FERNDALE, California – The Redwood Region Logging Conference put its mark on a new location this year that generated positive feedback. The 88th annual event featured displays of logging and trucking equipment, a log loader competition, professional logger classes, historical displays, including a train locomotive, logging sports competitions, and many social events.

The conference, held in late March, was put on at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds in Ferndale, California. In most recent years the conference alternated between Eureka in Humboldt County and Ukiah in Mendocino County.

The theme of this year’s conference was ‘From Dugouts to Decking: Teamwork Builds Timber’s Future,’ a reference to the historic connection between baseball and local timber companies. Conference president Jesse Crosswhite said the teamwork aspect of the timber industry is as important today as it was historically.

In the 1920s through the 1950s and a bit beyond, it was common for local lumber companies to sponsor men’s baseball teams. The Humboldt League was formed in 1895 and included four baseball teams; many more semi-professional teams were added when the Redwood Empire League was established.

The Redwood Region Logging Conference recognized two people with its Achievement and Shining Star awards.

The Achievement Award was presented to David Walters of Pacific Timber Contracting Inc. and WW Trucking. Walters has worked in the timber industry for 35 years, mainly as a timber faller. He was recognized for a lifetime of dedication to the timber industry and the people who make it great.

“My key to success in life and business (is) be honest no matter what,” said Walters.

“And I learned really, really quick that you are only as good as your crew,” he added.

The recipient of this year’s Shining Star Award was Laurie Ervin, a longtime truck dispatcher, first with Joe Costa and now with Bettendorf Trucking, in Arcata, California. Ervin has 43 years of keeping trucks rolling and dispatching more than 5,000 loads every year. The Shining Star award was presented to Ervin as someone who works behind the scenes to keep the industry moving forward and whose dedication rarely seeks the spotlight but absolutely deserves it.

The well-attended conference was a testament to the support for and impact of the logging industry on the north coast of California.

The 2027 Redwood Region Logging Conference is scheduled to take place in March in Mendocino County.