Welcome to the 88th annual Oregon Logging Conference and Equipment Show, from OLC President

Mike McKibbin
President, Oregon Logging Conference

As we come together for this great event, I am reminded of the enduring strength and unity within our industry. Each year, the Oregon Logging Conference serves not only as a place for learning and growth, but also as a celebration of our shared commitment to the forest product industry that we all serve.

Our conference offers a unique opportunity to explore the latest advancements in logging technology, safety standards, and environmental stewardship. Attendees can participate in hands-on demonstrations, attend informative workshops, and network with industry leaders from across the region. I hope you take full advantage of the knowledge and resources available during these sessions, and that you leave inspired to further strengthen your operations and this great industry that we all get to work in.

This year’s theme, ‘Responsible Forestry Today, Healthy Forests Tomorrow,’ is more than a theme. It is a call to action about how we manage our forests in Oregon. Executive orders signed last year by President Trump call for the immediate expansion of domestic timber production from our public lands. This action will not only make our forests healthier but also will provide more raw material for an industry that desperately needs it. This work can only be completed by loggers like you, the backbone of our industry.

Our keynote speaker this year is Jacque Buchanan, Regional Forester for the U.S Forest Service’s (USFS) Pacific Northwest Region (Region 6). Jacque is responsible for providing oversight on 24.9 million acres of land managed by the USFS in Oregon and Washington and will provide us with an update on recent changes and how they will impact our industry.

My wife, Angela, and I have selected Compassion Tillamook as the beneficiary of the annual Dessert for Dreams fundraiser in 2026. Compassion Tillamook operates a free health clinic every year for the citizens of Tillamook County facing under-insurance and pressing health needs. By focusing on holistic well-being, Compassion Tillamook aims to address immediate health concerns, inspire hope, promote healing, and foster a sense of unity within the community. For tickets to this event, please visit our website at www.oregonloggingconference.com.

I would also like to thank our wonderful Board of Directors. Our industry is uniquely full of good people who show up every day to help each other out and lend a helping hand wherever necessary. This is especially true of the ladies and gentlemen on our Board. Thank you for what you do.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t give a special ‘thank you’ to Rikki Wellman, our conference manager, who has put her heart and soul into the OLC each year since 1973. Thank you, Rikki, for all that you do and helping to make OLC what it is!

View the Official Show Guide Here.