THE VOICE OF THE TIMBER INDUSTRY TIMBER BULLETIN DULUTH, MINNESOTA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2000 VOLUME 56
NorthNorth StarStar ExpoExpo 20002000 RutarRutar LoggingLogging THE VOICE OF THE TIMBER INDUSTRY
Volume 56 TIMBER September/October 2000 BULLETIN Duluth, Minnesota IN THIS ISSUE North Star Expo 2000 ...... 8 ______Rutar Logging...... 14 ______Second Annual “Minnesota Forest Educators of the Year” Selected...... 16 8 ______Green Future? ...... 20 ______Meet the Directors ...... 24 ______American Tree Farm System Field Day....26 ______Loggers of the Past ...... 34 14 ______Classifieds...... 38 ______Advertisers Index ...... 38 ______
TIMBER PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION ON THE COVER 16 President Greg Cook Logging, winner of the RAMON KILLMER 2000 Best Load Contest. 1st Vice President CLARENCE JOHNSON
2nd Vice President The Timber Bulletin is published six times annually, LOWELL PITTACK in February, April, June, August, October and December by the Minnesota Timber Producers Secretary/Treasurer Association, located at 903 Medical Arts Bldg., RICHARD OLSON JR. 324 W. Superior St., Duluth, Minn. Minnesota Timber Producers Association members receive Editor the Timber Bulletin at an annual subscription rate WAYNE E. BRANDT of $15 which is included in their membership dues. Periodicals postage paid in Duluth, Minnesota. Graphic Design, Editorial and Advertising rates and data on request. The views Mechanical Production expressed in the Timber Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Minnesota STEWART-TAYLOR PRINTING Timber Producers Association. 26 Postmaster: Please send address corrections Minnesota to TIMBER BULLETIN, Minnesota Timber 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 Ð USPS: 016208
Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 3 Minnesota State Information Center at (651) 296- 6157 from the Twin Cities metro Forests Celebrate area or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR 100 Years from the remainder of Minnesota. The word politics is one most “Minnesotans should take pride of us would rather forget, but in their rich and diverse forests,” Rose said. “Indeed, almost one- unfortunately it is one that utumn comes to Minnesota in A third of Minnesota's total land area, becomes more important every showy bursts of color from mid- 16.7 million acres, is covered with year for the timber industry. September through October. Bluffs forests. Of this, the 4 million plus This being an election year, it and hills abound where nature acres managed by the state is the becomes doubly important. shows her palette. But where are largest such landholding in the When the federal administration these vistas located? lower 48 states.” changes hands with the “Minnesota's 58 state forests People interested in fall color November elections, it will offer plenty of opportunities to touring might try these places determine who makes forest view colors,” according to state suggested by Rose: policy. Will it be professional forester Jerry Rose. “Our state • Finland State Forest off the foresters forest system encompasses more Lake Superior North Shore; or than 4 million acres and extends follow the Baptism River President’s from southeastern Minnesota north valley north and east of to the Canadian border.” Finland Minnesota's state forest system, • Richard J. Dorer Memorial Column which is 100 years old this year, Hardwood State Forest south continues to be essential to of Red Wing with spectacular professional sustaining and vitalizing the state's bluffs on the Mississippi River; environmental environment, economy and follow Highway 61 from Red protesters? communities. Wing to La Crescent What happens State forests: • Savanna State Forest, Hay on the federal • produce timber and other Lake Campground, 20 miles level has a trickle crops; east of Hill City; off the beaten down effect on the state, county, • provide open spaces for path with remote roads in and, in the end, private lands. If hunting and birding, skiing mixed hardwood forests. the president or Congress were and snowmobiling, camping For additional information about to declare all national forests off and canoeing; autumn colors, check out the DNR limits to logging, preservationist • protect surface waters by Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us efforts would be refocused and preventing erosion; and click on “Current Conditions.” intensified at the local levels. • provide homes for countless Much of a president’s power animals and plants; comes from his appointments to • contain 46 campgrounds, 44 rule-making bureaucracies such day-use areas, 1,200 miles of as the EPA. We have already had trails, 142 water accesses, and a taste of what this can mean 17 canoe and boating route with the Forest Service roadless campsites; and initiative and the proposed • provide public access to more D.O.T.’s hours of service as than 4 million acres of state examples. forest land through 2,000 miles So you see, there is a difference of forest roads. depending on who gets elected The first state forest was and it is time to remember who established in 1900 when a the friends of the timber industry thousand acres of cutover pine are. Although we can’t do as a lands in Cass County were donated famous Chicago politician once to the state by Gov. John S. said, “vote early and vote often,” Pillsbury to become the Pillsbury it is important that we support State Forest. One hundred years our political friends and vote. later, in 2000, the Minnesota As you gear up for the winter Legislature created the 15,000-acre season, take time to be safe. Waukanabo State Forest in north- central Minnesota. To obtain a state forest anniversary poster, or a recreation guide that includes directions to state forest recreation areas and lists state forest trails, campgrounds and day-use areas, contact the Department of Natural Resources
4 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 also seeking a meeting with the people can once again have jobs What’s at stake in this year’s Northeast MN Synod’s bishop to and support their families. presidential election? The entire discuss this issue. National Forest system. After eight My guess is that if one checked years of open hostility to logging out the web sites for other TPA extends its deepest and loggers by the Clinton denominations, similar positions sympathy to Assistant Vice administration and its political would be found. I’m not going to President Bruce Barker and his appointees, national forests are check them out right now myself, family over the loss of his wife largely unmanaged today. If Al fighting with one church at a time Janice. She was a vibrant part of Gore is is plenty for me. many TPA functions and her elected, the I guess this all may prove the old sudden and unexpected passing Executive Vice adage: “fools rush in where angels saddens us all. President’s most likely outcome is fear to tread.” Either that or it an end to all proves that we’re fearless in commercial advocating for our TPA members. Column timber sales on federal lands. $60.80 a cord for winter access aspen. It happened at the DNR’s September sale in Onamia. I’m Senator Bob quite sure that this is the all-time Lessard has filed state record for aspen. for re-election as an independent. Lessard’s independent, now there’s Even with that big price for a news flash. He does appear to aspen stumpage, TPA thanks the have a tough race. One thing is DNR Division of Forestry field staff clear about Senator Lessard, he’s for their efforts, which increased been there fighting for us on every DNR timber sales by 80,000 cords forest management issue that has last year. We also appreciate the been in front of the legislature. support from DNR leadership for increasing management efforts. Hopefully the forest management Now, if the preceding two bits of program will increase to the total political commentary don’t have estimated sales volume in their your attention, read this story. plans of over 800,000 cords per Retired TPA Executive Vice year. President Russ Allen called me one day. It seems he’d been “surfing the net” and came across a website From their inception in 1914 for the Lutheran Church. He until this year Hedstrom Lumber noticed that they had a spot on had not laid anyone off other than environmental issues. Being a the times that fire destroyed parts good Lutheran, Russ was interested of the mill. High stumpage prices, in his church’s views. After imports and depressed markets checking it out he called me, caused the company to temporarily another good Lutheran, and the shut down operations at their Two steam was coming out of the Harbors mill and lay off employees. telephone. Think about it. The crash of ’29, I checked out the Lutheran the Great Depression, the oil crisis Church’s web site also. Now there of the ’70s, double digit inflation were two mad Lutherans. What we and interest rates in the ’80s all found was that not only had the were weathered. But when the Lutheran Office of Government Forest Service’s Gunflint District Affairs, the government affairs arm ranger wants to burn up blow of the Evangelical Lutheran Church down instead of salvaging it; and of America (ELCA), endorsed the when the USFS program on the Clinton Administration’s new Chippewa National Forest sells less roadless plan but they had also total timber than the year-to-year endorsed legislation to ban timber increase on state lands; and when harvesting on national forests. all you get from agencies when you If you are a Lutheran whose talk about sawtimber sales are church is affiliated with the ELCA, excuses - what do you expect. you may want to discuss this with We can only hope that the your minister. Several of us are situation will improve so that these
6 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 North Star Expo 2000
The 47th Annual North Star Consolidated Papers Department of Revenue. These Expo was held on Friday, August Diamond Brands, Inc. were well attended and each 11, and Saturday, August 12, 2000, Hedstrom Lumber Company program was worth 4 CEUs. at the Ironworld Discovery Center Northshore Forest Products in Chisholm, Minn. More than 150 Potlatch Corporation Historic Logging Equipment companies exhibited equipment Rajala Timber Company This year, for the first time, the and other products valued at more Trus Joist/Weyerhaeuser Mechanization Committee asked than $30 million. The show was for historic logging equipment to well attended, with the weather Workshops and Seminars be displayed at the Expo. The cooperating especially well on The Minnesota Logger Education response was gratifying, with Friday. Program sponsored the workshops several pieces of equipment being A special thank you to the this year. The topics were “Pre- displayed. A special thanks to Jerry following sponsors for their Retirement Planning,” by DeMenge of McGregor for support of the North Star Expo: Jablonski/Madill, and “Give Me a coordinating these efforts. Thanks Boise Cascade Corporation Tax Break!” by the Minnesota to the following individuals for
Overall winners of the loader contest, left to right, Tony Knaeble Timber, second place winner. Kowitz, Tom Long and Gordy Dobbs.
Media loader contestants, left to right, Rep. Loren Solberg, John Swift, Pat Puchalla, Mark Koprivec, Heather Hill, First place winner, indoor display, Radko Iron & Supply, Dave Chura and Mike Kilgore. Inc., Hibbing, Minn.
8 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 Second place winner, indoor display, Rice Blacksmith Saw Third place winner, indoor display, Lindsay Machinery, & Machine, Rice, Minn. Inc., Manawa, Wis.
First place winner, outdoor display, St. Joseph Equipment, Second place winner, outdoor display, Two Harbors Hermantown, Minn. Machine Shop, Inc., Two Harbors, Minn. providing equipment: They were very hard to judge. The Company; and Chris Venhuizen / Kenny Ziemba, Ziemba Trucking, first place winner was Greg Cook, Venhuizen Bros. / Potlatch Littlefork Greg Cook Logging, Bigfork, Corporation. Norman Johnson, Norman Minn., sponsored by Potlatch Johnson Trucking, Baudette Corporation; second place winner Guess the Weight Lowelle Pittack, Pittack Logging, was Kevin Kneable, Kneable Back by popular demand was the Inc., Bovey Timber, Big Falls, Minn., sponsored guessing the weight of a loaded log Wayne Paakkonen, Nashwauk by UPM-Blandin Paper Company; truck. There were hundreds of Robert Nelson, Birchdale and third place winner was Gordy entries. The winner of the $50 prize We would like to expand this Dobbs, Dobbs Logging, Inc., was Gail Nosie of Chisholm, Minn. portion of the show next year. Littlefork, Minn., sponsored by Please keep an eye open for other Boise Cascade. Loader Contest historic pieces of logging and The other contestants were: Rutar The loader contest was held on sawmilling equipment that could Loggging / Bob Howe / Potlatch both Friday and Saturday. This be available for display. Corporation; Neil DeLack / event always draws quite a few DeLack Logging, Inc. / Boise loader operators who want to try Best Load Contest Cascade Corporation; J & A their skills against the clock and There were eight entries in this Logging / Jeff Peterson / UPM- other operators. year’s Best Load Contest. They Blandin Paper Company; Craig The winners were: were all excellent examples of safe, Turnboom Logging / M & E Friday well-maintained, polished trucks. Enterprises / Bell Lumber & Pole First Place – Tom Long, Orr, Minn.
Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 9 Second Place – Dave Chura, Sen. Grams office Third Place – Pat Puchalla – B105 Radio, Duluth, Minn. Other participants were: Heather Hill – KBJR TV, Duluth, Minn. Mike Kilgore, executive director, Minnesota Forest Resources Council John Swift – IRRRB commissioner Rep. Loren Solberg Social Hour, Dinner, Door Prize Drawings This year’s social hour and dinner were held in Iron World. Third place winner, outdoor display, Wood-Mizer Products, Indianapolis, Ind. The weather was beautiful and the food excellent. The turnout for this Second Place – Gordy Dobbs, Celebrity Loader Contest year’s event was good and the door Littlfork, Minn. The competition was close prizes were worth waiting for. The Third Place – Mark Bowman among this year’s contestants. A grand prize, won by Jason Saturday good time was had by all. This Gilhousen of Grand Rapids, was a First Place – Tony Kowitz year we had eight competitors. chainsaw donated by Tilton Second Place – Gordy Dobbs, Marc Koprivec, mayor of Keewatin, Equipment Company. Littlfork, Minn. successfully defended his title and The mechanization committee Third Place – Tom Long, Orr, won again this year. We would like members and all those involved in Minn. to congratulate Marc on a fine job. the North Star Expo would again The overall winners (with the TPA would like to thank everyone like to express our thanks to the best average time for both days) for taking the time from their busy vendors that have supported the were: schedules to attend the North Star show. Without your support there First Place – Tom Long Expo and compete in this contest. would be no show. Thanks!! Second Place – Gordy Dobbs First Place – Marc Koprivec, A special thanks to those that Third Place – Tony Kowitz mayor of Keewatin, Minn. provided the many door prizes.
Everyone enjoyed the banquet.
10 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 Some of the old-time logging equipment that was on display.
Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 11 Carlton County the first ever State Implementation to implement those plans.” Joins SFI Committee of the Year award. “This needs to be a trend and not a one-time event. Loggers have put State Timber their shoulders to the wheel The Carlton County Board of Sales Increase implementing the new guidelines, Commissioners has voted to join continuously improving logging the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. practices and buying equipment. Carlton County becomes the fourth DNR timber sales for fiscal year State forests need to be managed Minnesota county to take this step. 2000 increased 80,000 cords from and timber sales increased,” Other counties who have become 1999. Total sales were 619,000 cords. concluded Ray Killmer. licensees of the SFI program While this increase is welcome news include Itasca, Lake and St. Louis. for Minnesota loggers and mills, Dave Thom Transfers to With the addition of Carlton timber sales lag behind the DNR’s Black Hills County’s 73,000 acres, there are now annual planned volume, which over 1.8 million acres in Minnesota exceeds 800,000 cords per year. licensed under the SFI program, “We’re very pleased that the Dave Thom has accepted a making it far and away the most DNR has increased its sales. position as Inter Disciplinary Team widely accepted forest standard and Commissioner Garber has Coordinator on the Black Hills certification program in the state. supported this effort by the National Forest. His starting date “We’re very pleased that Carlton Division of Forestry and his for this new position will be in County, under the leadership of its support has been key to the mid-October. Thom currently serves land commissioner Milo increase in volume,” said TPA as the Laurentian District ranger on Rasmussen, has taken this President Ray Killmer. “The TPA the Superior National Forest. important step. SFI is rapidly Executive Committee has met with “We hate to see Dave go but wish becoming the pre-eminent means of the commissioner a number of him well in his new position,”said demonstrating and assuring sound times and he has clearly listened TPA Executive Vice President Wayne forest management,” said Tim and responded to our input.” Brandt. “Dave is a uniquely talented Beebe, chair of the SFI State Fiscal year 1999 sales of 535,000 person who has worked very hard Implementation Committee. cords were the lowest in a decade to make his ranger district work. In 1999 the Minnesota SFI State and down from the 750,000 cords We will miss his contributions.” Implementation Committee received sold in fiscal year 1996. The total In addition to his work for the planned volume U.S. Forest Service, Thom has been of more than active in his community. He served 800,000 cords is and chaired on the school board for derived by adding the Mesabi East district. He also the estimated was active in the Society of American volumes for each Foresters and served on the GEIS of the DNR’s Area Implementation Roundtable. Plans statewide. “It’s easy to throw stones at the DNR, but the field staff has responded to the crisis in available timber for sale with a tremendous effort,” said TPA Executive Vice President Wayne Brandt. “The DNR prepares and approves its management plans and we’re pleased that they have moved to a higher level of accomplishment. Too often we have seen the DNR’s field staff hamstrung in their daily work
12 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 13 Rutar Logging
Rutar Logging of Buyck, Minn., operating most of the equipment. was started in 1957 by long time As with most businesses they each TPA member Tony Rutar. “I did usually run a specific piece of some logging in the early ‘50s and equipment and change to then worked in several other something else as the job demands. businesses. I finally decided I Each of them are better at some wanted to work for myself, so I specific jobs then others and started logging,” Tony commented. they tend to take the lead when The business has grown and that talent is needed. Mark gets changed over the years. It is most of the public relations work, primarily a family operation. There so naturally when I showed up he are five family members physically took the time to show me around involved in the woods end of the and fill me in on their operation. business: Tony and three sons, He also works with the industry Mark, Gary and Robert, and Mark’s foresters and the timber sale son Justin. He was registering at administrators for the sales they Tony Rutar the University of Wisconsin- harvest. Superior the day I visited Rutar As I mentioned earlier, there are Logging. He plans on completing five family members physically his degree in business and working in the woods. There is a accounting. He will be missed on sixth family member, Jessie Rutar, the job. They will have to find Tony’s wife, who does one of the someone else to operate the most important jobs in the skidder. business. This position is called Presently, Rutar Logging the bookkeeper or accountant. As employs two individuals. They are most people in the business know, Dan Hoffman and Adam this position does a whole lot Rutchasky, both of whom are more then just keeping the books. cousins of the Rutars. Dan runs They answer the phone, handle the 200F Serco and Adam limbs the mail, and remind everyone most of the aspen and other about upcoming meetings and hardwood species that go directly other business appointments. to the slasher. They do all the work necessary, Mark has been in the business other then harvesting the wood, for 25 years, his brother Gary for to keep the business running. I Robert Rutar takes a break from the 22 years and brother Robert for was reminded of this by most of feller-buncher to discuss the job with 18 years. They are all capable of the individuals I visited with on Mark.
Gale Daniels evens up the load before tieing it down. Gale Adam Rutchasky finishes up limbing another drag of drives one of Randy Daniel’s trucks. aspen.
14 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 Serco, a 170A Serco, a 425T Timbco with a quad saw, and a 115D Case Crawler and a 140 Cat grader for road building and maintenance. “That is a $1.7 million investment in equipment to make $30,000 a year. This is a tough business these days. In the ‘70s it was better. Stumpage prices and the cost of doing business isn’t leaving much for profit,” Tony commented. “I’m thinking about retiring. I have been doing this for almost 50 years and that’s long enough.” Gary Rutar pauses while skidding We also have two aspen with the 67 Ranger. trucks, one for the lowboy, to move equipment, and another to Dan Hoffman haul wood. The rest of the hauling is done under contract with this job. “She questioned me not Randy Daniels, who has three long ago about the monthly trucks, and Bob Howe, who has billing for my cell phone, which one truck. was quite high. I explained how The timber sale they were it had allowed me to continue in working on is a U. S. Forest the woods instead of running to Service sale that Potlatch town for parts and to take care of Corporation had purchased. It was other business. That is her job a few miles off the Elephant Lake and she is good at it,” Mark road. “This is the first time we mentioned. have spent all summer on the same When I asked Tony what sale. It is kind of nice not to have equipment the company has he to move every few weeks. We listed it as follows: usually log in the Echo Lake area, Three grapple skidders, a 525 but with the U.S. Forest Service Cat, two 67 Rangers, an EL 200B cutting back on timber sales we Car carrier with a 2000Limmit for have to look elsewhere for wood,” Mark visits with Brad Arvila before delimbing, two slashers, a 200F Tony said. loading Rutar Logging’s truck and heading in with another load.
Gary heads for the landing with another drag of aspen. Dan Hoffman adds 100" to the deck.
Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 15 Lt. Gov. Schunk presents awards at Aug. 24 State Capitol ceremony . . . Second Annual “Minnesota Forest Educators of the Year” Selected
environment. But we used the wood to provide homes for one of nature’s inhabitants – the bluebird – which not only benefited the birds but also gave students hands- on exposure to several forms of environmental education,” said Maanum. The other finalists for the Minnesota Forest Educators of the Year, listed alphabetically, were: Mitch Becker of Holy Trinity School in Pierz; Judy Johnson of North Shore Elementary in Duluth; Thomas Leuster of Willow River High School; James McCollough of Trailview Elementary in Mora; Doug Ploof of Little Falls Community School; Jane Reynolds of Sunset Hill Elementary in Plymouth; LeRoy Unlenkamp Jr. of Long Prairie-Grey Eagle High Two Minnesota schoolteachers Kaufmann. School in Long Prairie; Rusty who employ innovative methods to Maanum’s lessons that won the Uscola of Nevis High School; and teach about the state’s forests were judges’ notice were several fall, Larry Wade of Katherine Curren announced Thursday as winners of winter and spring activities, Elementary in Hopkins. the second annual Minnesota including an emphasis on animal Applications for next year’s Forest Educators of the Year award. studies. One such example was the Minnesota Forest Educators of the During a morning ceremony at the Bluebird Project, in which students Year program are available by state capitol, Lt. Gov. Mae Schunk and volunteers built and installed writing to Minnesota Forest presented the Minnesota Forest 161 bluebird houses throughout the Industries, 903 Medical Arts Bldg., Industries-sponsored awards to Park Rapids community. 324 W. Superior St., Duluth, Minn. Karl Kaufmann of Pillager and “Sometimes people think that 55802; by calling MFI at (218) Steve Maanum of Park Rapids. once a tree is harvested, that that’s 722-5013; or by logging onto Kaufmann is a forestry and the end of its role in the www.minnesotaforests.com. biotechnology instructor at Pillager High School. Maanum is a fifth grade science and math teacher a Park Rapids Middle School. They were among 11 finalists – divided into grade K-6 and 7-12 categories – vying for the award. A panel of forestry and education professionals selected Kaufmann and Maanum, each of whom received $1,000 cash awards. Kaufman was selected because of his dedication to developing a curriculum that emphasizes stewardship and multiple use, including utilizing the Pillager School Forest as an outdoor classroom. “All Pillager High School students are using forestry, the school forest, wildlife management and greenhouse production applications as a hands-on environment for learning the classic principles in biology,” said
16 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 American Tree Farm System, Potlatch, and 66,000 certified Tree Farms covering 85 million acres (25 million non- Trout Unlimited Sponsor Environmental industrial) of forestland. Field Day Focusing on Private Forests Trout Unlimited’s (www.tu.org) mission is to conserve, protect and maintaining viable, dynamic forests restore North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. hared Streams, a national for the long-term.” S Potlatch (www.potlatchcorp.com) is cooperative conservation initiative, In this field-session workshop, a diversified forest products company took root in Minnesota on Aug. 25, private forest owners were with timberland throughout northern 2000, on the Wieck Family Forest, a provided with valuable and Minnesota and manufacturing tree farm near Mahtowa, in Carlton practical advice for improving facilities in Cloquet, Brainerd, Bemidji, County. More than 100 private water quality and wildlife habitat Cook and Grand Rapids. landowners attended a free and providing recreational educational field day to learn about opportunities, as well as increasing forest management techniques and forest productivity. Topics ranged wildlife habitat improvement from management of beaver and projects they can implement on game species, to songbirds, Lowe’s Jumps on their own properties. wetlands integrity and water the Home Depot Nearly 43 percent of Minnesota’s quality in forest streams. Bandwagon 16.7 million acres of forestland is The workshop is an outgrowth owned by ordinary citizens – not of a national partnership between by governments or big industry. Trout Unlimited and the L owe’s Companies, the nation’s Because less timber is coming from American Tree Farm System, No. 2 home improvement retailer, our national forests, there’s called Shared Streams, that works said recently that it will eliminate increasing pressure on Minnesota’s to improve stream habitat, and from its sprawling warehouse private landowners to help meet forest management on private stores wood products from this country’s demand for forest lands across the United States. “endangered forests” over the next products. Shared Streams introduces forest three years. The Wilkesboro, “But there’s a lot more to owners to existing technical N.C.-based company said it will managing a forest than cutting assistance programs, implements also give preference to wood that and planting trees,” said Bob riparian habitat improvement is independently certified as Simpson, national director of the projects, organizes educational having come from forests managed American Tree Farm System, a events and field tours, and in an “environmentally national organization that provides promotes the voluntary actions of responsible” way. assistance to private forest participating forest owners. Lowe’s officials said growing landowners. “Wildlife habitat, Potlatch, which owns nearly customer demand for water quality, forest sustainability, 340,000 acres of land throughout environmentally friendly wood and a landowner’s goals all northern Minnesota, signed on as a products is prompting the factor into forest management Shared Streams partner on a project changes, not pressure to keep up today.” to manage brook trout habitat in with arch-rival Home Depot Inc., That’s why a partnership the Dark River in northern which vowed last August to stop comprised of the American Tree Minnesota. buying wood products from Farm System, Trout Unlimited, “Teaming with organizations like “environmentally sensitive areas” Potlatch, the National Fish and the American Tree Farm System, by the end of 2002. Environmental Wildlife Foundation, and Potlatch and others has helped to groups reacted by saying that the Minnesota Power brought together increase awareness and Lowe’s move would almost a group of private forest owners implementation of conservation certainly add to existing pressure with wildlife biologists, fisheries and watershed protection projects,” on lumber suppliers to increase the experts, and professional foresters. said Wayne Hoshal, Waybinahbe supply of “certified” wood. The pros gave pointers and advice Chapter of Trout Unlimited. “Wild However, the word from on the many different goals and trout in Minnesota’s Dark River are inside the industry is that neither objectives associated with already benefiting from a Shared Home Depot nor Lowe’s can obtain sustainable forestland Streams project that decreased enough lumber certified under management. sedimentation and improved trout current “green” certification “Most of today’s management spawning habitat.” schemes, such as those licensed by discussions are focused on public For nearly 60 years, the American the Forest Stewardship Council, to land issues,” said Mike Houser, Tree Farm System meet the terms of their pledges. Potlatch wildlife biologist. “But in (www.treefarmsystem.org) has been This has reportedly caused Home Minnesota private landowners own providing assistance to and Depot to explore alternatives, nearly six million acres of recognizing private landowners for such as accepting wood products forestland. Providing them with their commitment to conservation and grown on lands covered by the information about sustainable sustainable forest management. It is forest industry-endorsed forestry and the many values the oldest and largest forest owner Sustainable Forestry Initiative associated with it is vital to program in the country with some (SFI).
18 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 Green Future? Who’s driving the movement towards certified lumber? And why? by Jesse Brand, Brands Inc., are aware of many of the facets of independent dealers are not Columbus, Ind., past chair of the growing movement toward concerned about the process. This NLBMDA, gave this speech at the certification and/or verifiably process has the potential to impact Second Annual North America environmentally responsible our businesses in a number of Softwood Conference forestry and product management. different, and some surely We are sure this activity will affect unexpected, ways. Many questions our businesses even if it is not and concerns arise when the Good afternoon and thank you being driven by our customers. potential ramifications of this for the opportunity to join you here Let me first talk a little about process are considered. and participate in the Second our customers. In the last 18 On a very practical level, dealers Annual American Softwood months I have had occasion to are concerned about how the Conference. I appreciate your attend meetings with literally pressure being exerted to promote implicit recognition of the hundreds of lumber and building third-party certification and related important role that the independent materials dealers from across the initiatives will affect the availability lumber and building material U.S.A. I have been asking dealers of wood-based building products. dealers of the United States play in about the issues confronting them With the U.S. government- getting wood products to our home as they go about their business. controlled forest resource builders, remodelers, industrial, They have many concerns, functionally closed down, any institutional and consumers. I’ve including the quality and quantity action that can potentially further been asked to bring the of the labor pool available; the limit the availability of wood fiber independent dealers’ perspective problems of government is discouraging to independent on the movement towards third- intervention in their business; the lumber dealers. We’ve experienced party certification of forest volatility of the wood products the increases in prices and volatility products processes, which I found market in terms of cost; concerns that have resulted from shutting to be quite a challenge when I set about reliable supply of wood down our national forests. When about the specific task at hand. To a products; and questions about the we hear about programs that may very large extent, because of the attempted encoachment of result in reduced yield from our nature of our individual alternative building products such North American working forests, or companies, we have been left out of as steel, concrete and plastic. But worse yet, take more timberland the process. In spite of the fact that the problem of how to provide completely out of production, we as a group we buy and sell more their customers with certifiably are skeptical, at least. wood-based products than any “green” lumber has not come up It is important that I talk a little other group, we are made up of once! I’ve asked wholesalers, about the issues of conservation, thousands of individual companies distributors and co-op buying sustainability and responsible all across the U.S.A. and don’t groups two questions: “Have your forestry at this point! As members present a very identifiable target for customers been asking you for of the forest products industry, we the activist organizations that are certified lumber?” and “Has your have a strong vested interest in the driving the process. Unlike our big- company been working with long-term health and sustainability box competitors, we are primarily producers to be able to provide of our forests. Ours are primarily privately-held companies and certified lumber and wood family businesses with an eye rarely serve markets covering large products?” The answer to the first firmly on the future. We want to geographic territories. As a result, question has been a resounding insure the continuing health and large, publicly-traded companies in silence. Not one has been asked sustainability of our forests for very both the production and sale for certified lumber. Answers to personal, very strong reasons. We sectors of the industry have been the second question range from, just don’t start from the point of much more attractive targets for the “We’re developing a position on distrust – in fact it seems pressure being brought to bear by the issue,” to “No, we’re doing sometimes that hatred is not too the vocal and very active minority nothing at this time.” strong a word for those who pushing this agenda. None of this is to say that this is manage and work in our forests. Of Let me first be very clear about not a real or important issue; our course, we want to preserve an two things: presence here discussing it makes appropriate amount of forests in First, there is no grassroots it undeniably real. I believe, national parks and wilderness groundswell of concern over, or however, it is important to areas, but we wonder how many demand for,“green” lumber and understand where the issues come millions acres must be preserved? wood products among the from. And just because our We admit that there have been poor consumers, craftsmen (and women) customers are not clamoring for practices carried out in the past, and building professionals in the certified lumber does not mean but we believe that the modern United States. there isn’t a place for it in the forest products industry in North Second, independent dealers market, nor does it mean that (continued on page 22)
20 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 (continued from page 20) process. Dealers start from a basic would have to have a great deal of America is responsible, working for perspective of trust, as well as faith in their ability to maintain the long-term health and dependence on the practices of the objectivity when reading the sustainability of our forest resource industry. The radical fringe hates minutes of their last board meeting – if not for altruistic reasons – the forest products industry with a that “The Operations Director because it makes economic sense. religious zeal. I am dubious that reported on developments in How will this process affect the even worldwide adoption of setting up the expert and advisory quality of wood products we will uniform methods of management, panels. Funding has been received receive? Wood products are used harvest and production will make from WWF-US and from for a wide variety of purposes, allies of these groups. The general Greenpeace. Meetings and structural and decorative. public does view the forest discussions will start shortly.” Technology can help in some of products industry, as they National and regional certification these areas; we can use engineered generally view big business, with standards and agents are emerging, lumber for many structural suspicion and distrust. However, and it appears, competing. We will applications, though not all yet. they generally view the building surely watch with interest as this And engineered substrates and materials dealer as a member of process develops. veneers can help with decorative the community, a small business It is also interesting to consider applications. But quality, in terms that can be trusted. This should the possible irony that certification of structural and appearance provide a great opportunity to might just lead to wider public characteristics, is a serious concern work to improve our image with acceptance of responsible forestry, for independent lumber dealers, the public. I have been asked to leading to more access to the and further restrictions could serve as the contact point between timber base throughout North exacerbate these concerns. NLBMDA and the Wood Is Good America. While I do not really How will this process affect the project. While the issue of expect this to happen, it is a dream price of lumber products? Despite certification may play a part, I I can’t seem to let go of. assurances to the contrary, it seems encourage all of you to support and Even though demand for reasonable that this process will get involved with the project. We “green” lumber has not result in higher costs. Higher costs all need to be a part of this critical materialized among the customers must inevitably be passed on to effort to win the trust of the public. of independent dealers, we realize home builders and consumers. And Wood really is Good; we just need this movement is real and it will dealers are not the only segment to work together to get that affect our businesses. If big box concerned about this prospect. An message out! retailers like Home Depot and announcement regarding wood-use One of the more interesting Menard’s stick to their stated policy by home builder Kaufman questions to me, personally, about intentions to buy and sell only and Broad was followed by a certification and related practices is “green” lumber, if Centex and statement by Jeff Metzger, Kaufman whether they might have any effect Kaufman and Broad can balance and Broad’s COO, that the greatest on trade issues. Will there be any environmental sensitivity with the challenge facing his company perception of a more level playing need to provide affordable homes, would be to “balance field as a result? This has not been there will certainly be producers environmental sensitivity with our a widely-discussed idea, but any ready to provide certified product mission of providing affordably- development that might bring less to them. priced homes.” contention to trade issues would be It is difficult to know for sure, How will this process affect the welcomed by independent dealers. but it is unlikely many dealers will marketability of wood-based If, however, there is a negative be able or willing to maintain building products? We are already impact, a limitation on the separate, double inventories of experiencing vigorous attacks by importation of non-certified certified and non-certified lumber. alternative building products lumber, for an example, then this If certification serves primarily to making claims of eco-superiority. entire process could be very recognize the responsible forestry Even though these claims are often damaging to our businesses. And, practices that most producers hollow at best, blatantly false at unfortunately, no development is currently employ, it may have worst, the question of whether the too outlandish to be concerned little impact on the way we do added costs of certified lumber will about! business. On the other hand, be more than offset by any Another area of current there is little evidence that marketability benefit remains. confusion is in regards to who consumers are willing to make Whether or not, or how much, certifies whom for what. Is the significant material or personal consumers are willing to spend for ISO14001 certification appropriate? sacrifices for these “green” “green” wood products has not Does this fully integrate with the products, so for certification to been established. Canadian Standards Association integrate effectively into the market I would return here to the standard? Where does the it will have to be economically difference in our perspective of AF&PA’s SFI fit in? Will the Forest sensible. the forest products industry versus Stewardship Council become the Reprinted with permission from the the view of the general public, and dominant certifying organization? I Building Material Dealer magazine; the view of the radical, activist have a lot to learn about the Forest this article first appeared in the fringe elements pushing this Stewardship Council, but one September 2000 issue.
22 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 inventory system. Minnesota Timber Producers Association “It was well worth the effort,” said Heinzen. “Now any forest Meet the Directors agency in the nation can obtain inventory data on an annual basis with only modest sacrifices in precision.” Dick Walsh was born and Inventory information helps to raised in Park Rapids and still develop programs and policies that resides in the community. He promote continued forest health and started in the logging business in productivity. It helps in fighting 1962 and is presently partner fires, identifying where trees need with his sons, Robin and Steve, in to be planted or harvested, and Dick Walsh Forest Products L L P. assessing where trees are in danger Dick has been involved in several due to disease or insect infestation. different aspects of the industry. Besides logging he has owned and operated a sawmill and was an equipment dealer for a number of years. Presently he and his sons are operating two executive committee in 1991. logging sites producing both Dick was president of TPA during chips and roundwood. 1997-1998. Dick and Sandra have Dick and his wife, Sandra, have been active in the issues that have five children: Roger, Robin, Steve, faced the association and have Tony and Nancy. At present there made numerous trips to St. Paul are 10 grandchildren. to testify before the House and Presently TPA’s past president, Senate Legislative Committees. Dick Walsh has served on the Dick has been active in his local executive committee and as community and has served as chairman of the government chairman of Arago Township relations committee. He also Supervisors and as a Log-A-Load chaired the task force that for Kids board member. Even established the Minnesota Logger with all the things he is involved Education Program. He was with he still finds time for some elected to the TPA Board of of his personal interests such as Directors in 1980 and to the hunting and golf.
DNR Forestry Division years. Improvements in technology Wins National Award and the need for more up-to-date information than the usual Forest Inventory and Analysis cycle could The “Director’s Award for provide drove the development of Excellence in Forest Inventory a new way of measuring the Analysis” has been presented to the resource known as the Annual Minnesota Department of Natural Forest Inventory System. Resources (DNR) Forestry Division’s “Annual inventory combines Resource Assessment Unit, remote sensing, actual measurements accordingto the U.S. Department of of a relatively small number of tree Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. stands, and computer models to “We were told this honor was provide an annual update of forest given to us because of exemplary conditions,” said Heinzen. partnership and leadership in pilot The DNR’s Division of Forestry testing and implementing the took a risk in applying state dollars Annual Forest Inventory System,” and many staff hours to developing said Dave Heinzen, division resource the new technology with us, said assessment supervisor. “It was nice USDA Forest Service officials. It recognition for the many people took seven years to measure the who put in a lot of time to improve thousands of field plots, process the the way federal and state forest dozens of Landsat (satellite) scenes, agencies inventory their resources.” and register the tens of thousands Forest Inventory and Analysis of Forest Inventory and Analysis was a program begun in the 1930s field plots to satellite imagery that that collected information every 10 were needed to develop the annual
24 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 American Tree Farm System Field Day
Nearly 43 percent of Minnesota’s 16.7 million acres of forestland is owned by ordinary citizens. Because less timber is coming from state and federal forestland, there’s more pressure on Minnesota’s private forest landowners to help meet the increasing demand for forest products. Today forest management goes beyond timber harvesting and includes wildlife habitat, water quality and forest sustainability. To provide information to private landowners, a partnership comprised of the American Tree Farm System, Trout Unlimited, Rick Horton, forest wildlife biologist, Ruffed Grouse Society, discussed Potlatch Corporation, the National management strategies for early successional wildlife – ruffed grouse and woodcock. Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Minnesota Power held an educational field day on Potlatch’s Wieck Family Forest Tree Farm near Mahtowa on Aug. 5, 2000. Bob Simpson, national director, American Tree Farm System, welcomed the 100 private landowners in attendance. He complimented those landowners who are managing their lands to provide forest products, wildlife habitat and clean water for the citizens of Minnesota and the rest of the country. The American Tree Farm System has developed the Forests for Watersheds and Wildlife Initiative connecting tree farmers with conservation organizations, agencies and Dan Toivonen, forester for Potlatch Corporation, informed this group on forest industry to provide them with management and productivity. assistance for wildlife conservation and watershed protection projects. Two of these projects are Shared Streams, which is a partnership with Trout Unlimited focusing on improving riparian habitat and watershed health, and Forested Flyways, which is a partnership with Ducks Unlimited concentrating on waterfowl and wetland habitat. Additional information can be obtained from any of the partners involved in the projects. Mike Houser, wildlife biologist, Potlatch Corporation, discussed the Shared Streams Project on the Dark River, a native brook trout river in Minnesota, which has been damaged by beaver population in Rain during the lunch break kept most people under the tents. The weather the area. Rather then trapping out participated most of the day.
26 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 • Forest management and productivity, • Financial and Technical Assistance for private landowners, • Ecology and Management of Forest Wetlands and Waterfowl, • Ecology and Management of Songbirds, • Ecology and Management of Beaver, • Management Strategies for Early-Successional Wildlife, • Trout Habitat Improvement on the Dark River, • Cold Water Stream Ecology and Management Information on each of the above Bob Simpson, national director, American Tree Farm System, takes time out for topics was provided along with lunch. where to go for additional help on each specific topic. the beaver and blowing dams year cause them to move to other areas. All the participants were after year, this project will change At the same time other habitat provided the time to visit with the the aspen type along the river over projects will be carried out both in individual instructors during the time by managing for species such and along the river to improve the lunch break. This interlude also as pine, spruce and other longer – brook trout habitat. provided an opportunity for lived hardwoods. This should Small groups were then directed everyone to sample the roast pig reduce the availability of the aspen, to one of the following learning and other excellent side dishes that the beaver’s favorite food, and stations: were provide.
Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 27 28 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 Be Active! FRA site provides a comprehensive Pulpwood Association Inc., is a Launches Pro-Active catalogue of educational nonprofit trade association resources. On-line links to concerned with the safe, efficient, Forestry Website additional information and allied and sustainable harvest of forest groups’ web sites enrich the site’s products and their transport content. from woods to mill. FRA ired of all the misinformation T “If we fail to make full use of represents wood consumers, about harvesting and sustainable new technologies in building independent logging contractors, forestry? Concerned that your alliances and pushing our message and wood dealers, as well as way of life is threatened by out, we will be allowing our businesses providing products and policies based on unfounded adversaries to control the debate services to the forest resource-based “facts”? To help loggers and over forest use,” noted Richerson. industries. foresters change the direction of “The Pro-Active Forestry Education public policy, the Forest Resources Resource Guide empowers people Association has launched a Pro- on the ground to defend the pro Active Forestry Education Resource use position.” Guide at its web site, The Forest Resources Association www.forestresources.org. Inc., formerly the American “This on-line resource is your key to taking action to promote and defend science-based use of our forest resource and the communities that depend on it,” stated Robin Richerson of International Paper, chairman of the FRA Task Group that developed the site. “We know there are thousands of people who derive their livings from the forest who would be effective pro-forestry activists if they knew where to start. This web site provides the tools.” The Price Companies, the innovative chipping contractor and engineering firm based in Monticello, Arkansas, generously underwrote the costs of developing the site. “We at Price Companies believe that everyone who works in the woods has a right and obligation to defend access. Supporting that effort is as important as anything else we do,” commented Dick Carmical, Price Companies’ representative on the FRA Board of Directors. Other associations may link directly to the site at www.forestresources.org/ beactivehome.htm, to provide their members and other site visitors with its benefits. Accessed through the “Be Active!” button on the FRA web site’s home page, the Pro-Active Forestry Education Resource Guide provides guidelines and tips on influencing state and federal legislative and regulatory processes, working with the media, taking advantage of public speaking opportunities, organizing forestry tours, and building effective coalitions. In addition, the
Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 29 Temporary Closing of the Two Harbors Division High Log Prices and Lumber Over-production cited as cause
Hedstrom Lumber Co., Inc., one of the pioneering forest products companies in northeastern Minnesota, announced today the temporary shutdown of the company’s Two Harbors Division. Established in 1914 in Grand Marais, Hedstrom Lumber Co. is a family- owned and -operated sawmill. The company purchased the Two Harbors facility – a complete lumber production facility including sawmill, dry kiln and planning mill operation – in September, 1996. According to Howard Hedstrom, president of Hedstrom Lumber, the plant will be shut down for a minimum of one month. While uncertain about the precise length of the shutdown, Hedstrom officials indicated a desire to reopen the Two Harbors facility as soon as practical. Current market conditions of high raw timber prices with a constrained log supply and low prices for the lumber product have combined to force Hedstrom into this historically unprecedented decision to shut down a portion of its operations. Shutdown of Hedstrom’s Two Harbors Division will affect approximately 40 people. The complete shutdown will be phased in over the next 3 to 4 weeks beginning with the sawmill and its 25 employees. If there is no significant improvement in the lumber market, on prices or supply, the remaining employees plus some office staff – an additional 15 employees – will be laid off. The company also anticipates some realignment of employees at its Grand Marais mill. “It is our intent to continue operating in Grand Marais and we will continue buying logs for that mill,” Howard Hedstrom said. “We are hoping this layoff will be short term, but the outlook is quite dismal for the near future,” said Hedstrom. “Production of lumber in North America has exceeded demand for many months now and the economy is slowing down. Plus, we are heading into the time of the year where construction slows down as well. The only optimism I have is that most softwood mills are losing money, and there will be more curtailments throughout the industry. When supply is balanced with production, I expect to see pricing increase to profitable levels. There have been many mills taking downtime, so market turn around could be weeks away instead of months away.” Chris Hegg, vice president of finance for Hedstrom Lumber, confirmed that the company “is losing money at both of our mills.” “This move will strengthen the company and keep us solvent. This temporary shutdown is a survival strategy that is the only prudent thing for us to do. Once the lumber prices return us to profitability we will be able to reopen the Two Harbors mill,” Hegg said. In recent years, Hedstrom Lumber has made heavy capital investments in order to bring production cost into a competitive range. Since the purchase of the Two Harbors mill, the company has invested $3 million in a new dry kiln and a complete sawmill
30 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 renovation. “We have achieved our goals as far as reducing costs, but the bottom keeps dropping out of the sales side of the equation,” said Hedstrom. “In addition to the equipment investment, we have gradually increased employment in the Two Harbors plant, while upgrading the job skills and pay rates,” said Hegg. “Regrettably, the potential loss of skilled employees will have a longer impact than the temporary financial losses.” “Certainly markets have gone south before, but this time they have gone far beyond what anyone would have ever expected,” said Jack Hedstrom, vice president of sales and marketing. “We are seeing prices that we haven’t seen since the 1970s, which makes it very difficult to continue to run a business profitably.” The impact from the Hedstrom Lumber shutdown is expected to cause ripples beyond the economy of northeastern Minnesota. "This should be troubling wake up call for some of Minnesota’s elected and forest management leadership. They are the ones who will have to answer the questions surrounding how a well- managed, family-run company like Hedstrom Lumber could be forced to lay off working people and shut down its operations during a period of unprecedented economic growth. The difficult answers to that will probably be found in restrictive public policies that ignore the needs of working families who depend on the forests for their livelihoods,” said Wayne Brandt, executive vice president of Minnesota Forest Industries. “It’s a very sad day when a company has to shut down operations, even temporarily. Lumber markets have always had their ups and downs, the difference today are the policies that artificially constrain the availability of timber on public lands. Red and white pine saw timber sales on state lands have dropped 75 percent in the past decade and saw timber sales on national forests in Minnesota have dropped 70 percent. The trees are out there but the will to manage the forest is lacking. My heart goes out to the affected employees, their families, the communities and to the Hedstrom family.” “The toughest part of this situation is the people side of our business. Our employees are very good at their jobs. We recognize and want to thank the Two Harbors employees who have made great efforts to make the operation successful. We are very concerned about the future for our employees and their families, and we regret that this shutdown had to occur. Our goal is to reopen this operation as soon as possible,” Hedstrom said. Cases of Mistaken Identity: Vandals Destroy Wrong Trees in Maine and Wisconsin
In two possibly related incidents, vandals destroyed what they apparently thought were genetically- engineered trees on research plantations in Wisconsin and Maine. In the Wisconsin incident, an underground group of environmental vandals is claiming responsibility for an attack that destroyed 500 research trees and left spray- painted graffiti on vehicles at a federal forestry
Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 31 laboratory near Rhinelander. The Seattle-based North American Earth Liberation Front, describing it as an attack against “bioengineering,” killed rare nursery stock worth $750,000 and vandalized eight vehicles at a Forest Service research station. Researchers at the lab said that bioengineering was not a part of their work, and was not used on any of the trees destroyed. Police in Milo, Maine, are investigating an attack by vandals that destroyed about 3,000 trees on a four-acre stand of experimental poplar trees owned by the Mead Corp. The message “NO GE (genetically engineered) TREES” was spray painted on the side of a pickup truck parked at the site. Again, Mead researchers said the trees were hybrids, not genetically-engineered in any way. No group claimed responsibility. Expensive Foofaraw Obscures Real Forest Issues by Shawn Perich
The ongoing foofaraw over logging in the Little East Creek area north of Lake Vermilion is excellent example of what is wrong in the woods. In a nutshell, the state and St. Louis County want to cross Superior National Forest land to reach their own lands, which they plan to log, in a remote, wild area north of Lake Vermilion and near the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area. Getting to the wood requires building new “winter roads,” which are used only when the ground is frozen. The logging and road-building is challenged by some environmentalists, who have focused their battle on the U.S. Forest Service, which must give the state and county permission to cross national forest lands. The challenge became a “cause du jour” when the environ- mentalists charged that road building and logging would harm habitat for the Canada lynx, which was recently listed as a federally threatened species. This dragged the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service into the fray. The plot thickened when the July 4, 1999, windstorm blew down trees in the area, and the state and county decided to do additional salvage logging in the area. Since this battle over trees is being fought largely at the public’s expense, we should question the motives of all involved. Let’s start with state and county. Do they really need to get at the wood, which is located a long way from anywhere, or are they trying to make a political point? The Forest Service, burdened with Congressional mandates that require extensive environmental assessments and public review prior to virtually any management decision, is gridlocked with paperwork – a point being made amply clear by the state and county. It is reasonable for the enviros to question new road building – particularly since Minnesota seems unable to manage or control off-road vehicle use. But it is difficult to believe this battle is driven by any heartfelt concern for the Canada lynx. Instead, the animal’s status under the Endangered Species Act brings another federal bureaucracy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and yet more paperwork, to Little East Creek. The portion of the environmental community that leans toward animal rights and limited human use of
32 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 public lands is pushing hard to get large predators (next up is the wolverine) on the Endangered Species List. Despite any rhetoric to the contrary, their motives have less to do with restoring wildlife than gaining control over public lands. Large predators need room to roam. Once they are on the Endangered Species List, they become weapons to wield against consumptive human activities like logging. Sadly, the real issues at Little East Creek – such as whether the Forest Service has been rendered ineffective by a paperwork burden and whether we should continue developing roads in our remaining remote areas – are barely discussed. Instead we have a battle of buzzwords like “salvage logging” and “lynx habitat,” which plays better in the media and the courtroom. Avoided, too, is the bottom line: the cost to the public in human and financial resources devoted by the county, state, and federal government. Every penny taxpayers spend at Little East Creek is just a symptom of a nationwide disease, because similar battles are occurring on national forests across the nation. So how do we fix this mess? Maybe, we never will. A knee-jerk political response may occur when the balance of power shifts in Washington, but that will change only the playing field, not the game. Maybe at some point the public will get tired of funding the shenanigans of politicians, lawyers, and special interest groups at the expense of forest management and demand more accountability. But don’t hold your breath. Reprinted with permission from the Outdoor News, Points North, Aug. 4, 2000.
Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 33 LOGGERS OF THE PAST . . . Days of Real Horsepower by 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 reprint selected stories from the memories he recorded for us.–Editor
34 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 35 36 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 1987 D4H LGP, 6-way blade, encl. cab ...... 43,000 KNUCKLE BOOM LOADERS Classifieds 1986 1187B Case log loader.....30,000 1987 210C 6 cyl. JD slasher To serve our readers better, the Timber package...... 27,000 Bulletin offers free classified ads of up Prentice 90 on tandem truck, to 85 words to all members and 19' bed ...... 9,500 associate members of the Minnesota Prentice 150 ...... 9,500 Timber Producers Association. All ads 1987 XL 175 Husky ...... 19,000 must be submitted in writing to the HARVESTERS Association office. The MTPA assumes 50' Harricana on Cat. 225 ...... 34,000 no responsibility for ad contents and 1993 Risley Black Magic accepts free ads on a first-come, first- Lim-mit 2000...... 135,000 served basis within space limitations. 1990 John Deere 690D with 1993 ______453 Pro-Pac delimber...... 84,000 USED EQUIPMENT FOR SALE ______FELLER-BUNCHERS FOR SALE AND SHEARS 1996 International 9300, Limited 1986 490 JD w/20" Timbco Edition, Golden Eagle, with shearhead ...... 35,000 transferrable one million mile/6 year 1993 T445 Timbco, w/22" Quadco warranty. (no deductible - 100% sawhead w/side tilt...... 165,000 parts and labor) 242" WB, 555,000 1989 643 JD w/Koehring miles, exc. rubber, 72" hi-rise pro sawhead...... 38,000 sleeper, 18 speed spicer, maint. 1993 Risley Black Magic, records, 455/3406E CAT, 150 gal. w/Risley sawhead ...... 120,000 tanks, lots of extras. $45,000. Leave 1976 544B JD, 20" shear ...... 21,000 message 218-666-5577. 1990 Super T Bell, 24"...... 28,000 ______1988 910 Cat, 17" shearhead, FOR SALE rebuilt trans...... 37,000 1992 Siiro delimber slasher 1987 311B Hydro-Ax...... 20,000 1980 Treefarmer C7D grapple 1987 411B Hydro-Ax...... 20,000 skidder 1986 511B Hydro-Ax, 6 BT 1975 Drott 40 feller-buncher Cummins...... POR 1984 Clark 667 grapple skidder 1984 611B Hydro-Ax...... 20,000 ADVERTISERS INDEX 1992 Franklin double bunk WHEEL LOADERS forwarder American Interstate Insurance ...... 32 1979 544B JD ...... 18,500 Bridgestone/Firestone ...... 29 Don Nelson • 218-376-4638 ______1981 644C...... 28,000 Cummins North Central...... 23 Evans Insurance...... 13 FOR SALE MISCELLANEOUS Firestone...... 17 CABLE SKIDDERS 2-roller Fabtek processing Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick, P.A...... 16 General Diesel ...... 12 1965 C4 TF...... $ 4,000 head...... 12,000 1997 72" circular slasher...... 12,000 Great Lakes Trailers...... 11 C4 TF...... 8,500 Hedstrom Lumber Co...... 31 1990 210C JD 4x4 backhoe ...... 20,500 Itasca Greenhouse...... 35 GRAPPLE SKIDDERS Terrain King 6300 self-propelled 1993 450C TJ, low hours, Jake’s Quality Tire ...... 7 sweeper...... 8,000 Lake Nebagamon Trucking...... 21 dual function...... 50,000 20" Koehring sawhead to LM Products...... 35 1993 518C Cat, new trans...... 49,000 fit 643 JD ...... 9,000 Lumbermen's Underwriting Alliance...... 33 Menominee Industrial Supply...... 13 S-10 International ...... 14,000 1989 400D JD excavator ...... 32,000 1983 540B JD ...... 22,000 Midwest Stihl ...... 19 We have other equipment not listed. Mundt & Associates ...... 24 1985 540D JD...... 24,000 New and used parts, Northern Engine & Supply ...... 33 1990 548D JD...... POR new and used tires and chains. Northstar Power Co...... 28 1988 548D JD...... 34,000 Nortrax ...... 39 Something you’re looking for? Pomp’s Tire Service...... 30 1978 640 JD, dual function...... 21,000 Give us a call. We may have it or 1980 640 JD, dual function, Rice Blacksmith Saw & Machine...... 25 be able to locate it for you!!! Rihm Kenworth ...... 27 rebuilt trans...... 23,000 We are distributors for Road Machinery & Supplies...... 5 1990 648D JD, dual function...39,000 Aftermarket Parts and Rud Chains. St. Louis County Land Department ...... 4 1989 170XL Franklin, 6-cyl. Sawmill Sales & Supplies ...... 38 Cummins, new tires...... 30,000 NORTHERN TIMBERLINE Schaefer Enterprises...... 12 EQUIPMENT, INC. Southern Minnesota Construction...... 30 1995 F67G Clark Ranger dual Stuart's, Inc...... 2 func., 4,723 hours, 6000 Co. Rd. 8 Littlefork, Minn. 56653 Superior Truck...... 32 35.5x32 rub., very clean...... 55,000 Telmark...... 37 Phone 218-278-6203 CRAWLERS United Truck Body ...... 6 Fax 218-278-6716 Wajax ...... 28 1990 650G, 6-way blade...... 42,000 Richard or Cam Hardwig Wausau Sales Corp...... 38 1988 D4H LGP, 6-way blade...45,000 ______Ziegler Inc...... 40
38 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000 47 40 Timber Bulletin September/October 2000