Association News

Pacific Logging Congress Will Host In-person Convention November 7-10

The Pacific Logging Congress (PLC) will hold its 112th annual convention November 8 – 10, 2021, at the Hyatt Regency in Indian Wells, California. A host of industry speakers will cover topics that include everything from electric trucks to 2021 tax ramifications. The board is excited to finally be able to bring people together in person, and the PLC will be following all COVID protocols. To register or learn more about the upcoming conference, visit
www.pacificloggingcongress.org.

W&C Suspensions Gives Generously to OLC Fire Relief Fund

W&C Suspensions (formerly known as Watson & Chalin) donated $28,500 to the Oregon Logging Conference (OLC) Repair & Recovery Fire Relief Fund.

A post on the W&C Suspensions website read: “2020 has been challenging on all fronts and Watson & Chalin Manufacturing Inc. (W&C) recognizes it will take years to fully recover from the historic wildfires that have ravaged the Northwest. To that point, W&C would like to assist those affected and contribute to the rebuilding of our logging community as all start the journey of getting back on their feet and returning to normal.”

As part of its Fire Relief Program, W&C Suspensions designated a portion of sales during the period of December 15, 2020, to March 31, 2021, to be a donation to the OLC Fire Relief Fund. Also during that period, W&C Suspensions offered logging fleets a credit on the purchase of a new W&C 50K single point suspension, “to shoulder a little of the burden of estimated equipment losses of over $100 million (due to wildfires).”

“Thank you, W&C Suspensions for your generous donation. We very much appreciate your support,” said Heidi Leib, OLC board member and committee chair.

New Forest and Water Publication and e-Course

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is offering a new publication and e-learning course on the connections between forests and water and how to improve the management of forests for the provision of water-related services. Policymakers, forest and water practitioners, community stakeholders, and others interested in this topic are invited to read the new FAO publication, a Guide to Forest-Water Management at www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/cb6473en and sign up for the e-course, Forest and Water Nexus – introduction, https://elearning.fao.org/course/view.php?id=727.

American Loggers Council 27th Annual Meeting

The American Loggers Council’s 27th annual meeting was held October 7-9, 2021 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

The event began with an optional ldaho logging tour. Those that attended — especially those from flat geography — were wow’d by steep-slope logging taking place at Danielson Logging.

The following day was filled with high level speakers, including Pete Stewart, President of Forest2Markets, who provided industry insights and trends. He touched on a number of topics such as carbon being the new global currency, an increased demand for pine and growth of the industry in the south, as well as the importance of mass timber, biofuel and ESG.

Pete was followed by Chris Pease who gave people a look at the new Idaho Forest Group mill being constructed in Lumberton, Georgia, and Jeff Manternach of Red Rock Biofuels who gave attendees a peak at his company’s future facility.

Other highlights included the story around PATHH (Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers program) as an impassioned plea to get people signed up as soon as possible, and the deadline was soon approaching. Delbert Gannon also told members about Shasta College’s HELO program, there was a look at the national agenda and trucking challenges, and much more.

One big moment was a break in the talks to read a letter that had just arrived from President Joe Biden, announcing how important the industry was and pledging his support. Tim Christopherson told attendees, no matter your political affiliation, this letter was proof that the ALC had arrived.

The day wrapped up with the President’s reception, the President’s dinner and ALC Auction.