Top Loggers in the West

In an industry that once only required a strong back and sharp saw, contractors must now have a keen business sense, the skills to work within a daunting environmental and governmental regulations and great passion. This month TIMBER/WEST is featuring the top ten contractors in the Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Northern California and Montana. 

As no records are kept of logging contractors' total annual volumes - except by the contractors themselves - we went out and called on the contractors to obtain the information. We discovered there were a number of companies out there not only surviving in these difficult times, but thriving. Glancing at the map, you'll notice there was no one concentration of top producers, rather they were spread throughout the Northwest. All the contractors indicated their numbers are down from years previous, but of the approximately 90 top producing companies we canvassed, only few reported harvests under 10 million board feet. 

In fact, of the loggers that participated in our study, most averaged between 10 to 20 million board feet a year. Board feet in 2000 _ 6 percent - under 10 million _ 43 percent - 10 million to 20 million _ 12 produced from 30 to 40 million _ 34 produced 40 to 50 million Even if your company doesn't fall in the top 10, you're still winners. It takes an exceptional company to not only weather the constant changes, but stay productive and profitable. Hat's off to you all! For various reasons, some contractors whose companies should appear on this list asked to be excluded from this feature. In view of that, the list is as complete as we can make it. We look forward to your feedback. If you have information you think should be included, please contact us. 

1) Jerry DeBriae Logging Company, Inc. Owner: Jerry DeBriae. Head Office: Cathlamet, Washington. Established 1974. Softwood, tree length. Volume: 125 mmbf.

2) Sealaska Timber Corp. Owner: Sealaska Corp. Head Office: Ketchikan, Alaska. Established in 1979. Softwood, cut-to-length. Volume: 119.02 mmbf

3) Steve Henderson Logging, Inc., Owner: Steve Henderson. Head Office: Lewiston, Idaho. Established in 1972. Softwood, cut-to-length & tree length. Volume: 87 mmbf

4) John Wheeler Logging Dave Holder, Pres. Head Office: Red Bluff, California. Established in 1966. Softwood, cut-to-length & tree length. Volume: 76 mmbf

5) Huffman & Wright Logging Co. Roger Wright, Pres.; Ralph Huffman, Vice Pres.; Harold Huffman, Vice Pres. Head Office: Canyonville, Oregon. Established in 1958. 95% hardwood, 5% softwood, tree length & cut-to-length. Volume: 62 mmbf

6) Robinson Enterprises, Inc. Lowell Robinson, President. Head Office: Nevada City, California. Established in 1947. Softwood, cut-to-length & tree length. Volume: 60 mmbf

7) Bighorn Logging, Corp. Owner: Harve Dethlefs. Head Office: Banks, Oregon. Established in 1981. 95% softwood, 5% hardwood, tree length & cut-to-length. Volume: 56 mmbf

8) C&C Logging Company Owner: Frank and Lee Chandler. Head Office: Longview, Washington. Established in 1967. 80% softwood, 20% hardwood, tree length & cut-to-length. Volume: 49 mmbf

9) Whitestone Logging Inc. Owner: Keith Walker. Head Office: Hoonah, Alaska. Established in 1950. Softwood, cut-to-length. Volume: 49 mmbf

10) A.L.R.T. Owner: Jerry Hammer. Head Office: Bellingham, Washington. Established in 1995. Harwood & softwood, tree length & cut-to-length. Volume: 47 mmbf

SEPARATE CATEGORY - PRIMARY FELLER 

Bruer 's Contract Cutting 
Owner Michael J. Bruer. Head office: Dallas, Oregon. Established in 1980. Hardwood & softwood, tree length & cut-to-length. Volume: 230 mmbf.