Loggers Gather For OLC Show
Article by Dan Shell, Managing Editor, Timber Harvesting March/April 2023
EUGENE, Oregon – Loggers across the Pacific Northwest and plenty of points farther away made the trip to Eugene the last weekend of February for the 85th Oregon Logging Conference. The event included everything every logger needs (outside of a better cut-and-haul rate!) when it comes to equipment and tools for getting the job done, including not only the very latest in high performance timber harvesting equipment and machinery, but also the leading edge technology behind it driving production and efficiency gains.
Visitors to the show also attended multiple seminars and presentations on technology and business management to make more informed decisions about their businesses and their role in the industry. And along with officials activities there’s always plenty of time for networking and fellowship with fellow loggers. Here are some of the scenes and events from this year’s Oregon Logging Conference.
James Seward of the Columbia River Log Scaling & Grading Bureau shows loggers how fire damaged salvage logs are graded for bug damage and char defects during a loggers “Hands-On Seminar” at the 2023 Oregon Logging Conference. The information is especially helpful: Extended wildfire seasons mean more loggers are handling more salvage logs these days.
The Oregon Logging Conference scholarship auction raised thousands this year for deserving students who are vital to industry’s future. Held over two days during breakfast, the auction featured more than two dozen items including #Stihl and #Husqvarna chain saws, wood carvings, a $1,000 tire gift certificate, an AR-15 rifle and much more. The OLC has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships since 1968.
Students participate in a harvesting and forwarding simulator competition sponsored by the Oregon State University College of Forestry during the Oregon Logging Conference Future Forestry Workers Career Day. More than 300 high school students from area schools attended the event and were given chance to talk with potential future employees in all sectors of the industry including forestry and logging, firefighting, diesel technology, trucking and more. Nygaard Logging and Warrenton Fibre sponsor the career day event.
Looking back at the OLC’s past stretching more than 80 years, an antique saw collection from retired forester Don Wagner of Hull-Oakes Lumber drew lots of onlookers.
Ponsse officials gave a presentation on Ponsse’s firefighting system during an “Exhibitor Hands-On Seminar.” The session also included information on Ponsse’s satellite program and latest digital technology.
De-throning a three-time champion, Bryan Chipps of Green Diamond Resources won the 2023 OLC Log Loader Competition with a time of 4:05. That was almost 10 seconds better than second-place finisher Zane Bryant of Bryant Logging (4:15:37), who had won the competition three years in a row. Ross Cribbs of Black Rock Timber finished third with a time of 4:48:15. The two-day event is sponsored by Link-Belt and Triad Machinery.
Several chain saw carvers in the outdoor demo area drew consistent crowds.
Everyone who was anyone made an appearance at the OLC, including Ponsse!
Hilltop Aerial was one of several drone vendors at the OLC.
Latest News
GLTPA Supports New Biorefinery Project
The Great Lakes Timber Professionals Assn. (GLTPA) has voiced strong support for the Wisconsin Forestry Revitalization Bill, introduced by a trio of State Senators along with two State Representatives. The proposed legislation seeks to establish…
Mark Turner Named FRA’s 2025 Western Region Outstanding Logger
Mark Turner Named FRA’s 2025 Western Region Outstanding Logger The Forest Resources Assn. (FRA) and John Deere honored Turner Logging, Inc. as the 2025 Western Region Outstanding Logger award winner. The award was presented at…
New From Georgia Boot: Core 37 9 in. Boot
The new Core 37 low heel logger is built for tough environments and all-day wear. The 9 in. full-grain leather upper offers rugged durability with classic logger style, while the Goodyear welt construction ensures long-lasting…
New From Komatsu: 951XC-1 Harvester
Komatsu is launching a new model of its largest harvester, the 951XC-1, with eight driven wheels to drive traction, maneuverability and stability in steep, soft or otherwise rugged conditions. Inside the cab, operators experience automotive-level…
WANT MORE CONTENT?
Spanning seven decades since its inception in 1952, Timber Harvesting highlights innovative and successful logging operations across the U.S. and around the world. Timber Harvesting also emphasizes new technology and provides the best marketing vehicle for the industry’s suppliers to reach the largest number of loggers in North America and beyond.
Call Us: 800.669.5613