November 2017 Issue <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Vol. 2 Issue 5
In this issue learn about a new program being held at OLC to capture a younger generation of loggers and forestry professionals, business seminars, program topics, and speakers who will present at OLC, and discover the early beginning of the Oregon Logging Conference and the first president to preside over that gathering in 1939.
Easy Quick Links to the 2018 OLC program schedule, panel and seminar topics, social events, competitions and other activities can be found on the last page of this newsletter.  CLICK TO REGISTER NOW!
Finding Future Forestry Workers
The Oregon Logging Conference Foundation is taking a pro-active step toward addressing the need for attracting a younger generation of workers into the logging and forestry industry.
 
Future Forestry Workers Day is planned to take place on Friday, February 23rd at the Oregon Logging Conference in Eugene, OR.
 
“This one-day on-site visit will expose high school students to the logging and forestry industry,” said Rick Kriege, 2018 OLC President. “It will allow us to create interest in young adults by showcasing the latest technology in harvesting and trucking,” he added. “We can let them know there are career opportunities available now, for those both with and without a college degree,” he said.
 
This program is an opportunity for students to touch, see, climb on, and sit in the seats at the largest static logging, trucking, and construction equipment show in the U.S.

The plan calls for students to arrive at the OLC at 9 a.m. and to receive a self-guided map for hands on visits to equipment displays and other informational booths. The students can then go to the various locations where they can actually climb into the cab and sit in logging machinery and log trucks, and talk to industry representatives about job opportunities. The visit would conclude with a hosted lunch and additional industry information presented.
 
The students would also be invited to return to OLC the following day (Family Day) and bring their families and friends to learn more about the timber industry.
 
Students who attend this hands-on career day at OLC will also be given information about the Pacific Logging Congress’ 8 th Annual In The Woods Show, taking place in September 2018 on the Oregon State University research Forest in Corvallis, OR. This event will offer a follow-up, up close and personal opportunity for students to learn about job opportunities in the logging and forestry industry.
 
For more information about Future Forestry Workers, contact OLC Manager Rikki Wellman at (541) 686-9191.
CENTRALIA COLLEGE
DIESEL EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY
By Tyson Lucas
As the oldest continuously operating two-year public college in the state of Washington (founded in 1925), Centralia College has a rich heritage of  transfer workforce  &  basic skills  programs serving the community. A community college in the truest sense, we are in the center of Centralia, WA, on a tree-lined, 30+ acre campus. The college serves Lewis and south Thurston counties with a population of over 75,000. Our enrollment averages 10,400 total annual students with 2,300 full-time equivalent (FTEs).
 
Our Associate in Applied Science - Diesel Equipment Technology program prepares students with the technical knowledge and hands-on skills for high-demand careers in the logging, construction, mining, agriculture, and trucking industries. With a mixture of in-class instruction and hands-on training, our goal is to ensure that we are offering our students the highest quality educational experiences available.
 
We are also one of four schools in the U.S. to currently offer a Bachelor of Applied Science – Diesel Technology . The program is entering its fourth year and continues to grow. To date we’ve seen transfer students from schools all over the Northwest, ranging as far south as Fresno, California. Graduates of the BAS-DT program, develop technical skills through hands on experience with classes such as: Hybrid Drives, Oil Analysis, Emissions Testing, Power Generation, Failure Analysis, Alternative Combustion Fuels, and Shop Management. Students will also have the opportunity to enroll in OEM training such as Daimlers’ Get Ahead program, and Cummins QuickServe. This helps them earn jobs as entry-level technicians, management, and/or progress to other senior positions.
 
As always industry support is a huge part of what we do. Working with companies like Freightliner Northwest, Peterson CAT, Triad Machinery, PAPE Machinery and many more, we make sure our students always have the most up to date technology in front of them.
Instructor and students at one of the many hands on learning sessions.
Attend the 80th OLC Program and Seminars and Earn Pro Logger Credits
Not only can you learn about the latest in technology and information regarding today’s issues in the woods, but you can also earn Pro Logger credits while doing so.
 
Thursday and Friday, February 22 nd and 23 rd are jam packed with exciting panel discussions and seminars with such topics as Drone Technology, New Crane Control Technology, Technology in Yarder Based Mechanical Harvesting, Mass Timber Construction, Rebranding an Industry, Thinning Techniques, Logging and Cutting with Winch Assist and Tether Systems, How Steep Slope Systems have Been Implemented on Tree Farms, and more. 
 
Click here to view the latest OLC program (including panels and seminars) and to find out how you can earn the maximum number of credits when attending the two days of sessions at OLC.
 
Professional Logger Credits earned by attending these seminars are applicable toward Professional Logger’s Certification and fulfilling requirements outlined in the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
 
And speaking of SFI, the OLC keynote speaker this year is Kathy Abusow, President and CEO of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. She will address the Conference on Thursday morning (February 22 nd ).
 
The hole punch system for Pro Logger credits is used at OLC. All paid registered members of the OLC will receive a punch card in the registration packet, and at the end of each seminar or panel discussion, someone will be available to punch the card as participants leave the sessions. 
 
Post Fire Timber Harvest Issues to be Addressed in
Washington Forest Practice Seminar
 
Logging in the Black – Post Burn, and Challenges of Permitting and Logging in the Black – Post Fire Salvage are two topics being addressed at the Washington Forest Practices seminar, taking place Friday morning, February 23, 2018.
 
Jason Moon with SDS Lumber will speak on Logging in the Black, and Rohand Theobald with Hancock Forest Management in Colville, WA will discuss Permitting and Logging in the Black.
 
Also participating in this panel discussion is Jenny Knoth, Research Scientist at Green Grown, who will speak about Policy Changes and What that Means to You.
 
This panel will be moderated by David Boyd with Hancock Forest Management on Cathlamet, WA.
 
Two WAFP or 2 PL credits are available to those who attend this seminar, which will be held in the SE Meeting Room of the Exhibit Hall at the Oregon Logging Conference.
A Fundraiser You Don't Want To Miss!
Proceeds from the Oregon Logging Conference Foundation (OLCF) auction on February 22nd and 23rh will fund scholarships for deserving students and has supported past recipients who have gone on to be leaders in the industry.

The OLCF is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, and all donations and purchases are tax deductible.

The auction takes place on both Thursday and Friday mornings (at 8:00 a.m.) of the 80th Annual Oregon Logging Conference in the Wheeler Pavilion at the Lane Events Center and Fairgrounds in Eugene, OR.
Thursday, February 22nd
 
Friday, February 23rd

In addition, the Washington Contract Loggers Association Credit Union has donated a 12-month, 0% financing package for the purchaser of the Quadco High Speed Saw Head. Credit approval and qualifying criteria apply.

Visit the OLC website for updated auction donations. If you are interested in donating auction items to this charity event, please contact the OLCF office at 541-686-9191.

JOIN THE 80th OLC CELEBRATION PARTY  FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018
Sample beer and wine from local wineries during the cocktail hour from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., then enjoy a buffet dinner, and finally, dance the night away to the sounds of “Outlaw Shine ” Sponsored by Kriege Logging LLC, General Trailer and Peerless Corp.

Outlaw Shine is a country band with strong roots in the Eugene community. They have been entertaining since they were young and many of them have been in previous bands.
They not only bring country to the venue they also bring line dance, which they will lead and instruct. Their music includes the roots of country, new artists, and classic rock. They guarantee to keep the party dancing.

Plan to join us at the cocktail party, buffet dinner, and dance. The hearty buffet dinner of prime rib, tasty chicken and finger lickin' good sticky ribs, along with Oregon wines and craft beer tasting will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30. The fun takes place at the Eugene Hilton Playwrights Hall.

To purchase tickets ($50 per person) call the OLC 541-686-9191. 
FUN EVENT YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS
IS YOUR LOG LOADER OPERATOR THE BEST IN THE WEST?
SIGN UP EARLY AND RECEIVE A 80TH OLC TEE SHIRT!
Calling all expert loader operators! Sign up for the 8th Annual Log Loader Competition and prove to all that you are the best! Sign up on or before January 24, 2018 and receive a FREE 80th Annual OLC tee shirt, when you check in at the competition on your assigned day and time. Sign up early…this offer is available only to those who sign up on of before January 24th  Click here to download the form

The Competition is sponsored by Triad Machinery and Link-Belt Forestry Equipment. This event will be held on Friday (Feb 23th) from 12 noon to 3 p.m. and on Saturday (Feb 24th) from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Click here to learn more.
Where Are They Now?
Past OLC Foundation Scholarship Recipients
Matt Bliss, Contract Supervisor with Roseburg Forest Products, Vaughn, Oregon
 
“I am fortunate to have received the Oregon Logging Conference Foundation Scholarship for three years during my enrollment at Oregon State University. Receiving this scholarship enabled me to pursue my degree in Forest Engineering and reach my goal of a career in the forest industry. I am forever grateful that OLC Foundation supported me throughout college and helped me achieve my goal!”
Julia (Lauch) Sullens, Regional Operations Chief, South, Idaho Department of Lands, Boise, Idaho

I grew up with an extended family of loggers and developed a love for the outdoors at a very young age. When I graduated from high school I accepted an entry level position in wildland fire, with the Oregon Department of Forestry in Veneta. After two fire seasons I changed my major to Forest Management and transferred to Oregon State University.

I was a recipient of the OLC Foundation scholarship in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006. These scholarships and others from the timber industry allowed me to focus on my education by not having to work at the same time I was taking classes. As a result, additional opportunities opened up to me such as a forest policy internship with the National Association of State Foresters in Washington, D.C. These scholarships certainly made an impact on the start of my career. Receiving the OLCF scholarship was especially meaningful to me as my grandfather (Paul Lauch) was the OLC President in 1984 and was one of my very biggest cheerleaders.

I worked for the Oregon Department of Forestry for 10 years, in a variety of positions, prior to relocating with my family to Boise, ID. I now work for the Idaho Department of Lands and am currently the Regional Operations Chief – South, supervising the field offices in the south half of the State.

I have had a fabulous career thus far and look forward to many more years to come. I have worked with numerous fine people, in both industry and state government, and am blessed to have found a career that I love, and an arena in which I feel I can make a difference.
RESERVE YOUR EXHIBIT SPACE TODAY!
Buildings are filling up fast for the 2018 Oregon Logging Conference!  Click here to download exhibit information.
Fred A. Hills First President
of the Oregon Logging Conference
Editor’s note: As we work our way up to celebrating 80 years of the Oregon Logging Conference, we are taking a look back at the history of what is still an active voice in the Oregon logging industry.
 
Fred A. Hills – First President.
 
In 1938 this organization was known as the Willamette Valley Logging Conference and the first elected president was Fred A. Hills, a prominent logger from Jasper, OR. Hills had played a leading role in the organizational proceedings leading up to the first gathering, held August 25 & 26, 1939 at the Osburn Hotel in Eugene. He served two terms as president of the organization, in 1939 and 1940.
 
Fred A. Hills was the son of pioneer Oregon logger J.B. Hills and was born in Jasper, OR in 1885. Hills graduated in 1905 from the then Oregon Agricultural College in Corvallis, with a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture.
 
Having grown up in a logging family, Hills’ early work in the woods included being a high climber. Then from 1917 to 1922 he worked as a camp foreman for the Booth-Kelly Lumber Company in Springfield. He established his own sawmill at Lowell, OR where bridge planks and railroad ties were the principle products.
 
In 1926 Hills joined with his brother Roy and Jim Higgins, who already owned a mill, to form Hills Creek Lumber Company. This mill survived the early depression only to burn down in 1937. At that time, in characteristic form, Hills bought used equipment on $19,000 credit, had a new mill operating in six weeks, and was cutting 75,000 board feet per day. After the death of his brother Roy, Hills acquired a new partner, Frank Graham, and changed the mill’s production to lumber for railroad cars. It was in 1949 that Hills sold his ownership in that mill, ending a decades long timber industry career.
 
As the first elected president of the Willamette Valley Logging Conference, Hills exemplified the character of men in the logging industry back in the day. He knew that if all loggers of the area could get together and exchange ideas, the industry would become more modern and progressive. Hence Hills was responsible for much of the early organization for what is now the statewide Oregon Logging Conference.
 
Hills is described as a logger who led a horse logging industry into the modern mechanization of the twentieth century.

Hills passed away on October 30, 1961 while deer hunting, at the age of 76.
(Information for this biography was taken from an article in the 50 th Annual Oregon Logging Conference history booklet, which attributed the information to an original document on file in Memorial Hall at the World Forestry Center in Portland,OR)
First Meeting and Equipment Show of
Willamette Valley Logging Conference
Wire rope costs, loading systems, defective timber, and truck roads were topics of discussion at the first gathering of what was then known as the Willamette Valley Logging Conference and today is the Oregon Logging Conference.
 
When formed, the Willamette Valley Logging Conference was to function under the auspices of the Pacific Logging Congress and the district office of the Willamette Valley Lumbermen’s Association for the exchange of technical information.
 
178 members of the logging industry and associated trades attended the first banquet held in conjunction with the gathering. The banquet took place at the Osburn Hotel in Eugene. Chief speaker at the dinner was Gen. Charles H. Martin, former governor of Oregon, who discussed various aspects of the Wagner Act (the National Labor Relations Act, signed into law in 1935 by President Franklin Roosevelt). The law established the National Labor Relations Board and addressed relations between unions and employers in the private sector.
 
This was also the first year of the equipment show, which today is proud to be the largest logging, construction, trucking, and heavy equipment show.
 
According to the September 1939 issue of The Timberman , machinery was on display utilizing parking areas along streets adjoining the Osburn Hotel. Modest machinery displayed included Allis Chalmers, Cletrac and Caterpillar tractors, Page, Wentwin and Trombly trailers, International, Ford, and GMC trucks, Carco and Hyster Arches, Hercules and Cummins Diesel truck engines, Berger and Skagit yarders, Buda Power Plant, Firestone tires, Standard Oil products, Reed-Prentice power saw, and miscellaneous tools and supplies.
Osburn Hotel was the headquarters of the first meeting.
Photo: Oliver Cletrac bulldozer, circa late 1930s. Photo from Harry Hanscom collection.
Photos: Two photos from 50 th Anniversary OLC book – Banquet and Equipment Display (both photos from September 1939 Timberman Magazine)
Ode To The Logger
by Wendy Farrand
I rise before the crack of dawn, to drive into the woods.
I love the smell of fir each day, it does a logger good.
 
I start out working hard, as any logger should.
Trying to beat the clock, to work and move the wood.
 
The morning hours drift past noon, my energy starts to wain.
 No one knows the hardship, and no one knows the pain.
 
That comes from years of toiling, to supply the world its wood.
Fiber products straight to you, As a loyal logger should.
 
As the years roll past, my muscles start to slow.
My age and dedication, has an impact on the flow.
 
The thing that breaks my heart, is the way the world views me.
 They think I rape and pillage, when I clean their air for free.
 
My brotherhood of loggers, risk their lives each and every day.
 To fill your home with warmth, for very little pay.

Our profit margins are so thin, for all we have to do.
To manage forests that we love, and bring those things to you.
 
So when you reach for that carton, to pour a glass of juice,
think of the logger who risked his life, and agree to call a truce.
 
The products that you use each day, are a direct result of me.
 Just a logger at the front of the chain, working to clean your air for free.
QUICK LINKS TO EVENTS
Editor - Publisher - Writer

Mary Bullwinkel
Freelance Writer

Rikki Wellman
Conference Manager