THE VOICE OF THE TIMBER INDUSTRY TIMBER BULLETIN DULUTH, MINNESOTA MAY/JUNE 2018 VOLUME 73

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Volume 73 TIMBER May/June 2018 Duluth, Minnesota BULLETIN IN THIS ISSUE Walking through Logging History...... 8 ______TPA Finds Legislative Sucess, Despite Gridlock... 14 ______TPA/DNR Timber Sales Task Force Works Through Issues...... 16 ______8 Informative Presentations Highlight Annual Meeting...... 18 ______Federal Forests Eye Lake States Increases.... 24 ______Timber Talk...... 26 ______On the Markets...... 28 16 ______Loggers of the Past...... 30 ______Classifieds...... 34 ______Advertisers Index...... 34 ______TIMBER PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION ON THE COVER President 87-year-old logger Dean Walsh 18 DAVE BERTHIAUME operates a Ponsse Gazelle Forester. Past President For more on the company he owns with his son Bob, please turn to SCOTT PITTACK 1st Vice President page 8. KURT BENSON The Timber Bulletin is published six times annually, 2nd Vice President in February, April, June, August, October and December by the Minnesota Timber Producers ROD ENBERG Association, located at 903 Medical Arts Bldg., Secretary/Treasurer 324 W. Superior St., Duluth, Minn. Minnesota Timber Producers Association members receive COREY LOVDAHL the Timber Bulletin at an annual subscription rate Editor-in-Chief of $25 which is included in their membership dues. Periodicals postage paid in Duluth, Minnesota. WAYNE E. BRANDT Advertising rates and data on request. The views Graphic Design, Editorial and Mechanical Production expressed in the Timber Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Minnesota STEWART-TAYLOR PRINTING Timber Producers Association. 24 Postmaster: Please send address corrections to TIMBER BULLETIN, Minnesota Timber Minnesota Producers Association, 903 Medical Arts Bldg., Timber Producers 324 W. Superior St., Duluth, Minnesota 55802, No articles may be reprinted without written permission Association Phone 218-722-5013. from the Minnesota Timber Producers Association. Issn: 10973532 – USPS: 016208

Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 3 Your hopes. Your dreams. It is with mixed emotion that I WE’RE READY. write my last column as President We’re Compeer Financial.™ of our organization. It will be Profitability doesn’t always come easy when nice to hand off the duties of you’re trying to harvest timber, sustain logging the President’s position, but I resources, manage the environment and will sincerely miss all the great produce an excellent wood product. experiences I have had the That’s why we offer operating loans, leases opportunity to gain as President. and a variety of equipment loans to help you I would like to express my with your forestry financing as you plan for appreciation to the entire TPA growth. From dozers to processors, we have staff, including Wayne, Ray, and the financing options and Timber expertise Ann, for all the support they have you need to help you move forward. provided during my tenure. They COMPEER.COM/TIMBER truly made the position enjoyable. Thank you. President’s Thank you to all of our Ben Mussehl Financial Services Officer - Timber Specialist members (715) 688-9080 Column who [email protected] attended the Annual Tammy Moon Associate Timber Lending Specialist Meeting and all the (320) 406-4692 COMPEER.COM | (844) 426-6733 other events held [email protected] this past year. I

hope you found Compeer Financial, ACA is an Equal Credit Opportunity Lender and Equal Opportunity Provider. ©2017 them informative and worth your valuable time. I personally found meeting the TIMBER BULLETIN Subscription Order Olympic Gold Medal Curling Winners from our Northland at the Please ENTER my subscription to the Minnesota Timber Bulletin (six issues per Annual Meeting very rewarding. year). Payment is enclosed for: It has been an honor to serve Ⅺ 1 year $25 Ⅺ 2 years $40 Ⅺ 3 years $55 as your President. Incoming Please type or print clearly. President Kurt Benson will undoubtedly carry on the high NAME ______standards of our TPA. Be safe and remember to spend time with your ADDRESS ______families. CITY ______STATE ______ZIP______

COMPANY/ORGANIZATION ______

Please send my GIFT SUBSCRIPTION to the Minnesota Timber Bulletin (six issues per year) to be sent to the name below. Payment is enclosed for: Executive Committee Ⅺ 1 year $20 Ⅺ 2 years $33 Ⅺ 3 years $45 Kurt Benson: 218-835-4525 Please type or print clearly. Rod Enberg: 218-352-6175 Corey Lovdahl: 218-244-4580 NAME ______Dave Berthiaume: 218-380-9783 Kelly Kimball: 218-849-5222 ADDRESS ______TPA Staff Ray Higgins: 218-722-5013 CITY ______STATE ______ZIP______Wayne Brandt: 218-722-5013 Make checks payable to: TPA Services, Inc., 903 Medical Arts Bldg., 324 W. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802 Note: Existing subscriptions will continue at their current rate until they expire.

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Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 5 Olympic Gold Medalists as that he knew the Lovdahl family so the legislature went ahead and banquet speakers, great weather and that his father had helped guide passed the bills and the Governor for a fun day, time to renew old at their game farm. vetoed them. Pretty much a waste friendships and make new contacts Thank you to all of our sponsors, of everyone’s time. and some interesting presentations. presenters, members and friends A Bonding Bill was passed and All of that and more was this year’s who made the event a success. A signed by the Governor. Thanks Annual Meeting. Olympic Gold big thank you to Ray Higgins and to the herculean efforts of Senator Medalists John Shuster and John our administrative assistant Ann Bakk it included $3 million for Landsteiner were very generous Todd for handling all of the details reforestation on DNR lands. with their time spending the whole to make the event a success. Also included in the DNR Asset day with us. It’s not often you get a Preservation line item was sufficient chance to rub elbows with history! W W W funding to replace bridges on the When TPA VP Ray Higgins Unfortunately I was not able to forest road system and do some reached out to John Shuster we participate in the Annual Meeting. other projects. Executive Vice didn’t know As many of you know I have a We had some items in the President’s if he’d even health issue and my treatment vetoed bills that would have take the call. schedule didn’t allow me to be in improved forestry including a (Of course Grand Rapids for this fun event. I proposal to have the MN Forest Ray got his continue to be engaged with the Resources Council review how Column number, daily work of our organization and and how frequently we are doing he can get look forward to the future. In the forest inventories in Minnesota. anybody’s meantime I really appreciate the Essentially we wanted the Council number.) But kind words and support that I have to take a look at seeing if we can take the call received from TPA leadership and improve or build a better inventory he did while the many friends I have made in the mouse trap. The Council may still making national woods through the years. be able to do some work on this TV appearances important issue. in New York W W W So now we head to the fall City. He went on The 2018 State Legislative Session elections and wait to see who will to tell Ray that ended with a whimper. The be in charge of what when the 2019 he knew lots of our folks including legislature and the Governor failed Legislative Session convenes. John Rolle and his family since both to reach agreement on Supplemental were from Chisholm. He also said Appropriations and Tax legislation W W W

6 Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 One of the highlights of every Annual Meeting is our Safety Contest which recognizes the commitment to safety that our members and organization have every day. It is heartening to see so many of our members with no accidents and in some cases no accidents for decades. Safety isn’t just about keeping our workers compensation rates down, it’s about taking care of the people we work with every day. Congratulations to this year’s winners!

W W W The next phase of the Northern Long-Eared Bat issue is underway. The Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources are preparing a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) that will be used across the three states if the Bat is listed as Endangered at some point in the future. Essentially a HCP will guide what activities will be allowed on lands participating in the plan. The first draft chapters of the HCP have been released. TPA is actively engaged with the industry in the Lake States in reviewing and commenting on the draft chapters. FRA and their new regional coordinator Tim O’Hara are leading this effort. Many thanks to FRA for stepping up on this issue and congratulations to Tim on his new position.

W W W Be safe out there and thanks again for giving me the opportunity to serve this great organization.

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Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 7 Member Feature...

Tom, Dean, and Bob Walsh Walking through Logging History Dean Walsh is in his 8th decade of working Minnesota’s forests, and he’s doing it with his son and grandson.

On a red pine harvest near representing the rich history of • Finally, it’s Bob’s nephew Menagha are three loggers, each logging in Minnesota, cutting Tom who represents logging’s representing a different generation his first wood in 1942 at the age future, a 26-year-old looking to of their family—a different era—and of 12; someday take over the business. each also represents a different niche • Dean’s son Bob is an innovator, Together, the trio forms Dean and within the logging community: embracing technology and Bob Walsh Logging, along with • At 87, Dean Walsh is still in the showing the creativity to build Tom’s father Jake who drives truck woods every day, operating a his own machines to keep the and is a partner. The Walshes share cut-to-length forwarder, and business going; the entrepreneurship necessary to

8 Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 Dean Walsh operates a Ponsse Gazelle Forwarder. survive and thrive in the logging sawmills and logging, including a out, and went back out to Red Lake business. In addition, they also stint working for his brother Dick. Falls and gave them my two-week’s share the Walsh name, one of the He also mixed in farming in the notice. I came back and I’ve been most storied names in the history summers and a two-year stint in the here ever since.” of Minnesota Logging, including Army in mid-1950s. The problem was, markets were former TPA president and national In the meantime, Dean married scarce. Finding wood to cut wasn’t logger of the year Dick Walsh Joyce Pritchett and had six kids, a problem. Finding places to market (Dean’s brother), as well as Harris including Bob. He too got his start it was. But soon after Bob returned, Walsh, who worked into his 90s. in the family business at a young the Walshes caught a break. It’s a legacy that dates back to age. “A friend of Bob’s,” Dean says, the early part of the 20th century. “My mom’s father had a sawmill, “had a plantation up by Portage Dean’s father Charlie and his Uncle and Dad was running that,” Bob Lake and they said if he didn’t get it Ed co-owned a couple of sawmills recalls. “When we were growing up thinned, they were going to thin it. near Bagley. When the stock market we’d help throw slabs or pile boards In other words they were going to crashed in 1929, both were closed. or anything we needed to do. That come in and leave them lay. So we They ended up with another mill started when we were 7 or 8 years did it and we had no market so we near Park Rapids, which is where old.” just piled the wood up, and hoped the family settled. When Dean After graduating from Park we’d find a market somewhere. needed a few bucks in his pocket at Rapids, Bob dabbled in logging, and And that’s about the time Potlatch the age of 12, Charlie showed him wound up going to school for auto decided to build the stud mill in the way to the woods. body repair in Bemidji. He worked Bemidji. All of a sudden, they’re “I needed five bucks,” Dean says. in a body shop in Red Lake Falls for after the wood. So we started “My dad said there’s some jack pine a couple of years. But it wasn’t long selling them wood.” up on that hill. Go do it. I cut 100 before Bob was back in the woods. It was the start of a relationship sticks in a day with a swede saw “By this time,” Bob says, “Dad with PotlatchDeltic that continues and an ax and he paid me a nickel a decided to get a skidder and start to this day. But hand-falling wasn’t stick.” logging on his own. He was hand- providing the amount of production When he graduated from Park falling a popple tree and it went they needed. The business was Rapids High, he began a career sideways on him and broke his leg. at a crossroads. That’s when that included a variety of jobs So I took a vacation from the body Bob’s creativity and his auto body in the woods, mostly operating shop and came down and helped background came into play. Rather

Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 9 Bob Walsh built this processor during the winter of 1989-90. It was the Walshes’ first slasher/processor. than purchasing a machine to something,” Dean chuckled. machine shop in Park Rapids, and process their wood, he designed and “And I like to build stuff,” Bob he let Bob work there at night to built his own machine. added. build his creations. “We didn’t have the money to buy Their friend Clyde Zirkle had a “There were guys in the shop that

Joe Torgerson loads harvested red pine for hauling to Bemidji’s PotlatchDeltic mill. Torgerson is one of several truckers hired by Dean and Bob Walsh.

10 Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 Tom Walsh operates one of the company’s two Ponsse Gazelle forwarders. said this isn’t ever going to work,” Dean says. “I said yes it will!” The thing was, Bob hadn’t really done something like this before. He had experience welding from his days in the body shop. But the rest of it, including the hydraulics, was all self-taught. “You learn it as you go,” he says. “That first machine was basically the same thing as a cut-to-length head on a Ponsse, except it was on a trailer,” Bob says. “It had feed rolls that pulled the trees through knives, and the chainsaw cut it off. And then I had a sort table I could put bolts on one side and pulp on the other side. We used that for quite a while, about ten years.” Next they bought a feller-buncher that pinched the trees off at the stump, but it shattered the butts so they had to cut them again with a saw. “The pincher just had one moving knife and then it had a gathering space so you could cut more than one tree,” he says. “There was an arm that held that tree in there while you went and got another one. I copied that part of it and I put a hydraulic chain saw on the Red pine bolts from Dean and Bob Walsh’s harvest site wait to be loaded onto trucks and hauled to the PotlatchDeltic stud mill in Bemidji.

Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 11 bottom. We used that for four years, here ever since.” was around 75. Plus, Dean’s cousin I suppose.” The current job is typical of the Harris Walsh lived until he was 97. Eventually the Walshes started sites the Walshes harvest: a red pine So there are no plans to retire, not purchasing equipment, first a thinning on PotlatchDeltic land. as long as he loves what he’s doing. Komatsu with a Hahn processing They started the job last year, and Harris’s brother Chester also logged head, and then a Fabtek. These they’re finishing up this summer. into his 80’s days, they’re using a Ponsse cut-to- What’s neat about this job is that “I like this better than retirement,” length system: Bob operates an Ergo Dean has worked on this site before. Dean says. “I see so many guys processor, while Dean and Bob’s “Years ago, I clear cut jack pine on retire and about two months later nephew Tom each drive Gazelle this site,” he says. “That had to be they’re in the cemetery somewhere. forwarders. 1984 or 85.” So as long as I feel good, I’ll keep “We need two forwarders,” Dean That’ll happen when you’re 87, going. And I feel good.” says, “so we can keep up with Bob.” about to turn 88 in July, and have Bob turns 60 in July. His days “When we get into the big wood,” been in the woods for 76 years. of building machines seems to be Tom says, “he’ll fly through it and “I just love it,” he says. “I love mostly behind him. The last one he we’ll be sitting there two days what we do. I mean this was all jack built was a road grader that they behind him within a day of him pine. We cut the whole thing off pull behind a pickup. starting to cut.” and they replanted it, and look at it “I just used it on the road out here Tom’s mom is Bob’s sister, now. It just keeps coming back and last week,” he says. representing the fourth generation they just keep growing. Once you Tom plans to be here a while in the family to head to the words, thin them like this, they really take longer, too. If and when Dean and joining his uncle and grandfather. off.” Bob are ready to retire, Tom wants A graduate of Park Rapids, Tom At this point, Dean doesn’t have to take over, and he has a brother started out like most in the business any plans to slow down. He did and a sister interested in joining do, at an early age. have open heart surgery ten Labor him. “When I was young,” Tom says, Days ago, but was back in the The only problem is, Dean doesn’t “I was just brought out to the woods within three weeks and went have plans to quit. But that’s OK. woods and started watching the deer hunting that year. Until then, three generations of equipment. As I got older, I helped History is on Dean’s side. His Walshes will keep thinning red out after school, on weekends, and mom lived 97 years, and his dad pine, and continue writing a classic during the summer. And I’ve been died in his 80s, working until he Minnesota logging story.

Bob Walsh harvests and processes red pine with a Ponsse Ergo.

12 Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 Jake Kramer leaves the Walsh harvest site with a load of red pine. Kramer is Tom Walsh’s dad, and Bob Walsh’s brother-in-law.

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Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 13 TPA Finds Legislative Success, Despite Gridlock

The 2018 Minnesota Legislative with this work, even without session ended with a few large legislative direction. omnibus bills passed, much • Permanent School Trust acrimony between Republicans Funds – In an outrageous and DFLers, and several vetoes move $50 million was taken by Governor Mark Dayton. Still, from the State Budget Reserve when all the dust cleared on another and appropriated to schools session, TPA managed to find some for K-12 Education with the success. justification that this somehow The big victory came in the partially compensates the form of $3 million included in the Permanent School Trust for Bonding Bill for reforestation, fully lands that the DNR has placed funding the need of the DNR’s in non-revenue producing Division of Forestry. But this line management regimes. item didn’t come without some last Governor Dayton ultimately minute drama. vetoed this provision. Earlier during the last week of • Compensation to Biomass the session, a proposed Senate Suppliers – Language was Bonding Bill couldn’t garner enough included in the Omnibus bipartisan support for passage. Supplemental Budget But forty-five minutes before the Appropriations bill that mandatory Midnight adjournment would have established a fund on Sunday May 20, a new Bonding to compensate businesses Bill, including the reforestation • Forest Roads – Funds for the adversely affected by the money, suddenly materialized DNR “asset preservation” closure of the Benson Power and was quickly passed by both were included in the Bonding Facility. Qualified businesses the Senate and the House with Bill that should allow for the would have included fertilizer less than twenty minutes to spare. replacement of several bridges companies and turkey litter Governor Dayton later signed the and other work on state forest producers, in addition to bill. Because the DNR is required roads. loggers and truckers. While the by statute to reforest all harvested • Forest Inventory – language bill passed both the House and acres, had the bill not been passed was included in the the Senate, Governor Dayton and signed the Division of Forestry Supplemental Appropriations ultimately vetoed the bill. may have had to reduce the number bill directing the Minnesota of acres harvested. Thanks go out to Forest Resources Council to study and report back with Email: [email protected] those who brokered this last minute www.wausauauctioneers.com deal, spearheaded by Senator Tom recommendations on forest Bakk of Tower. inventory needs. Governor Following are other items of Dayton later vetoed this bill, interest from this year’s session: but the Forest Resources Council will likely proceed

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Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 15 TPA/DNR Timber Sales Task Force Works Through Issues

Last year, TPA created a Task Force of its members to not only identify issues with DNR timber sale administration, but also to propose potential solutions. In all, the Task Force identified twenty- three issues, and met with DNR decision-makers, including Director Forrest Boe, Deputy Director Craig Schmid, Timber Sale Administrator Doug Tillma, and others, to work through the issues. TPA staff also met with various staffers within DNR to find solutions. What follows is a cross-section of issues, as well as the path toward resolution agreed upon by DNR. Issue: Sales are more frequently under or over-running than in the past, particularly on spruce sales. This can leave permit holders short of timber in the case of under- running sales, or have to access sites error. DNR submitted this project to Issue: Information on individual and absorb those costs for multiple information technology staff (MNIT) sales is removed from DNR web site year entries when sales over-run. in FY17, awaiting funding approval. shortly after sales are sold. DNR Response: DNR agrees This project will begin with some DNR Response: DNR has made to improve cruising accuracy to outreach to consumer scalers to several improvements. Among achieve their standard of 80% of better understand the mills’ scale them, sealed bid auction results are all appraisals within +/- 20% of reporting software and develop a posted and archived on a separate the scaled volume. The Division plan for improvements. web page fifteen days after the has created a new position— Issue: There continue to be auction date. All auction high bid timber sales program operations problems with the practice of results are available on the main coordinator—and one of his tasks listing consumers for each permit. calendar page for 30 days. After 30 is to coordinate training to improve The DNR already has a list of all days the completed auction results appraisal accuracy. DNR will consumers so why does this need are moved to an archive page and continue to track cruising accuracy to be provided for each sale. Is this will remain posted there for three among foresters and has agreed to needless paperwork? years. put cruising accuracy on its annual DNR Response: DNR feels it Issue: The financial consequences workplan for tracking each Forestry must have a way to identify the when the DNR orders the shut- Area’s accomplishments toward the destinations for unscaled timber. down of operations on a permit appraisal standard. Many permit holders use 10 or fall virtually entirely on the logger. Issue: Fine tuning needs to fewer destinations. The DNR There is no clear path forward to continue to be done with consumer system will keep this set of ten or re-starting operations when a sale is scale load tickets. fewer identified consumer scale shut down. DNR Response: DNR should destinations applied to all of a DNR Response: DNR says it consider switching from ticket logger’s permits until a change can do a better job identifying numbers being punched in for is made and DNR is notified. If the conditions when a re-start manned and unmanned scales, to the wood is going to an approved will be allowed and maintaining utilizing bar codes (for interested consumer that isn’t listed on the communications with the logger as consumers). Truck drivers may permit, a call to the DNR during site conditions change. DNR sends punch in one digit in error which business hours, or the next business an annual email to the field about sets off problems with accounting day will suffice. DNR agrees the allowing flexibility and not making for a load. Frequently it falls intent is met if this happens, and start-up or shutdown decisions on the logger/trucker to search understands the logger is making an without visiting the logging site. hundreds of tickets to find the effort to comply. Shutting entire permit operations

16 Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 is a last resort when site damage is the over-run is apparent (enough Issue: There continue to be occurring, instead shutting down timber harvested) and a quarterly problems with closing sales in a parts of a permit or certain activities invoice is required. Over-run timely manner. There continue to be while keeping other parts open is billings are not done for wood on instances where sales are not closed a better option with less financial alternate landings or permits that for 6-12 months after work on the downside. will be otherwise closing within permit is concluded. Issue: The escalation of the next quarterly invoice period. DNR Response: The current target consequences for liquidated If a sale is under-running by more is to process the final invoice on all damages is not transparent enough than 20% a refund of the excess sale permits no more than 30 days after or well understood. Permit holders security can be made to the logger the last scale has been received. frequently simply pay the liquidated upon request. Refunds for under- The permit is then closed as soon damages even when they do not running permits uses the same as the invoice is paid. There are believe that they are appropriate criteria as over-run billings. The some situations where a permit is to avoid being suspended from estimates are done on a quarterly not immediately closed, usually bidding for having a delinquent basis, if the under-run is greater involving site/road remediation payment. In addition, disputed than 20%, a refund of the sale that can only occur in summer liquidated damages should not be security is made on that quarterly months. Such decisions to keep considered as delinquent payments. billing cycle. The permit holder may a permit open occur only after DNR Response: DNR has updated request this too. This all follows discussions with the permit holder. and posted the Liquidated Damages statute. Clarification was added If there are permits that are taking Schedule describing the escalation to the timber sale manual. Also, longer to close than 30 days after of fees. These Liquidated Damages DNR says it only bills for 20% over- the last scale, contact the sale fees are meant to be low value, run when, the wood is still on the administrator or Area Supervisor. If at first, it is meant to go along stump, and it’s not going to close Area staff are not available, permit with the written warning. Most of in three months, which is a rare holders can call St. Paul Timber these would otherwise be a timber occurrence. Sales staff. trespass. If a dispute resolution is Issue: Security should be fungible Issue: There is a need to improve necessary DNR says it can use the (transferable) between sales. For training for DNR employees in same path as trespass disputes. example a purchaser may have tens a number of areas, including Area Forest Supervisor makes of thousands of dollars in security (but not limited to): accuracy of determination, reviewed by Region on deposit with the State for various volume estimates; estimates of Forestry Manager in consultation sales and still be billed for minor products (pulp vs. bolts vs. poles with the St. Paul Timber Program. amounts. And, refunds of security etc.); understanding of logging As with any disputed invoice for sales that under-run should be operations including costs; and charge, DNR puts on hold any past- made in the same manner and with understanding of markets for due/late fees until a decision has the same criteria as is established harvested wood. Further, DNR been made. In addition, language for additional security on sales that annual scaled volumes have will be inserted into the standard over-run. decreased below historical averages citation letter informing the DNR Response: Permits that according to DNR data. This recipient of the dispute resolution have not started harvesting can be has not been the case with other process. unsecured and transfer the funds landowners. TPA’s view is that a Issue: Additional security is being to another permit. Down payments significant contributing factor for required on over-run sales even cannot be refunded or transferred. this is the increased difficulty that when there is still a balance on the permit holders are seeing in dealing Issue: Some sales are specified with DNR. In short, relationships security that has been provided. as operable in frozen conditions Security is not refunded when a sale between permit holders and DNR unless written permission is given employees seem to be becoming under-runs. A fair policy would to operate in non-frozen conditions. apply the same approach to over- more adversarial than in the past. When these requests are made it This is not productive for either run sales and under-run sales or often takes several weeks to obtain provide for no billings other than on party. permission. There should be a time DNR Response: DNR has added the final billing for both situations. limit of 1-3 days to receive a written DNR Response: DNR established a over 100 new foresters in the last response for these requests. 4-5 years. DNR has created a threshold of >20% overrun required DNR Response: Receiving a before an invoice is made for new position, Timber Operations written response takes several more Coordinator, to start a training additional security. This matches days just to get through the mail. A the appraisal accuracy standard. program for foresters to address phone call or other communication these and other issues. TPA will Additional security is based on should be possible within 3 days be involved in establishing topics the appraiser’s estimate of timber with a written letter following. for the program. Members will be remaining (area estimation only), If answer isn’t received, call the asked to give tours of logging jobs usually the difference between the region. Access requests for Division to help improve understanding appraised total sale volume and the of Wildlife Administered lands may between DNR staff and logging scaled timber to-date. These are only take longer. contractors. done in rare circumstances where

Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 17 Informative Presentations Highlight Annual Meeting

The 2018 TPA Annual Membership Meeting continued the organization’s long-standing tradition of securing speakers and presentations that provide “insider information” about key issues facing the logging industry, as well as the chance to discuss topics with top policy makers in either a group setting or one-on-one. The agenda for this year’s session at Sugar Lake Lodge south of Grand Rapids included the annual presentation on the association’s accomplishments over the past twelve months; DNR Division of Forestry Director Forrest Boe on current issues pertaining to the state forests; DNR’s Craig Schmid on the work of TPA’s Timber Sale Task Force; MnDOT’s Duane Hill, who discussed current projects, as well as the agency’s perspective on various Mn DNR Division of Forestry Director Forrest Boe discussed a variety of topics issues; and DeAnn Stish, Executive with the TPA membership. He was joined by Deputy Director Craig Schmid, Director of the Minnesota Forest who discussed the outcome of the TPA/DNR Timber Sale Task Force. Details of Resources Council. that appear elsewhere in this issue of the Timber Bulletin.

TPA Members listen to informative presentations, including the Annual Report on Association Activities, as well as reports from TPA’s various committees at the 2018 Annual Membership Meeting.

18 Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 Olympic Curlers John Landsteiner and John Shuster of Duluth shared the story of winning the Olympic Gold Medal at the TPA Annual Meeting Banquet. The Curlers also took pictures with banquet attendees. L-R: Landsteiner, Jerelyn Rieger, Mike Rieger, and Shuster.

Annual Report of Association Activities In this yearly presentation, activities and accomplishments of TPA staff over the 12 months were outlined, including details of the recently completed legislative session as they pertain to the forest products industry, including DNR Funding for reforestation and forest roads, and forest inventory. A complete re-cap of these activities appears elsewhere in this issue of The Timber Bulletin. TPA’s interactions with county, state, and federal policy makers on a variety of topics were also reviewed. Among TPA’s activities highlighted in the report were the association’s work on DNR’s Sustainable Timber Harvest Analysis. Featured Speakers TPA members had a chance to hear from DNR Division of Forestry Director Forrest Boe on a variety of topics, including the sustainable timber harvest analysis, good neighbor authority, and private forest management. In updating DNR’s private forest management program, Boe said since it was approved by the legislature three years ago, DNR has worked on over MnDOT’s Duane Hill, District Engineer for the agency’s 1st 600 projects for things like invasive species removal, District (Duluth) discussed a variety of topics at the Annual timber stand improvement, and tree planting. In Meeting, including upcoming road projects and how the fact, Boe said DNR foresters have planted more agency interacts with stakeholders, including TPA. Hill also answered questions from TPA members. than 800,000 seedlings on private land as part of

Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 19 Outgoing TPA President Dave Berthiaume receives an Award of Appreciation from incoming president Kurt Benson, in recognition of Berthiaume’s two years of service. the program. DNR’s twelve PFM have resulted in roughly 120 new in this issue of The Timber Bulletin. foresters have worked on 61 foresters out of around 270 total on Schmid also answered questions timber harvests, resulting in 15,000 staff. Boe told TPA loggers these and concerns regarding DNR harvested cords. They’ve also new foresters need their help in using different product categories made 864 referrals to consulting understanding how things work in on its spring auctions, including foresters for timber harvest, and the woods. “woodsrun sawtimber”, and also DNR is working on a way to track “That’s a lot of change,” Boe said. the manner in which base prices are how many of those referrals actually If you get an opportunity to get calculated. ended up in a timber sale. Boe one of those new foresters a look at Duane Hill, MnDOT’s District encouraged TPA members to inform your equipment, or show him or her 1 Engineer, spoke to TPA members the private landowners about the what is or isn’t working on a timber about proposed road projects in program, in part because there sale, I would really appreciate that. our region, as well as other projects are costs share funds available for They need that kind of help because currently underway. Hill also things like tree planting or timber a lot of the foresters that we get are answered questions about a variety stand improvement projects. coming fresh out of school. They’re of subjects, including roundabouts “We can get some dollars in their very good, smart people, but in and speed limits on roads hands that will help them plant after many cases they don’t have a real throughout northern Minnesota. it’s been harvested or just do some connection to what actually happens Finally, Minnesota Forest timber stand improvement projects, on the ground. So that’s why we Resources Council Executive whatever that private landowner need you. Whatever you can do to Director DeAnn Stish briefly wants,” Boe said. “We probably help them along, to get that part of addressed her work throughout the have a program that can help them the education would be very good. state. Stish joined the Council late out and put a little bit more money We’d appreciate that.” last year and was able to have one- in their pockets.” Division of Forestry Deputy on-one conversations with several Boe also talked about the change Director Craig Schmid spoke about TPA members throughout the day. the division of forestry is seeing in the activities of the interaction its staffing. Over the past five years, with TPA’s Timber Sale Task Force, retirements and other attrition whose work is outlined elsewhere

20 Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 Main Street, Rice, MN 56367 • Phone 320-393-2169 • Fax 320-393-2164 Contact: Jim or Al Voigt

Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 21 TPA Safety Awards

Over the past year, TPA members again showed Trucking Division their leadership in safety issues through the annual TPA • Berthiaume Logging, LLC, Cloquet Safety Contest. Each quarter, members report whether • Dick Walsh Forest Products, LLP, Park Rapids they had lost-time accidents, and at each Annual • Erickson Timber Products, Inc., Baudette Membership meeting, those who remained accident • Johnson Logging, Inc., Cannon Falls free over the previous 12-months receive plaques for • Junker Logging, Inc., Littlefork their company’s achievement. The following is a list of • Kimball’s Logging, Inc., Park Rapids TPA members with no lost-time accidents from April • Lake Nebagamon Trucking Corp., Lake Nebagamon, WI 2017 through March of this year: • Lundberg Forest Products, Inc., Solway • Mannco Trucking, Inc., International Falls Logging Division • Palmaer Logging, Barnum • Berthiaume Logging, LLC, Cloquet • Pittack Logging, Inc., Bovey • Dick Walsh Forest Products, LLP, Park Rapids • Tim Kelm Logging, Inc., Bemidji • Erickson Timber Products, Inc., Baudette • Third Generation Logging, Bigfork • Greg Cook Logging, Inc., Bigfork • Two Inlets Mill & Bldg. Supply, Park Rapids • Johnson Logging, Inc., Cannon Falls • Kimball’s Logging, Inc., Park Rapids Sawmill Division • Lake Nebagamon Trucking Corp., Lake Nebagamon, WI • Bergstrom Wood Products, Inc., Int’l Falls • Lundberg Forest Products, Inc., Solway • Cass Forest Products, Cass Lake • Palmaer Logging, Barnum • Erickson Timber Products, Inc., Baudette • Pittack Logging, Inc., Bovey • Johnson Logging, Inc., Cannon Falls • Simcoe & Habisch Logging, McGrath • Land O Lakes Wood Preserving Co., Tenstrike • Third Generation Logging, Bigfork • Two Inlets Mill, Park Rapids • Tim Kelm Logging, Inc., Park Rapids. • Wagner Sawmill, LLC, Ada • Two Inlets Mill & Bldg. Supply, Park Rapids

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22 Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 TPA Members Golf and Fish

Weather conditions were ideal for both golf and fishing, as TPA members discovered after a morning filled with informative meetings, as they headed to either Lake Pokegama or to Sugarbrooke Golf Course for an afternoon with fellow industry insiders.

TPA Thanks Our Sponsors!

The Minnesota Timber Producers would like to (L-R): Justin Sawyer and Shawn Fletcher join Rich Miska, Jeff Herkert, and Leon thank the following Annual LaRock of McCoy Construction and Forestry for a day on the links at TPA’s golf outing. Meeting Sponsors:

Bell Timber Compeer Financial Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick P.A. Hedstrom Lumber Company Louisiana Pacific Corp. Lunemann Equipment McCoy Construction & Forestry Mid-States Equipment Minnesota Forest Industries Minnesota Power MN SFI® Implementation Committee Norbord Northern Capital Insurance Group Northern Timberline Equipment Packaging Corporation of America PotlatchDeltic Corporation Prairie Trailer Sappi North America Savanna Pallets UPM Blandin Paper Co. Ziegler CAT Joe Pittack with a 24-inch northern pike from Lake Pokegama during TPA’s fishing outing.

Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 23 Federal Forests Eye Lake States Increases by Tim O’Hara

In Federal FY2018 the National Forests in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan are estimating a timber program that has not been reached in more than 20 years. This has been achieved through collaborative efforts between the Healthy Forest, Healthy Communities, Lake States Federal Timber Purchasers, and State Natural Resources Departments. A key to the success in the Lake States is keeping open lines of communications between follow. GNA is certainly making a Nobody wins when they take their the industry and Forest Service difference in rural economies and ball and go home. It’s important leadership in good times and in bad improving forest health. that discussions between industry times. These lines of communication We still have work to do. Young and the Forest Service continue, in have allowed the Lake States to forests in the Lake States are good and bad times. Groups that consistently produce 70%+ of the extremely important to many have worked in the Lake States Forest Service Eastern Region wildlife species, including ruffed to make this happen are the Lake timber outputs. grouse, whitetail deer, moose, and States Federal Timber Purchasers In addition, the authorities numerous song birds such as the Committee, the Minnesota Timber approved by Congress, such as the golden-winged warbler. Due to Producers Association, Minnesota Good Neighbor Authority, have limited funding to implement plans, Forest Industries, Great Lakes allowed State Natural Resources the Lake States National Forests Timber Producers Association, Departments to coordinate with have only provided for about 50% of Michigan Forest Products Council, the Forest Service on forest the young forest habitat objectives, the Federal Forest Resource management activities. The Good as stated in respective forest plans. Coalition, and Healthy Forest Neighbor Authority has certainly As Congress works on the Farm Bill Healthy Communities. Keep up the increased the “pace and scale” of revision it’s critical that the “Early good work! forest management activities in Successional” Categorical Exclusion Tim O’Hara is the Manager of the all three states. Wisconsin was the be included in the final bill. This Lakes States Region and Policy leader in implementing the GNA authority will allow the Forest Communications for the Forest with legislative support at the Service to create much needed Resources Association State and Federal level. Michigan young-forest habitat across the and Minnesota were soon to Eastern Region of the Forest Service.

24 Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 BITCO has been serving the forest products industry for more than 70 years and is proud to partner with Northern Capital Insurance Group to serve the needs of TPA members.

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Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 25 International Bildrite Closes

International Bildrite announced with the purchase of seven John & Forestry has provided our in April it was closing its doors after Deere Construction and Forestry organization with an opportunity more than thirty years in business. stores serving northern Minnesota, to diversify our business into an The International Falls company northern Wisconsin and the Upper industry that is similar in many opened in 1987, and manufactured Peninsula of Michigan from fiberboard used in roofing and Nortrax, Inc. siding sheathing. Market conditions The company, which will do and commodity prices were cited business as McCoy Construction & by the company in making the Forestry has acquired the Nortrax announcement. locations in Grand Rapids, Bemidji, International and Duluth, as well as in Escanaba, Bildrite was MI and the Merrill, Chippewa Falls family owned and Ashland locations in Wisconsin. ways,” said Greg McCoy, president Timber and had 43 The McCoy Group’s new and CEO of McCoy Group. “We are full-time construction and forestry division proud and excited to be partnering employees. joins a growing organization with John Deere, whose brand is Talk that is already home to seven one of the strongest in the world for subsidiaries, including Midwest- delivering world-class products and Nortrax Purchased by based Freightliner dealerships services to its customers. It’s also an McCoy Group Truck Country and Stoops, and organization that shares the same transportation focused companies, McCoy Group values of integrity, Foodliner, Quest Liner and McCoy honesty, quality, innovation and, McCoy Group, Inc. a family- NationaLease. above all, commitment to the owned company based in Dubuque, “The acquisition and subsequent customer.” IA, is expanding its business base formation of McCoy Construction Jeff Herkert, MCF president

26 Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 added, “A constant over the Together, the combined company past six decades has been the has a highly productive and diverse McCoy Group’s customer-driven timberland portfolio of nearly 2 philosophy. Customers will see million acres, with approximately the same commitment to service 1.1 million acres in the U.S. South, under the new ownership group. 600,000 acres in Idaho, and 150,000 TRUSTED PRODUCTS. As we look forward to fostering acres in Minnesota. The company EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. relationships and growing our team, operates eight wood products we are excited by the possibilities manufacturing facilities, including this new chapter brings for our six lumber manufacturing facilities, customers, teammates, John Deere one medium density fiberboard and the entire McCoy Group facility and one industrial plywood family.” mill. In total, PotlatchDeltic has “The McCoy family has a lumber capacity of 1.2 billion board remarkable track record with feet, making it one of the leading customers and employees dating producers in the U.S. back all the way to 1958,” said Tim J. Murphy, Nortrax president and Don’t forget to call us for CEO. “They are totally committed O’Hara Joins FRA all of your hydraulic needs. to growth and investment in their respective businesses for the long Everything you need, all in term. They bring a proven track Tim O’Hara has joined the Forest one place. record of great financial stability Resources Association as Manager, and customer focus, which will Lake States Region and Policy enable them to grow and support Communications. O’Hara was the John Deere brand in the previously Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin Woodlands markets.” Manager at Concluded Greg McCoy, “We the Packaging owe a special thanks to all McCoy Corporation Group employees for the great of America work they do, which has allowed mill in us to be successful and pursue International opportunities of this nature. Falls. Additionally, we want to both thank O’Hara and welcome Nortrax’s Midwest will represent group of talented employees into FRA’s interest our family. As we move forward CORPORATE OFFICE: in the Lake Medford, WI · 715-748-5565 as one team, our commitment to States of Minnesota, Wisconsin, BRANCH OFFICE: our customers and employees is and Michigan, as well as provide Appleton, WI · 920-687-9750 stronger than ever.” forestry and policy expertise to FRA’s efforts in Washington, DC. “Tim’s public policy background, CHECK US OUT Potlatch and Deltic coupled with a forestry degree and TODAY AT: experience working in the wood Timber Complete Merger MidStatesHydraulics.com supply chain, will be a beneficial addition to our federal public policy Potlatch Corporation and efforts to help identify emerging Deltic Timber Corporation have issues that impact the wood supply Timber Bulletin completed their merger, creating chain,” said FRA President Deb a leading domestic timberland Hawkinson. “Tim will be working USED REPAIR PARTS closely with Pat Rita, FRA’s policy owner and top-tier wood products Wheel Loaders, Crawlers, Track Excavators manufacturer. The combined consultant who provides coverage Loader Backhoes, Skidders, Skid-Steer for FRA on the Hill. I look forward Loaders, Engines and Transmissions company has changed its name to “Rely on our experience–Est. 1967” PotlatchDeltic Corporation. to working with both Tim and Pat as we combine efforts to address 1-800-626-6046 FRA’s public policy priorities and keep FRA members informed and engaged. Prior to joining PCA, O’Hara was www.sewlparts.com - [email protected] 4535 State Route 3 N • PO Box 136 Vice President of Forest Policy for Wolf Lake, IL 62998 Minnesota Forest Industries.

Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 27 DNR—Aitkin Area (PB) NA $19.46 May 21—Oral Auction 10 of the 12 tracts offered during the Aspen Species sale were purchased. (WC) $43.54 $32.65 On the Markets Aspen Species DNR—Hibbing Area (PW) $27.83 $36.92 May 31—Oral Auction The Timber Bulletin publishes Maple Species Trembling Aspen information regarding results of a (PW) $14.62 $14.57 (PB) $27.72 $33.17 sampling of recent timber sales and Trembling 21 of the 36 tracts offered during the Aspen (WC) $42.50 $44.09 other market indicators, as well as sale were purchased. other market-related news items. Trembling Aitkin County Aspen (PW) $26.40 $41.08 Recent Timber Sales May 21—Sealed Bid Pine Species Average prices, as reported Aspen P&B $33.11 NA (PB) $34.19 $43.38 by each agency Mxd Hwd Pulp $12.38 NA 16 of the 17 tracts offered during the sale were purchased. Agency Regular Intermediate Red Pine P&B $22.19 NA Koochiching County Aspen Pulp $28.12 NA Cass County May 2—Oral Auction 16 of the 17 tracts offered during the May 31—Sealed Bid Aspen P/B $42.44 $38.76 sale were purchased. Aspen $36.08 $20.23 Birch $23.21 $12.70 Spruce P/B $23.71 $21.77 DNR—Backus Area Balsam P/B $10.37 $12.46 May 21—Oral Auction 4 of the 6 tracts offered during the Jack Pine P/B $51.00 $50.81 Trembling Aspen sale were purchased. All 29 tracts offered during the sale (WC) $33.69 NA DNR—Deer River Area were purchased. Aspen Species June 1—Oral Auction Carlton County (PW) $33.22 $36.46 Aspen Species May 4—Oral Auction Pine Species (PW) $21.02 $42.39 Aspen $30.91 NA (PB) $27.75 $26.00 Trembling Nrthn Hrdwds $10.66 NA Oak Species Aspen (PW) $36.41 $35.12 Balsam Fir $15.00 NA (PB) $24.46 $33.08 Black Spruce (PB) $17.64 NA 5 of the 6 tracts offered during the 20 of the 26 tracts offered during the sale were purchased. sale were purchased. 21 of the 23 tracts offered during the DNR—Tower Area sale were purchased. St. Louis County May 30–Oral Auction DNR—Baudette Area May 10—Oral Auction Aspen Species June 5—Oral Auction Aspen Pulp $37.05 NA (PW) $44.28 $40.18 Trembling Birch Pulp $ 9.47 NA Trembling Aspen (PW) $25.92 $22.06 Black Spruce Aspen (PW) NA $25.59 Aspen Species Pulp $32.06 NA Norway Pine (PW) $23.17 $26.15 Balsam Pulp $19.38 NA (WMP) NA $60.76 Black Spruce Red Pine Pulp $41.79 NA Norway Pine (PW) $18.51 $18.61 26 of the 33 tracts offered during the sale were purchased. DNR—Park Rapids Area Protection, Performance and Peace of Mind. May 15—Oral Auction Trembling Aspen (WC) $43.09 $41.68 We are staffed to provide the following endorsed programs for Red Oak members of the Minnesota Timber Producers Association: (WMP) $35.32 $32.89 Pine Species EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (WMP) $44.92 $58.18 Group Health Insurance • Group Dental Insurance Norway Pine Insurance Section 125 Plans • Group Life Insurance (WST) $83.58 NA 21 of the 22 tracts offered during the sale were purchased. Let Otis-Magie Help You Get There. Pine County May 16—Oral Auction Aspen Pulp $42.81 NA Daniel J. Zobel CIC Birch Pulp $19.66 NA Certified Insurance Councilor Pine P/B $36.80 NA Duluth / 332 West Superior Street, Suite 700 All 5 tracts offered during the sale 218.722.7753 -or- 1.800.241.2425 were purchased. www.otismagie.com

28 Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 Tamarack (PW) $ 5.33 $ 5.96 22 of the 26 tracts offered during the sale were purchased. Introducing DNR—Littlefork Area June 6—Oral Auction Aspen Species (PW) $40.38 $40.64 Black Spruce (PW) $18.08 $19.00 Tamarack (WC) $ 4.33 NA 16 of the 24 tracts offered during the sale were purchased. Itasca County June 8—Oral Auction Aspen $40.84 $27.97 Red Pine $57.82 $45.96 Birch $15.83 $11.13 www.NorthAmericaSupply.com Tamarack $ 4.77 NA 37 of the 40 tracts offered during the sale were purchased. Your new link to www.tirechainsrequired.com DNR—Bemidji Area and www.harvesterbars.com. These two sites June 13—Oral Auction are coming together to offer you all the same Aspen Species high quality brands you’ve come to know and (PW) $41.19 $32.96 trust in one convenient online location. Tire chains, Pine Species saw bars, saw chain and hot saw teeth delivered (PB) $72.53 $55.21 straight to your door. Ash (PB) $ 6.76 $ 9.08 40 of the 51 tracts offered during the Visit online or call toll free to speak with one sale were purchased. of our friendly reps at DNR—Two Harbors Area 1-855-255-0871. June 14—Oral Auction Trembling [email protected] Aspen (PW) $34.53 $40.80 Logging and industrial supplies, wire rope, chain and Paper Birch accessories coming soon! (PW) $14.73 $22.10 Balsam Fir (PW) $21.56 $25.50 Mixed Spruce (PW) $30.40 $32.30 Trembling Aspen (WC) NA $21.25 5 of the 9 tracts offered during the sale were purchased. DNR—Sandstone Area June 15—Oral Auction Trembling Aspen (PW) $26.40 NA Aspen Species (PW) $26.40 $25.97 Maple Species (PW) $11.70 $13.70 9 of the 38 tracts offered during the BOX 1008 • CASS LAKE, MN 56633 • 218-335-2694 sale were purchased. www.cassforest.com Products: PB= Pulp and Bolts WMP= Woodsrun Mixed Products Buying Fresh Logs: Red and White Pine WC= Woodsrun Cordwood Pine Bolts: Jack, Red and White ST=Sawtimber WST=Woodsrun Sawtimber PW=Pulpwood For Specifications Call 218-335-2694 SLV=Sawlogs/Veneer

Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 29 LOGGERS OF THE PAST . . . LOGGERS OF THE PAST . . . Logging Tools Logging Toolsby J. C. Ryan This story is reprinted from an earlier Timber Bulletin–one of the first of “Buzz” Ryan’s ever-popular contributions to these pages. The Bulletin will continue to by J.reprint C. Ryan selected stories from the memories he recorded for us.–Editor

For a number of years after the logging the grass that sprang up from the seed of drains from the kitchen looking for salt. off of our original stand of virgin timber, clover and timothy hay used to feed the The earth banking around the build- the sites of the old logging camps horses and oxen. The deer would dig ings and the mound of the root house remained just a few acres or more of open holes in the ground searching for the salt were the only evidence that a logging grassy areas. Deer gathered to feed on used for the horses or dig around in camp once stood there. The heavy sod that formed on these old camp sites pre- vented the seed of trees from getting a start, and these grassy areas remained many more years while the surrounding area soon grew up to second growth tim- ber. Forty or 50 years after, if wild fire had not destroyed them, some rotted logs could be found in the banking of these old buildings. Timber cruisers and early for- esters made note of these locations on their maps when looking over the land. Some of these larger camps where horses had been pastured were some of the first sites of tree planting by the for- estry departments during the large planting periods of the Civilian Conser- vation Corps. Along in the late ‘30s and early ‘40s, artifact hunters found that these old sites were prime areas to dig for old bottles, snuff jars, etc., and after metal detectors came into the picture all sorts of iron and broken tools were dug up. Snuff jars became one of the prize finds in bottles, and stamp hammers used to mark logs became one of the prize iron The picture above shows many of the tools used by early loggers: axes, cant hooks, skidding tongs, products – but all sorts of tools made etc. Filling a saw in the woods (below) could be a cold job. and used in the camps were dug up and collected. Today it is hard to find an old camp that does not show evidence of the work of the artifact hunters. Almost every week during the summer months I find people calling on me to identify some piece of iron that they found. Every camp had many special tools made by the blacksmith or handyman for some special job, and it is sometimes hard to identify every piece of iron. How- ever, if it is a tool that was in general use in camps, we can usually identify it. This brings us to the subject of the most com- mon tools used in the logging camps in those early days. I will try to list some of the most important tools and their uses. Axes. The ax was probably the most com- mon tool in the camps. In the early days, all trees were chopped down with an ax

30 30 Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 and the logs cut into lengths by ax. Axes were used for all chopping of wood, for cutting brush, limbing of trees, making of stakes for sleighs, hewing of timber, cut- ting ice, and some handymen could make anything with an ax. In the early days when logs were chopped, the double-bit ax weighing up to six pounds was used, but the 3½ or 4 ¼-pound double-bit ax was the size in general use in most Minnesota logging camps. The single-bit or pole ax was only used when a wedge was used, as in split- Of these two types of broadaxes, the Canada pattern was ting stove wood. Ninety percent of the the one popular in Minnesota. The Michigan pattern axes in the camps were double-bit. double-bit ax was the favorite. Saws. The saw was probably the next most common tool. The two-man crosscut was used for all felling and sawing up of logs. The saws would vary from six to eight feet in length; however, in Minne- sota the six-foot saw was the one used in most camps. There were several types of tooth patterns with the Tuttle tooth, the lance tooth and the Champion tooth mak- ing up the ones most used in cutting pine. In cutting hardwood, the five and six-foot Both of these styles of ribbon saw would be used. one-man crosscut saws were used in Minnesota. In later years, when the “piece cutter” came into the picture and men worked alone, the four and five-foot one-man crosscut saw became popular. On these also were different tooth patterns, includ- ing a special cedar tooth. Broadaxes. The broadax was used for all hewing work, including making railroad ties, building logs, sleigh runners and other timbers. The broadaxes ranged from six to ten pounds. Saw Wedges. Every saw gang had sev- eral saw wedges carried on a ring of wire as they were sometimes dropped in the deep snow and instead of spending time looking for the wedge they would take All of these another from the ring. Each saw gang saw tools were used in also carried a wedge hammer weighing Minnesota. about three pounds. Saw gangs as a rule did not carry an ax. Saw Maintenance Tools. A full line of tools for maintenance of saws and keep- ing them sharp and in good condition was found in all camps. These tools included files, jointers, raker gauges, tooth-set gauges and hammer and spring sets. Cant Hooks and Peavies. Cant hooks and peavies were also very important tools in all logging operations. Cant hooks were used mostly in the woods and on log landings, while peavies were used mostly when logs were in the water on lakes and river drives. There were two main types of cant hooks; those with the clip holding the hook and those with the band of iron The lighter clip type cant hook was the one most popular with around the handle holding the hook. The early jacks. clip type was the early one and was pre- ferred by most good cant hook men as it was lighter. Skidding Equipment. Skidding tongs were used for all large logs, with skidding chains used for smaller logs. Special skid- ding spreaders made up with single trees held apart by a spreader stick were used

Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 31 31 in different types and forms. Log Loading Equipment. Prior to 1890, all logs were loaded on sleighs and railroad cars by the cross-haul method. CONFIDENCE The loading line was a ¼-inch or 3/8-inch chain, usually 100 feet long with a large “swamp hook” in the end of it. This chain – with a cant hook for the top loader, two BY DESIGN. cant hooks for the ground men and prob- ably two cant hooks for the men “tailing down” plus the horses’ equipment with a TIGERCAT TRACK FELLER loading bar – made up the entire equip- ment of the loading crew. BUNCHERS. All sleighs and railroad cars were equipped with corner binds and wrapper chains, but after stakes came into use on Tigercat builds a full range of premium quality sleighs and cars the corner binds were replaced by bridle chains. In later years track feller bunchers, recognizing that high after the jammer came into use, blocks productivity, energy efficiency and maximum and half-inch cable with log hooks became part of the loading equipment. uptime are the keys to profitability. Log Sleighs. Most all log sleighs were Notice the skidding trees rigged for these skidding teams. equipped with “McLaren” casting or It all starts with a Tigercat-built forest duty knees. Some sleighs would come from the undercarriage and large diameter swing McLaren Company complete, but most of the woodwork of the sleighs would be bearing. The clamshell style retracting roof made up in the camp with only the iron enclosure provides clear access to major purchased from the manufacturer. King pins, Guggin pins, fid and fid hooks, bunk components and daily service points. And and beam plates, roller rings and other Tigercat’s exclusive ER technology provides rapid iron would be placed on the sleigh in the camps. Some light tote sleighs were boom cycle times, reducing operator fatigue. equipped with “Stark pin” castings. Chain. Chains of all sizes were made up A track feller buncher is a big investment. Have and fitted with grab hooks, rings, etc. in camp. Chain was a large part of the log- confidence in the knowledge that the Tigercat ging equipment and was always in good team is designing and building the best feller supply. Size used most were 1/4 inch to 7/16 inch. bunchers on the planet with responsive customer Horses and Ox Shoes. Horse and ox support to match. shoes were purchased in different sizes without heel or toe calks and came in Contact your Titan dealer today to learn more kegs. Heel and toe calks were put on by the blacksmith when the shoes were about Tigercat track feller bunchers. A small tote sleigh (above) brings supplies to a small gypo camp. A large amount of chain was used fitted. to secure the prize load below. Blacksmith Tools. Every blacksmith shop was equipped with a full set of tools for shoeing horses and making up any- thing needed. Handles. Ax, shovel and cant hook han- dles were purchased and made up with the iron in camp. Horse Harnesses. Material for repair- ing harnesses, such as leather and buck- les, was purchased, while rings and other parts were made up in camp. Shovels. Most shovels were of the snow DULUTH, MN shovel type and were used for snow, 218.727.3038 cleaning barns, etc. WWW.TITANMACHINERY.COM Grub Hoes and Picks. Grub hoes and picks were plentiful and used for leaving roads, removing roots, grubbing stumps, etc. General. There were always many spe- cial tools made up in camp for some spe- cific jobs, and all the blacksmith needed was the coal and the iron and he could make up any tool needed. This list in not by any means all the tools found in the camps but most of the common ones used www.tigercat.com prior to 1920.

32 32 Timber Bulletin May/June 2018

Track FB-Titan 0118-TBM.indd 1 1/18/18 2:30 PM CONFIDENCE BY DESIGN. TIGERCAT TRACK FELLER BUNCHERS.

Tigercat builds a full range of premium quality track feller bunchers, recognizing that high productivity, energy efficiency and maximum uptime are the keys to profitability.

It all starts with a Tigercat-built forest duty undercarriage and large diameter swing bearing. The clamshell style retracting roof enclosure provides clear access to major components and daily service points. And Tigercat’s exclusive ER technology provides rapid boom cycle times, reducing operator fatigue.

A track feller buncher is a big investment. Have confidence in the knowledge that the Tigercat team is designing and building the best feller bunchers on the planet with responsive customer support to match.

Contact your Titan dealer today to learn more about Tigercat track feller bunchers.

DULUTH, MN 218.727.3038 WWW.TITANMACHINERY.COM

www.tigercat.com

Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 33

Track FB-Titan 0118-TBM.indd 1 1/18/18 2:30 PM Classifieds Hedstrom Lumber Co., Inc. To serve our readers better, the Timber 1504 Gunflint Trail Bulletin offers free classified ads of up to 85 words to all members and Grand Marais, Minnesota associate members of the Minnesota Timber Producers Association. All ads must be submitted in writing to the Association office. The MTPA assumes no responsibility for ad contents and accepts free ads on a first-come, first- served basis within space limitations. ______HELP WANTED Truck driver, full time, year around, hauling tree-length wood in Southeast Texas, experience preferred. 409-489-0113 ______WANTED Barrel stave logs – White Oak and Burr Oak butt cuts 12-inch diameter and up – random lengths BUYING LOGS: For more information call Robert Staggemeier at White, Red and Jack Pine, Staggemeyer Stave Co. Inc. Caledonia, MN 55921 Spruce, Balsam and Aspen Office: 507-724-3395 Cell: 608-792-7598

ADVERTISERS INDEX Deliveries accepted at: Bitco Insurance Companies...... 25 Cass Forest Products...... 29 Mill Site Compeer...... 4 Grand Marais, Minn. Don Dens Sales...... 22 FutureWood Duluth Sign...... 5 South Range, Wis. Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick, P.A...... 5 Great Lakes Trailers...... 6 Kirscher Transport Yard Hancock Fabrication Inc...... 25 Virginia, Minn. Hedstrom Lumber Co...... 34 Klinner Insurance...... 14 McCoy Construction & Forestry...... 35 For specifications and a contract call: Mid-States Equipment...... 27 Nelson Wood Shims...... 7 MN/WI Area - Doug Magee North America Supply...... 29 218-349-9241 Northern Timberline Equipment...... 5 Otis-Magie Insurance Agency...... 28 Iron Range Area - Jeff Elliott Pomp’s Tire...... 26 218-750-2700 Rice Blacksmith Saw & Machine...... 21 Rihm Kenworth...... 7 Canada - Jack Erickson Road Machinery & Supplies...... 36 807-627-8826 Schaefer Enterprises...... 27 Titan Machinery...... 33 Visit our website: Wallingford’s...... 13, 15 www.hedstromlumber.com Wausau Sales Corp...... 14 Ziegler...... 2

34 Timber Bulletin May/June 2018 NEW NAME SAME GREAT SERVICE

SAVE TIME. COVER MORE AREA. As a logger, one of your most valuable commodities is uptime. You need fast, accurate diagnosis of machine issues, rapid service response, and tracking of equipment and operators to maximize efficiency and productivity. We have the John Deere forestry solution to help you do that, and more.

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DULUTH, MN Komatsu is an engineering company with a dedicated focus on 218-727-8611 forestry that will bring your business distinct advantages, including: • Technical Innovations • Product Support VIRGINIA, MN • Manufacturing Quality • A Reliable Partner 218-741-9011 Komatsu delivers world class quality, reliability and support–All of the tools you’ll need to get the job done.

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