Hulk” the crew uses a John Deere 2954 shovel machine with a 41 ft. boom.

Gladson opts for dual skidder tires over super wide flotation tires because, they “bite” the wood better in wet conditions and don’t spin as much. At left, contract truck is quickly loaded by two Cat 559C loaders coupled with CTR delimbers and CSI slashers.

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The track cutter is run by Gladson, who likes having eyes where the action is.

fers of at least 50 feet around the water. The other big concern is oil spills. Gladson and his crew consider an oil spill in the water on the same level as a piece of equipment on fire, so it’s all hands on deck until the spill is contained and controlled. Each piece of equipment that works in the water has an emergency spill kit in the cab, and the skidders carry absorbent towels. The crew aims to leave the swamp just as clean as when they started on the tract.

Equipment Gladson’s equipment was all purchased new in 2015. He has two Cat 559C loaders with CTR delimbers and CSI slashers, two Cat 535D skidders and one Cat 521 track-type cutter, with one John Deere 2954 shovel machine. Gregory Poole provides Caterpillar dealer support while Gladson leans on James River for John Deere. Financing was supplied by Caterpillar and John Deere. As the cutter operator, Gladson is in a good position to monitor the job’s rhythm in terms of production and safety. “It gives me eyes on where the action is, deep in the swamp. Things do get stuck; problems do arise back there.” He has full faith in his experienced, conscientious loader operators, who usually turn contract trucks around quickly. MaxiLite portable scales help the operators build loads within the 90,000 lb. legal limit. “The operators take care of things just like if I was sitting out there,” he states.

The Hulk Gladson calls the JD 2954 shovel machine, which has a 41 ft. boom, the operation’s “backbone.” The crew 12

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nicknamed it “The Hulk.” The large machine is the only one of its type on the East Coast, according to James River, and Gladson says it has worked out well for his application. One of the features he likes most about the machine is that with the reach the operator does not have to travel off the log mat roads. “With the shoveling, that’s where you get into the danger area— getting off the road. With the extra long reach, that danger is eliminated.” Another benefit is fuel economy. The dealer figured the machine could operate 30-35 hours on a tank of fuel but Gladson was pleased to learn that it will run around 45 hours before needing a refill. Even though it costs more and results in more machine wear, Gladson opts to walk machine to the landing for fuel rather than taking fuel to the machine. “At the end of the day I would rather be environmentally friendly, walking the machine in and out. He only comes to the hill one time a week. I feel better about it,” he explains.

Maintenance So far, most equipment maintenance has been minor and fell to dealers. To help control costs, Gladson’s crew keeps a tool trailer on-site stocked with oils, filters, hoses, fittings and the like. The crew does its scheduled maintenance every 500 hours. Final drives on the track machines are changed every 1000 hours. The dealers told Gladson he could wait until at least 2000 hours before having to worry about changing the rear ends, but he chose to do it earlier for added peace of mind. “From previous experience I could just see problems and I worry about things like that. The way the job is structured right now if any one piece

goes down, it affects my bottom line. We try to keep everything controlled,” he explains. Machines are greased every other day with battery-operated grease guns stored in the cabs. Gladson believes the guns are more convenient and eliminate any operator excuses for not greasing. The guns remain charged, so all the operator has to do at the end of the day is hop out of the cab and take care of it. Aware of the extra cost, Gladson comments that a little more upfront is much cheaper than having to bring in a mechanic to fix something because the machines weren’t greased properly. He contends the added expense is more than worth the benefits. One extra cost that stings Gladson is DEF fluid, which the Tier 4f engines in each of his machines require. The expense amounts to about $14 a day.

Trucking Contract trucks get the production to market, primarily to Enviva pellet plants in Southhampton, Va. and Ahoskie, NC, roughly 120 and 85 miles, respectively. Because of the distances, the logger requires nine trucks. When he started the business Gladson wasn’t interested in taking on the transportation headache, so he opted for contractors. “It eliminates a lot of insurance expense and worry about trucks and keeping up with drivers. So many things come into play, with the biggest risk on the highway, I don’t need that just starting out. I’d rather be able to do for my men than have to pull in five or six other people in.” Running contract trucks is far from easy, but for Gladson it is simpler. The idea is for Gladson to get closer to his main markets so he won’t need so many contract trucks, but that’s also one major advantage of using them: flexibility in the number he requires. He doesn’t look at trucks as being completely divorced from his job, and asks his truckers to keep their rigs in good working order and looking good. “They are still a finger of my job as they are running up and down the road,” he believes.

Employee Relations Like many logging crews, Gladson’s is a family. He says one of the first things he learned, and best piece of advice he got, was the critical element of having a crew you can trust.

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He believes he has that. His stuck and operators have to disson, Anthony, runs the shovel mount, that’s when risks can machine. Other employees inmultiply. clude Jeremy Cahoon, Doug Because of the importance of Martin, James Keel and Danny the cutter, Gladson likes to stay Koonce. on it himself. He’s experienced The crew is paid hourly, at a enough to avoid those common rate Gladson feels is very fair problems and works well with and comparable considering the the shovel machine. danger and added aggravation “Everything just stays in mothey deal with as a shovel/deep tion. The biggest danger out swamp crew. “Without good there is if you have to get out, as employees you are just a man long as you stay in the cab, that owns a bunch of equipyou’re safe. The biggest chalment,” he comments. “They lenge is walking on the slippery work hard every day and they logs,” he emphasizes. do what we need to do. I’m Bookwork is handled day-toright out there with them. I day by Faye Gladson, his wife, From left, Gilbert Gladson, Jeremy Cahoon, Doug Martin, James Keel, look at myself as an employee. Danny Koonce, Anthony Gladson along with accountant Kathy At the end of the day when Bennett, who keep Gladson’s they are tired, I’m tired too.” way to keep people safe, and off the paperwork in order. For him, the logAbout every other Friday the crew ground, is starting out correctly, he ging is the easy part; it is learning how is treated to lunch while Gladson consays. That means the cutter goes in to run the business that has pushed ducts his NCFA and OSHA tailgate and lays out the roads, building everyhim. He admits that their job is much safety meetings. The crew wears full thing it can so the shovel can come in harder than his. PPE, including company provided fluand move logs to complete the roads “I still have a long way to go,” he orescent shirts. and stack logs on the side for retrieval says, “compared to someone that’s Gladson says the biggest safety conthe skidders. If this isn’t done propbeen in this for 10 or 20 years, but I cern he has is getting operators in and erly, skidders can get stuck or slip off am up for the challenge and I have out of the deep swamp. The easiest the roads, and when machines get proved I am capable of doing it.” TH

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Getting It Done With A Big Machine Industrial Timber and Pulp uses vintage equipment, rare clambunk skidder. JESSICAJohnson

att Sokoloski, 40, admits when he first started out, he had not a single clue about what he was doing. Everything he’s learned about logging has been self-taught, filled with ups and downs and in-betweens. “The first few jobs I did, I got burned on the log prices,” he says. The prices were so bad at first that Sokoloski had nearly convinced himself to quit, that he wasn’t cut out to be a logger. Then it seemed like all the pieces of the puzzle fell into place and two years ago Sokoloski’s business, Industrial Timber and Pulp, based in New Galilee, Pa., hit its stride. “I was happy because I made a couple bucks,” Sokoloski recalls. He cites solid relationships with land-

Matt Sokoloski

owners as part of recent success, along with making sure he caters each job to the needs of the landowner. “Good stewardship is always our top priority of any property we harvest,” he explains, “We take great pride in how our jobs look, preventing erosion, and in most cases, the landings are reseeded and mulched.” One reason the business is in a groove is its diversity. Sokoloski operates four small crews, most of them oneor two-man, doing a variety of cut-tolength, chipping, hand-cutting and treelength. This has helped Sokoloski weather many a storm, including the recent shutdown of an WestRock mill in his area. “I thank God I am diversified or it

Industrial Timber uses a 1998 TransGesco TG88 clambunk skidder to keep production up with a small crew. 14

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would have been over,” he asserts. To help ramp up production and overcome the market setback, Sokoloski is exploring the idea of getting into cutting poles, which he projects could double his current production. Currently, Industrial Timber and Pulp produces 10 loads of pulp, 10-15 loads of chips and five loads of saw logs each week, with main markets being Domtar, WestRock and local sawmills.

Due to frozen ground regulations, the 35 ton payload machine had to wait until June before it was operational in Pennsylvania, making it the first machine of its kind, according to Tanguay, in the U.S. Using the TG88, Sokoloski’s crew is able to haul a full trailer load of logs per hour to the landing, allowing a one-man crew to keep production numbers a lot higher than the single digits, like they were. “The TG made it real simple,” he says. As a bonus to the production, Iron Works Sokoloski likes the impact the If you had told him three years TG88 has on the ground. By ago that Sokoloski would have being able to skid a trailer load had the equipment to handle douat a time, tracts are not as rutted bling his production capacity he as they might otherwise be, would have told you a resounding Long-time employee Jesse Wine handles the cut-to-length component. which is important to the envi“no way.” Everything about the ronmentally conscious Sokolooperation, from the very beginning, has classified web site, with a price he was ski, who has SFI certification. been self-funded. In fact, Sokoloski, at much more comfortable with, but he Other equipment in the Industrial the ripe age of 23, cashed some savings still wasn’t ready to pull the trigger. lineup includes a Prentice 325 loader, bonds to buy his first Stihl chain saw. After a few conversations with his mills, Caterpillar 580 harvester with a Log“Banks wouldn’t talk to me. I could mainly RockTenn and Domtar, and Max processor, Precision 2366 chipbarely afford a brand new pickup truck, knowing he had a market for his wood per, Caterpillar 535B skidder, Timlet alone a brand new Tigercat,” he exshould he be able to produce more, berking 721 hot saw and a Rottne plains. But starting from nothing pushed Sokoloski pondered the purchase for SMV forwarder. Sokoloski to get creative, and that is about three months before driving to where his operation changed. Canada and seeing it in person. Maintenance Getting creative and a love of the bigHe remembers, “As soon as I got in gest and baddest toys around changed Every piece of equipment in Indusit, I thought ‘This is great! This is for his fate. Previously Sokoloski was just trial’s arsenal is vintage. Sokoloski me!’” The other logger and Sokoloski making it work with whatever equipdoesn’t have a strict maintenance were able to reach a purchase deal and ment he could find and get running. “I schedule, beyond the normal. He then Sokoloski had the mountainous did a lot of wrenching when I first changes oils and fluids every 300 task of transporting the machine to the started,” he explains, before laughing hours and machines are greased every U.S. other day. and adding, “Heck, I do a lot of wrenchIt wasn’t the overall size that was With vintage equipment, he does ening now.” the problem for transport, he explains, counter his fair share of breakdowns, One of the biggest areas Sokoloski but the height. The TG88 is more than which is frustrating. He feels the crew needed to improve was his ability to 13 ft. tall. Its tracks alone are a full handles it well, and they are usually up produce loads with just one- and twotractor trailer load. Months of searchand going rather quickly. Everyone on man crews. He was able to get the trees ing brought Sokoloski to a Mainethe job functions as a mechanic, so uncut, but skidding was a problem, and based trucking company that wasn’t less it is something major that Sokoloski even then it was taking nearly a full day afraid of bringing the machine across can’t figure out, there is no need for outto get just a handful of loads done. the border. side support. Then after searching Since the beginning around the internet SokoloSokoloski and his longski came across the Transtime employee Jesse Gesco TG88 clambunk Wine have had the same skidder. After talking back mentality. “We’re going and forth with Canada’s to give it a shot,” they Machinery Tanguay, say about pretty much Sokoloski knew the TG88 everything. Thus far, it was what he needed. But seems to be working out brand new the machine well. As with most logruns about $1.2 million— gers, some days are betout of Sokoloski’s budget ter than others, and to say the least. around every corner is He ended up finding a TH the next project. 1998 model on a Canadian Sokoloski’s crew uses four trucks and six trailers. Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

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Ezzell Trucking: By The Book North Carolina company emphasizes safety, driver training and retention. DAVIDAbbott Ezzell’s leased trucks are distinguished by bright green paint, logo and special trim.

t’s been a long road for Ezzell Trucking, Inc. since James Ezzell started the company with one truck in 1951. For most of that 64-year stretch, the trucks weren’t hauling wood products—the first commodity he transported was live turkeys. Nearly two decades later in 1969, Ezzell expanded into the refrigerated food business, and later into the dry van business. It wasn’t until 1990 that the trucking entity made its first turn towards wood fiber when it started a relationship with International Paper, hauling wood chips. Twenty years later Ezzell Trucking began transporting 100% forest products. “We were becoming a smaller dry van carrier and couldn’t have the impact in the market we had once had,” explains company president Al Ganey. At the same time, Ezzell had come to have a significant impact in a different market, almost by accident. “We had become, without any marketing, a major

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player in the wood industry in this part of North Carolina. So we took a step back and said, this is what we do and we do it better. We brought the advantages of a large trucking company but still had a smaller, locally-owned feel.” In January of this year, Ezzell, based in Harrells, further widened its forest products footprint when it started hauling logs directly from the woods. Previously it had only hauled residuals from sawmills. The log hauling is a continuation of the relationship with IP, whose Riegelwood, NC location is currently the only site to which Ezzell hauls logs. It was IP that approached Ezzell with the idea, after the Riegelwood plant downsized its chipping operations and needed additional capacity to supplement treelength material coming in from logging contractors. IP foots the bill for Ezzell to transport the production, currently from five to seven loggers. “We had been asked several times

in the past by many companies to haul logs but had always opted not to,” Ganey says. This time, Ezzell decided to give it a try. “We are approaching it as an interim project to make sure it works for us,” according to company CEO Grover Ezzell, son of the company’s patriarch. “Our biggest concern is the number of inactive days in the woods due to weather. With chips we can haul unless there is snow and ice, because sawmills don’t have as much dependency on the weather.” The verdict isn’t in yet on whether the log hauling venture will continue for the long haul, or if it will expand beyond IP Riegelwood. But after the first 10 months, it looks good, according to Ezzell. There were initially reservations about taking the trucks, which are leased, into the woods, but the project hasn’t had a negative effect on maintenance to date and has been

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very well received by Ezzell’s drivers. “We haven’t had the first complaint, and they like working with logging crews,” Ezzell says. “They’re very attentive to getting us loaded and out of the woods quickly.” The learning curve for moving into forest products was not as steep as an outsider might have guessed because the transition had already been taking place gradually over two decades. “When we made the decision to go 100% (forest products), probably 5060% of our gross revenues had transitioned already,” Ezzell says. The real concern was as to how quickly the company could grow back to its previous levels while only hauling forest products. That question became a moot point, thanks to the rise in eastern North Carolina of Enviva Biomass, the largest manufacturer of wood pellets in the country. Ezzell started hauling to Enviva at the Ahoskie, NC plant in 2011, in 2012 to the Garysburg, NC plant, and has been awarded a new contract for the new Enviva plant in Faison, NC, set to start next March. Enviva is one of four major customers for Ezzell, along with IP, Georgia-Pacific and Weyerhaeuser. The trucking company also hauls to and from some smaller mills.

Leased Fleet There are 80 Ezzell trucks on the road, but the company doesn’t own any of them. Rather, it has leasing arrangements with companies like Ryder Truck Rental and Triple T Leasing, which provide full service and maintenance. The brand is typically Freightliner, but that is up to the leasing company. Ezzell does, however, set the specifications that the leased trucks must meet in terms of safety and weight. With 130 drivers and another 25 employed in administrative and maintenance capacities, Ezzell leases 70 tractors and uses 10 owner-operated contract trucks fitted with sleeper cabs. The fleet includes 270 company owned trailers—Peerless and Innovative chip vans, Pitts log trailers and Timpte pellet hoppers that move 1,500 loads a week. That number is now mainly residuals, with about 90 loads of logs, though Ganey says the log percentage is growing at a slow pace. Trucks are based out of seven locations in eastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia. Ganey says 95% Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

of the company’s traffic lanes are east of I-95, so the company maintains a strong saturation of equipment and resources in that area. Central dispatch is at corporate headquarters in Harrells. Ezzell’s goal is to maximize utilization by taking advantage of backhauling opportunities wherever possible. Ganey says that 10 of its 24 log trailers and 48 pellet hoppers are equipped with an air pressure gauge that gives an approximate measurement of the trailer’s loaded weight, within 500 lbs. “You have to have an air bag suspension to utilize this feature,” Ezzell notes. These 10 trailers feature air bag suspension, while the other 14 have a much more common spring suspension. “We just wanted to try the air bag suspension to see if having the ability to weigh the loads coming out of the woods would be beneficial,” the CEO continues. “There hasn’t been enough time to evaluate if this feature is a good one.” Empty chip trailers and hopper trailers weigh about 9,000 lbs. Truck and trailers combined weigh 24-25,000 lbs. empty. To keep weight down, the day cab trucks use single fuel tanks (duals on the sleeper cabs). “Fuel weighs about seven and a half pounds per gallon,” Ganey says. “Our trucks aren’t going more than 450 miles on a shift, and the drivers fuel up during the shift. There’s no need for the extra tank and the extra weight.” For similar reasons, the leased trucks are fitted with a Detroit 13 L engine, as opposed to the larger, heavier 15 L option. “We don’t need a larger one—it (the 13 L) is about 800 lbs. lighter,” Ganey continues. “We aren’t driving long distances and the truck speed isn’t fast.” Although it doesn’t perform truck maintenance, the company does employ four technicians to keep up with normal

service requirements involving lights, tires and such and welding for trailers. Ezzell uses air inflation systems, LED lighting and super single tires on most of its trailers. The company has had good experience with super singles, Ganey says, reporting they save weight and fuel by increasing miles per gallon. If a driver has a flat, Ezzell will either send its own service team to change it or in some cases hire a commercial service, depending on how far out the truck is at the time. Tires are typically Michelin or Goodyear.

Safety Culture “We consider ourselves the industry leader in terms of safety,” the CEO says. “A lot of smaller companies haven’t embraced the safety aspect that we have, but that will come in time.” Ganey agrees. “Our safety culture is second to none, and it was established by the Ezzell family early when the company speed limit was under 60 MPH. We set expectations when we hire drivers of the standard we commit to.” Ezzell Trucking has a full-time safety manager, Alan Darr, and a driver trainer manager, Mary Banks. They both conduct periodic ride-alongs, spending a

Empty weight of tractor/trailer/van combinations ranges from 24-25,000 lbs. Top officers (inset) are CEO Grover Ezzell, left, and President Al Ganey. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 17

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full day with each driver to monitor habits and ensure company safety principles are being followed. Ganey and Ezzell stress that this “face time” is important to the employee state of mind as well as to answer any questions a driver may have about company policy. All trucking companies deal with the struggle of finding quality drivers. Ezzell has a retention rate (49% turnover) that is impressive for the industry, In a training exercise, drivers inspect an empty van. Ezzell says, and a strong core of drivers. The most tenured bidden while driving, and eating is driver has 33 years with the company discouraged—drivers typically get a and many others have at least 20 bite while waiting to be loaded or unyears. “Our turnover rate went up a litloaded. Ezzell notes that hauling logs tle higher when we first started with and wood residuals requires a different Enviva,” Ganey says. “We were new skillset than other types of products. to that area and people didn’t know us “You’re driving a lot of two-lane highat first so it took a little while to estabways with top heavy loads.” lish ourselves in that territory.” Recently the company recognized all of Upgrades its drivers who have driven at least Ezzell Trucking also adds several one million safe miles. Ezzell provides safety feature upgrades to its leased major medical benefits plus vision and trucks. Roll stability control, lane dedental insurance, as well as a 401K parture warning systems and Peoplan, proper driving and safety bopleNet GPS time tracking and mannuses, sign-on and recruiting bonuses. agement systems are the three main The company runs two shifts over a technologies Ezzell uses. 24-hour period, with some locations op“Roll stability is important because it erating seven days and seven nights a does reduce our exposure,” Ezzell says. week, because several of its customers “The best way to do that is to hire prorequire service 24/7. This is a challenge, fessionally trained drivers, but it does Ezzell admits, but the company does assist.” When a driver goes into a curve, what it has to in order to stay compliant the onboard software measures the G with all DOT regulations. It uses GPS forces in the truck and if it detects a dan(PeopleNet) to track individual perforger of rolling over it will automatically mance and hours of service. Drivers can decelerate the truck as a way to help the only legally work 14-hour days, and driver maintain control. “Roll stability only drive for 11 hours a day, with a or anti-rollover devices should be manmandatory 10-hour break before going dated on all trucks,” Ezzell believes. back on duty. Ezzell says 14 hours a The lane departure system includes day is the maximum; typically a driva camera attached to the windshield er’s day is 10-12 hours. All drivers are that is focused on the painted stripes subject to periodic random drug testing on the highway. If the camera detects and managers take required courses on that the truck is drifting too far to one substance abuse awareness. side or the other, a warning noise will “With our training program, I think sound from the speakers in the truck we go far beyond most companies of cab. It will not do so if the turn signal our size,” Ezzell says. The company is on, of course. “This helps keep the requires one year of prior experience driver focused on staying within his/ of all new hires, although applicants her lane and so it helps make a safer typically have 5-10 years under their driver,” Ezzell believes. belts. Even so, upon starting each The PeopleNet GPS system also driver undergoes three days of trainsends an alert to safety director Darr if ing, and each new hire receives a copy a truck signals potential rollover inciof the company’s employee manual, dent or erratic lane departure. Peowhich lists all its safety rules. For example, cell phone usage is strictly forpleNet shows a map of exactly when 18

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and where it happened, as well as the speed and RPM of the truck’s engine during, before and after the incident, helping the company monitor individual driver performance. Other Ezzell-mandated specifications include automatic transmissions and disc brakes. “You don’t even have a clutch pedal so that keeps both hands on the steering wheel and research shows that disc brakes decrease a vehicle’s stopping distance by a third,” Ezzell says. The trucks use Eaton Fuller Ultra Shift transmissions, and Ganey reports that the automatics fit nicely into all the company’s applications, including hauling logs from the woods. “We’ve been very pleased. The drivers were a little hesitant at first, but they come to absolutely love it after a while. It makes it easier.” Ezzell has been using automatics in its trucks for the last two years. All these safety features don’t come cheap, the CEO points out. “But it reduces our exposure, so it translates into savings on insurance,” he counters. “We do have competitive rates, but we have to be able to have a sustainable and reasonable return on investment.” The company drivers have driven 390 days—that’s over 10 million miles of driving—with no DOT preventable accidents, Ganey figures. Also, in its 64-year history, Ezzell Trucking has never been at fault in a fatality, Ezzell notes. “I think the integrity of the company is paramount because the motoring public needs to see what we stand for.” Ezzell’s daughter, Catherine, is the Human Resources manager and oversees the benefits department as well. “We are excited to have the third generation of the family involved,” he says. Catherine has helped expand the company’s presence on social media, which has become a key method of recruiting drivers. Ezzell Trucking is a member of North Carolina Trucking Assn., and both Ganey and Ezzell serve on that organization’s board of directors. Ezzell served as chairman in the mid ’90s and Ganey will do so for the 2015-16 year. The company is also a member of the North Carolina Forestry Assn. and the American TruckTH ing Assns.

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Mid-Atlantic Expo G Summary: record participation, good access, perfect weather

ith another safe, well attended show in the rearview mirror, sponsors of the Mid-Atlantic Logging & Biomass Expo are already discussing how to improve and expand the next event, set for early fall 2017. However, they continue to savor the success of the September 18-19 event, held again near Selma-Smithfield, NC.

which drew a record crowd of 3,500 and tons upon tons of advanced equipment, new technology and supplies. “I did not hear anything but positive comments,” said Expo Coordinator Jack Swanner. “The weather was beautiful; the attendance was outstanding, and we had higher vendor participation than ever. It was a huge success!” In addition to overall participation,

the expo drew many accolades for its convenient access to highways, parking setup, and compact layout. The site incorporated a field for parking, registration and mostly static displays while an adjacent pine plantation anchored live equipment demonstrations. Sisters Mary Earp Worley and Nancy Crews Earp provided the site. Attendance on the first day was relaTigercat’s booth was never quiet and Swamp Logger Bobby Goodson was spotted multiple times milling about, posing for pictures and talking with fellow attendees.

On Saturday, many families turned out.

Caterpillar and local/area dealers were out in full force with a live demo, a loader contest and static machines—including ones sold at the show and in the days leading up to the show.

Big mechanical Smokey was a hit for kids.

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o Gets High Marks tively light, but it mushroomed quickly on Saturday morning. Some loggers treated their entire crew(s) to the show, which drew many families, some no doubt attracted in part to the giant mechanical Smokey the Bear supplied by the NC Forest Service and the air rifle shooting gallery provided by the Wild Turkey Federation. Swanner acknowledged the dozens

of people who pulled together to make the show safe and successful. “Shows like this require lots of time, effort, and patience and I commend everybody

who helped out up and down the line.” Sponsors were the Carolina Logger’s Assn., NC Forestry Assn. and Hatton-Brown Publishers. Swanner believes that landowners Worley and Earp will agree to host the 2017 event again in the same area and indicates that sponsors may attempt to expand it to include more landclearing/mulching equipment. TH

Above: A representative from St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital was on hand Saturday to accept a donation from John Woodie Enterprises, which included proceeds from the Barko loader contest. Below: John Woodie Enterprises’ site drew steady crowds, as well as demos of Barko and TimberPro machines.

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Highlights Of 2015 ALC Annual Meeting Highlights of the 21st annual meeting of the American Loggers Council, held September 24-26 in Eureka, Calif., included the induction of two new state groups as members, informative technical sessions, a briefing on proposed federal forest management legislation, a resolution honoring a founding father of ALC, the presentation of various awards, and a logging operation tour. Attending were more than 250 loggers, family members and ALC supporters. Associated Contract Loggers and Truckers of Minnesota and the West Virginia Loggers Council were accorded full membership privileges by the ALC board. The Minnesota association is an established independent organization led by Scott Dane, executive director; the newly formed West Virginia group is affiliated with the state’s forestry association and is headed by Frank Stewart. Both organizations have appointed members to serve on the ALC board, which now serves professional timber harvesters in 32 states. The board adopted a resolution in memory of Michigan logger Earl St. John, Jr., one of several loggers who helped form and shape the ALC in the mid ‘90s and who served as the organization’s first president. St. John died on September 13, following years of declining health. Technical sessions included the following: —Mike Rose, representing the International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, addressed how the ALC and his organization could work together on similar issues when seeking to preserve jobs and promote domestic industry. —Jimmie Locklear with Forestry Mutual Insurance, along with several other insurance representatives, focused on issues they confront in providing log and chip truck coverage, and stressed the need for heightened safety awareness and additional driver training. Locklear informed the group about the recent formation of TEAM Truck, an effort to stimulate additional

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driver training, and encouraged broad support for it. —Nick Smith, founder and executive director of Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities described the work of his non-profit, non-partisan grassroots coalition that seeks to restore the health of rural communities and federal forest lands. A panel, consisting of Keith Argow, National Woodland Owners Assn.; Dan Tomacheski, Sierra Pacific Industries; and Jim Dudley, Swanson Group (Sierra and Swanson own and operate lumber and plywood plants); dwelled on what their organizations look for in

a logging contractor, and concerns they have with logger attrition. Attendees enthusiastically supported the ALC’s annual auction, which raised a record $23,645 to further support its work. Ladies’ events included a visit to the scenic Avenue of the Giants and a luncheon at Rosina’s vineyard, where Associated California Logger member Rosina Lewis hosted a tour of their vineyard. Ladies also explored historic downtown Eureka and enjoyed a luncheon at Carson’s Mansion on Humboldt Bay. At the Saturday luncheon, California U.S. Representative Tom McClintock, who chairs the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulations, discussed legislation working its way through Congress that would halt the

Forest Service practice of using funds designated for forest management to combat wildfires and to otherwise provide better management on Forest Service lands. Also at the luncheon, logger Frank Myers, Vice President of M.M. Wright Inc., Gasburg, Va., was recognized as the ALC’s 2015 National Logger Activist of the Year. Myers has been involved in logging for 34 years and is a member of the Virginia Board of Forestry and the Virginia Loggers Assn. (VLA) Board of Directors. Ron Jenkins, Executive Director of VLA, nominated Myers based on his tireless efforts to improve the logging industry at both state federal levels. His nomination was endorsed by Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, and Bettina Ring, Virginia State Forester. Outgoing ALC president Myles Anderson presented the President’s Award to Henry Schienebeck, Director of the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Assn., for his industry promotional efforts and accomplishments over the years. During the concluding dinner on Saturday night, Floyd and Sandy Quiram, owners of Quiram Logging, Inc., Whitefish, Mont., received the prestigious Timber Harvesting Logging Business of the Year Award. President Myles Anderson turned over the gavel to incoming president Richard Schwab of Florida, who pledged to continue moving the organization forward, citing these goals: 1) “increasing the visibility of the organization among our peers; 2) reviewing the five-year strategic plan and coming up with ways to make this organization even stronger, and 3) increasing our presence in Washington, DC by making an extra effort to bring more people to the Spring Fly-In to make visits to the Hill.” Other officers include Mississippi logger Ken Martin, Oregon logger Mark Turner, and Alabama logger Chris Potts. ALC’s 22nd annual meeting is set for September 29-October 1 in PanTH ama City, Fla.

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————————————————————————————————————————————— ADVERTORIAL —————————————————————————————————————————————

Logset Oy To Expand In North America Logset Oy is a Finnish forest machine manufacturer with over 20 years of experience in developing cut to length machines and logging solutions. Today Logset´s distribution network covers 20 countries and Logset machines are working in more than 25 countries. The company has become a strong and reliable partner for dealers and forest operators as it offers effective and user-friendly products with rapid spare parts service, extensive technical support and thorough training.

Products All Logset products have been developed in close co-operation with dealers and operators to ensure economical and efficient operation and a comfortable work place. Logset Oy strives to provide the right product to various conditions and operations. The wide product range includes several forwarder, harvester and harvester head models. The machines are controlled by the in-house-developed intelligent TOC control system that has an integrated TOC-MD measuring device. Among forestry professions, the control system/ measuring device has established itself as a reliable and easy to use technology. Logset Oy pushes the doors open to the North American market with its king-size products: the 12F GT and TH85. The 20 ton 12F GT forwarder, also known as The Silverback, is the big boy for the big country. It is designed to carry huge timber volumes in extreme conditions, while its safety features offer excellent protection for both the operator and the engine. The strong and robust TH85 harvester head cuts trees up to 35.5 in. and is the optimum choice for the most demanding operations.

Future Prospects Logset Oy is very international, with employers and operators on four continents. The brand is very well represented in north and central Europe and there is a long history of export to Russia, the neighboring country. Since 2002 Logset Oy has exported over 50

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Logset’s big 12F GT forwarder has 20 ton capacity.

The company’s robust TH85 harvester head cuts trees up to 35.5 in.

machines to the Canadian provinces of Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick. During recent years the company has entered the South American market and established business relations in Australia and Japan. Further North American expansion is the next step. Logset Oy is now actively investigating the potential forest

reserve and market in western Canada and in the U.S. The company is interested in finding distributors for launching Logset products to the new market. For more information, contact the Export Sales Director Pascal Réty. Email pascal.rety@logset.com or phone +358 45 652 5645.

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EquipmentWorld Ponsse North America Celebrates 20th Year Ponsse North America, Inc., Finish equipment company Ponsse’s subsidiary in the U.S., celebrated its 20th anniversary with 500 guests at the Great Lakes Logging Expo in Escabana, Mich. in early September. Since being established, the company has sold more than 600 cut-tolength harvesting machines, most of which operate in the Great Lakes region. A new Ponsse facility was opened this year in Oregon, a spare parts warehouse was expanded in Rhinelander, Wis., and plans are to build new facilities in lower Michigan. “We are selling Ponsse’s largest harvesters to first and secondary thinning sites,” says Pekka Ruuskanen, CEO of Ponsse North America. “Our harvester and processing heads are a good sell on the West Coast as well.” The first Ponsse machine came to the U.S. in 1991 and was delivered to the late Earl St. John in Spalding, Mich. In 2010, St. John sent a letter to

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Ponsse founder Einari Vidgren. “I believe in your honesty, saying we would be taken care of with first class parts and service,” St. John wrote. “You are truly a man of your word. Today, the first machine still runs with over 36,000 hours.”

Tidewater Opens Fifth Parts Depot Tidewater Equipment Co., a leading dealer for Tigercat, Morbark, CSI, Cummins, Pitts, Big John and MaxiLoad, has opened a new parts depot in Perry, Fla. Conveniently placed in Taylor County, this store is located in the heart of a historically high traffic logging center. This is the fifth parts depot Tidewater has added to its 10 full-service branches. The opening of these stores began as an idea to bridge noticeable gaps between the existing branch locations, making Tidewater experts and parts more accessible to valued customers as demands have increased.

Morbark Opens Door For Manufacturing Day More than 130 area high school students, parents, school officials and other guests visited Morbark in October for the company’s career-focused Manufacturing Day event. Titled “March into Your Future with Morbark,” the event featured a tour of the Morbark factory and presentations by numerous employees explaining their duties and personal career paths in manufacturing. Manufacturing Day, is a coordinated occasion during which U.S. manufacturers open their doors to demonstrate the potential of modern manufacturing and foster interest in the wide range of career opportunities available upon graduation from high school, trade schools or college. “Today’s manufacturing is not your grandfather’s or even your father’s manufacturing,” says Morbark President Jim Shoemaker Jr. “Modern manufacturing is highly technical, requires a skilled labor force and provides

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EquipmentWorld well-paying careers with diverse opportunities for advancement. But we’re facing a skills gap, with as many as 60% of skilled production positions in the U.S. going unfilled, combined with misperceptions about what manufacturing is. That’s why it’s important to have events like this.”

Ponsse Appoints Director Of Supply Ponsse has appointed Tommi Vaananen as its new Director of Supply. Vaananen is responsible for keeping track of customer orders through production and delivery. The appointment is part of the changes made recently in the organizational structure of Ponsse. “This change improves the efficiency of the supply chain and prepares us for an increase in manufacturing volumes in the long term,” says Ponsse CEO and President Juho Nummela. “We are satisfied we found the correct person to lead this demanding process from within our own company.”

Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

Andringa New Vermeer President And CEO Jason Andringa is the new Vermeer Corp. President and CEO as part of the company’s family succession planning process. “I’m excited, honored and humbled to have the opportunity to continue my family’s legacy of leadership at Vermeer into the third generation,” Andringa says. “We will continue to ful- Jason Andringa fill our promise to our customers by capitalizing on our strengths—innovative, high-quality products; entrepreneurial dealers; and the diligent practice of continuous improvement while continuing to create opportunities for growth with today’s fast-moving customer expectations in mind.” Prior to becoming president and CEO, Andringa served as president

and COO, in addition to a number of other roles at Vermeer. Before joining Vermeer in 2005, he was a staff engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Andringa graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Calvin College and later completed advanced degrees including a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern California. Mary Andringa, former CEO and chair of the board, will assume the role of chair of the board exclusively. “It’s been a great honor and privilege to be CEO,” she says. “I am confident in Jason and the entire team who will continue the work that’s been happening here for the last 68 years as they lead this company into a bright future.

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PeoplePower! WENDY FARRAND wendyfarrand@gmail.com, 207-838-4435

Define Your Company’s Culture There are thousands and thousands of logging contractors around the world working hard every day to supply the world’s insatiable demand for wood. Have you ever thought about what sets your company apart? A mission statement serves as a guide for the decisions you make and helps to define the culture of your company. A company without a mission statement is a company that fails to communicate the core purpose of what it does and why. I am sure most of you have heard the famous quote by Peter Marshall: “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” Although he was talking about personal choices, this can also be true of the choices you make within your business. So a mission statement can serve as a guide for how you, and your employees conduct business and tackle tough decisions by knowing exactly what you stand for and what you will or will not do. There is a big responsibility that goes along with being a logger. You made the decision to work in one of the most dangerous professions, be a part of the global forest products chain, and bear the burden of “cutting trees.” Even though you can’t fill that insatiable desire that consumers have for the products you deliver, as crazy as it sounds, you still have to constantly answer to those who judge you for the products you bring to the market. You work in a misunderstood profession. Even though everyone wants what you produce, they often criticize you for producing it. Then it becomes part of your existence to justify what you do, and how you do it. By doing this, you are representing thousands of loggers in the never-ending battle of defending your choice to be a steward of the forest. A concise mission statement will help steer your company around curves and across long, smooth stretches of the road. Peter Drucker, business management guru of the 20th century, said the best mission statement should fit on a T-shirt. He felt that a short, concise and to-the-point description makes a statement easier to remember. Need30

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less to say, long or short, by creating a mission statement, you have taken the step to give your company a direction—a compass to guide you and your crews when making those tough decisions about how you will conduct business on a daily basis. Look at how others define their companies through their mission statements. Let’s face it, we all can describe the logging companies in our area in just a few words. For instance, here, in the southern part of Maine there is a company that uses a CTL system, so foresters will seek them out for low impact jobs, or those that might be heavily scrutinized by the public. So if I were to think about what a good mission statement for that company would be, it would have something to do with the fact that it has made the equipment choices to operate slowly and gently. A landowner might not select the company if the goal was high production. So their personality and reputation would be reflected in their mission statement. Hop on your computer or smart phone and search different companies that you like doing business with, including equipment dealers, large landowners, and other organizations that you are associated with, and search for their mission statements. Read them and see if they truly conduct business accordingly. Do your dealings with them reflect what they stand for? Times change and mission statements should be altered or updated to reflect those changes. Companies grow, merge, change services and directions, but strong companies will be guided by their statements, and their core values should be clear to you. The most important thing is that you and your employees fashion a mission statement that will guide your operation day-to-day. Employee input is valuable here, for people tend to support something they helped create. So if you would like to represent something that your employees will stand strong behind, get their input. Years ago, when I worked in corporate training, we worked with an international company that got input from

all around the world for its mission statement. The president sent an e-mail to all employees, asking for their opinion of what they felt their company stood for. What he did was allow everyone an opportunity to be heard, and if they didn’t participate, they only had themselves to blame. The real power was in the fact that everyone felt a part of creating that mission statement. Then they could live those values in a unified way all around the world! In our industry one of my favorite mission statements belongs to Cross and Crown, Inc., a logging company based in Carlton, Ore. By reading that company’s mission at crossandcrown inc.com, I can see the flavor of that company, what it stands for and how it does business. The statement shows it cares about safety, employees, spreading the good word about logging for their benefit, and the benefit of the industry as a whole. It does all these things while conducting business. Cross and Crown cuts wood for a living, but their mission statement reflects how they operate while they are moving that wood. So take the time to start a conversation with your crew or crews about what they feel the flavor of your company is. Ultimately, as a leader you are in charge of defining what you stand for, but helping them see what you think, and hearing what they think is valuable to the whole process of putting a mission statement together. Think about how you conduct business and the personality of your company. Are you giving back to the community? Are you showing the world that you are a professional and everything you do reflects that? Are you helping strengthen the image of logging as a whole in support of your fellow loggers, and everyone else in the wood supply chain? Remember, you not only represent yourself and your company, but the entire forest products industry. This is the responsibility of all of us, for we are only as strong as the weakest link in our chain. We owe it to each other to strengthen our industry as a whole, from the beautiful spot where you stand at the stump to the other side of the globe.

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InnovationWay Tigercat 822D F-B

Tigercat has released the D-series 822 track feller-buncher to the North American market. The new D-series 822 takes the carrier to the next level with a number of improvements aimed at service access, operator ergonomics and hydraulic efficiency. The 822D features the Tigercat FPT C87 Tier 4f engine running at 232 kW (310 HP), a higher capacity cooling system and a new engine enclosure profile that improves all-important right hand side visibility. The powered engine enclosure fully opens with side platforms for easy access to critical components, including filters, the swing gearbox, cooling system components and both sides of the engine. The redesign also allows for a larger 155 gal. standard fuel tank and includes ground level fueling. A new cab structure with narrower front posts and larger side windows enhances visibility with improved sight lines and the skylight has been replaced by a camera system that provides the operator with a much wider field of view. The 822D is now standard equipped with LED lighting for improved productivity in night shift operations. The cab interior is quieter and instrumentation has been thoughtfully placed to optimize ergonomics. The electronic control system interface includes an easy to use 7" color touch screen for machine monitoring and function adjustment. There are also multiple mounting points for additional electronic devices, including an auxiliary input port, Bluetooth audio and hands free calling and two 12 VDC power outlets. With tight tuck boom geometry and near zero tail swing, the 822D is a powerful yet compact machine well suited to selective felling and clear fell applications. Visit tigercat.com. 32

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InnovationWay Doosan Log Loader

Durability, power and performance are built into the new Tier 4-compliant Doosan DX300LL-5 log loader. The “dash-5" model replaces the interim Tier 4 (iT4) DX300LL-3 log loader. The DX300LL-5 is powered by a 270 net HP Scania DC9 diesel engine, providing 27% more horsepower than the “dash-3" model. The DX300LL-5 log loader is equipped with a fully guarded, heavyduty long undercarriage and upper structure designed specifically for forestry applications. Its tracks feature heavyduty links with double grouser shoes and full-length track guiding guards. Operators can also get a good view from inside the loader with a 4' cab riser, which can be hydraulically tilted for transport. Four optional LED front lights and two LED rear lights are standard. Operators can monitor parameters such as engine RPM, battery voltage, and front and rear hydraulic pump pressure while viewing the rearview camera image on an improved 7" liquid-crystal display (LCD) screen. An optional side camera is available, allowing both camera displays to be viewed at once. To help save valuable diesel fuel, Doosan added an auto-shutdown system for use during non-working conditions.Loader operators can configure the idle time before auto-shutdown from 3 to 60 minutes. The Doosan DX300LL-5 complies with Tier 4f emission standards with modified diesel engines and after-treatment technologies. The engine is optimized for use with a high-pressure common-rail (HPCR) fuel delivery system and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (CEGR) system. Visit doosanequipmenet.com.

resent a new generation of harvesters with breakthrough improvements in operator comfort, convenience, performance and productivity. The operator comfort and convenience transformation begins with a new cab design and operating environment. The modern

Komatsu Harvester Lineup Komatsu America Corp.’s complete line of Tier 4f wheeled harvesters—the 901, 911, 931 and 951—repForemost Authority For Professional Loggers

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InnovationWay design features first-class ergonomics, high-end automotive fit and finish, and a MaxiXplorer control and information system with 7 new software options and a more powerful computer. The machines feature Tier 4f low emissions engines, new higher lift capacity H-series parallel cranes with 360° cab/ crane rotation and 4-way cab/crane leveling. An innovative 3PS three-pump hydraulic system design produces higher hydraulic working flows, and a new hydrostatic transmission generates higher torque. The new modern cab design increases the front line-ofsight visibility by +62% upward and +17% downward, and features 360° cab/crane rotation, 4-way cab/crane leveling, improved climate control, and lower noise levels. Storage has been improved including two new food/beverage cooling and warming boxes. The harvesters feature a new 3PS three-pump hydraulic system. One hydraulic pump and circuit is dedicated to the transmission for maneuvering the machine. The other two pumps are for the hydraulic working flow and are split into two circuits that can be operated separately or together at different pressures, depending on the working function and oil requirements. Visit komatsuamerica.com.

Timken Lube System Timken ILS has developed and installed a Grease Lubrication System that applies grease to the saw on a harvester head. It is an alternative to conventional oil lubrication systems that can be costly and bad for the environment. Lubrication is initiated when the saw is activated by the operator and the lubrication cycle stops when

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the sawing process is completed. The system delivers an accurate amount of grease to saw as and when the saw process is in operation. Visit timken.com; phone 937-276-4507.

Southstar Processor Grapple The QS 605 Processor Grapple from Southstar is a multi-purpose shovel-processor-loader controlled with a proven DASA5 computer system combined with Southstar‘s unique Startrax satellite communication system. It features a powerful tilt lock system activated with twin cylinders that enables this grapple processor to operate with or without heel attached. This system combines with innovative tilt levelling software to control logs when loading from the back of a trailer or handling wood off center. A dual rotator motor drive allows the operator to rotate logs up steep slopes when loading trucks on uneven ground. Large capacity grapple delimb arms maximize load capacity while retaining optimum delimbing performance, and a 4x4 drive system provides amplified torque in large wood,while increasing productivity with the ability to multi-stem, small wood. Visit southstarequipment.com.

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SelectCuts As We (ALC) See It

Maintaining The ALC Course

TIMBERHARVESTING.COM

RICHARD SCHWAB The great pop culture philosopher Tom Cochrane once said, “Life is a highway.” We all are on a journey going somewhere. On this journey we are all going to arrive at our destination, either on purpose or off purpose. Over the last few years the American Loggers Council has been moving forward, on purpose, because of its strong leadership. As president, I plan to maintain the course. These are my goals for the coming year: My first goal is to bring more awareness to this organization. The last survey that was taken revealed that only 46% of loggers in this nation understood what ALC is and does. We have got to change this. We are going to solve this by strengthening our message through soSchwab cial media, word of mouth, and other ideas we are now brain storming. As loggers we are so busy doing our jobs that we forget the importance of our national voice. We can’t allow ourselves to be so busy that we personally don’t take part in sharing our voices. Join me in understanding what we are about and letting others know about this great profession. With the ALC as our national voice, we have to personally participate and let others know what we are about. As you know, 2016 is an election year. It is extremely difficult to get any traction on issues in an election year. However, come next this spring, I would like to see more loggers than ever participate in our Washington DC Fly-In. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get our story told of what we do professionally in the woods. Let’s try some new things next year. Bring someone who has never been to DC. Set some appointments up with members that are generally not favorable to our industry. Don’t worry about what to say. We will have a strong legislative agenda. We will give you the opportunity to make it personal to suit your business and personality. The American Loggers Council this year will also be taking the time to evaluate its five-year plan. With help of our corporate sponsors, we are going to evaluate our goals and we will derive an action plan to achieve those goals. As it develops, I will share details of these plans. In this process, we will measure our successes and failures for the past five years. Along with the executive committee, I will be looking forward to this retreat in the summer of 2016. We will share our five-year plan at the annual meeting in September. As you can see, we have some aggressive plans for this next year. Together we are going to work ➤ 38 Foremost Authority For Professional Loggers

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2011 CAT 535C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $114,000 2011 CAT 563 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $104,500 2009 Deere 643J . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75,000 2012 Deere 643K . . . . . . . . . . . . . $115,000 2010 Deere 648H. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $74,500 2005 Tigercat 620C . . . . . . . . . . . . $66,000 2014 Tigercat 620E . . . . . . . . . . . $230,000 2004 Tigercat 630C . . . . . . . . . . . $115,000 2005 Tigercat 630C . . . . . . . . . . . . $65,000 2013 Tigercat 630D . . . . . . . . . . . $245,000

FELLER BUNCHERS

2005 Deere 748GIII . . . . . . . . . . . . $41,000 2008 Deere 748H. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $82,500 2007 Prentice 2384 . . . . . . . . . . . . $75,000 2008 Prentice 2570 . . . . . . . . . . . . $56,000 2002 Tigercat 718 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $57,500 2006 Tigercat 718 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65,000 2008 Tigercat 718 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $80,000 1998 Tigercat 720B . . . . . . . . . . . . $28,000 2005 Tigercat 720D . . . . . . . . . . . . $70,000 2007 Tigercat 720E . . . . . . . . . . . . $80,000 2009 Tigercat 720E . . . . . . . . . . . . $90,000

2010 Tigercat 720E . . . . . . . . . . . $107,900 2011 Tigercat 720E . . . . . . . . . . . $131,000 2005 Tigercat 724D . . . . . . . . . . . . $75,000 2007 Tigercat 724E . . . . . . . . . . . . $93,000 2010 Tigercat 724E . . . . . . . . . . . $125,000 2014 Tigercat 724E . . . . . . . . . . . $200,000 2004 Tigercat 822 . . . . . . . . . . . . $135,000

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2013 CAT 559B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $132,425 2011 Deere 643K . . . . . . . . . . . . . $168,300 2002 Tigercat 230B . . . . . . . . . . . . $50,000 2010 Tigercat 234CS. . . . . . . . . . $125,000 2005 Tigercat 240B . . . . . . . . . . . . $40,000 2006 Tigercat 240B . . . . . . . . . . . . $52,500 2007 Tigercat 244 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $72,900 2005 Tigercat 250 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60,000

INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

2010 BANDIT 2590 . . . . . . . . . . . $157,500 2001 MORBARK 5600. . . . . . . . . $175,000

2009 MORBARK 40/36 NCL DRUM CHIPPER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $219,500 2009 MORBARK 40/36 NCL DRUM CHIPPER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $243,750 2010 MORBARK 40/36 NCL DRUM CHIPPER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $225,000 2013 M0RBARK MICRO CHIPPER$41,000

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SelectCuts 35 ➤ hard. We will be further down the road...on purpose. “Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.” (Proverbs 4:2527 (NLT) Richard Schwab is the procurement manager for M.A. Rigoni, Inc., a full service timber harvesting and forest management company located in Perry, Fla. The American Loggers Council is a non-profit 501(c) (6) corporation representing professional timber harvesters in 32 states. Visit amloggers.com or phone 409-625-0206.

Forestry Mutual Honors C.K. Greene Forestry Mutual Ins. Co. has singled out Virginia logger C.K. Greene for his commitment to on-the-job safety by presenting him with the Virginia E.K. Pittman Safety Award for 2015. The award is named for the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Forestry Mutual and is pre-

sented to those whose safety records reflect a continued emphasis on safety in the workplace. Greene owns Virginia Custom Thinning & Chipping, based in Dolphin, Va. After 14 years in procurement with Virginia Carolina Timber, Inc. Greene started his own business in January 2007. His team produces up to 22 loads a day. He buys the timber he cuts, keeps his equipment in top condition, treats his employees exceptionally well, is involved in local and industry affairs, and is passionate about the upscale performance of his crew. Insured by Forestry Mutual since he went on his own, Greene’s company has a current loss ratio of 0% and an experience modifier of .79.

Appalachian Award Goes To Humphreys Bryan Humphreys, owner of B.T. Humphreys Logging, Lewisburg, WV, has been honored as the 2015 Appalachian Region Outstanding

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

January 12-13, 2016—Missouri Forest Products Assn. 2016 winter meeting, Capital Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, Jefferson City, Mo. Call 573-634-3252; visit moforest.org. January 12-14, 2016— Associated California Loggers annual meeting, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Reno, Nev. Call 916-441-7940; visit calog.com. February 11-13, 2016—67th Annual 2016 Forest Products & Constr. Equip. Expo, Shasta District Fairgrounds, Anderson, Calif. Call 530-222-1290; visit sierracascadeexpo.com. February 24-28, 2016—Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers annual meeting, Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club, Naples, Fla. Call 336-885-8315; visit appalachianwood.org. February 25-27, 2016—Oregon Logging Conference & Show, Lane County Convention Center, Eugene, Ore. Call 541-686-9191; visit oregonloggingconference.com. March 9-10, 2016—Ohio Forestry Assn. annual meeting, Embassy Suites, Dublin, Ohio. Call 614-497-9580; visit ohioforest.org. March 9-11, 2016—Alaska Forest Assn. annual meeting, Baranof Hotel, Juneau, Alaska. Call 907-225-6114; visit akforest.org. 38

Logger by the Forest Resources Assn. (FRA) and Stihl, Inc. FRA presented Humphreys with a wooden crosscut saw plaque and Stihl gave him $250 and a gift certificate for a Stihl MS 461 chain saw. Humphreys started his logging business in 2002 and in 2005 won the West Virginia Forestry Assn.’s Logger of the Year Award. He was honored with that award again in 2014. Humphreys’ crewmen are state certified, meaning they have received training in chain saw safety, BMPs and first aid. The crew communicates via CB radios and company-provided cell phones. The owner has installed a cell phone signal booster in his pickup to maintain phone access even in remote areas. Humphreys’ safety performance may be unequaled in West Virginia. He may be the only logger in the state that has been inspected by a very tough OSHA compliance officer without receiving a single infraction or citation. His attention to safety parallels his attention to environmental practices.

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Easy Access to current advertisers! http://www.timberharvesting.com/advertiser-index/ This issue of Timber Harvesting is brought to you in part by the following companies, which will gladly supply additional information about their products.

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