Prairie Wood Products Closes Due To FS Transport Grant Dispute

Claiming that a change in policy concerning the use of Forest Service grant money for transportation costs, Prairie Wood Products in Prairie City, Ore. suspended operations in March citing a disagreement with FS officials. Company officials are currently working with the FS to resolve the matter and get back to work.

The mill received an FS Timber & Biomass Transportation grant from the FS in December 2023 with the understanding the grant would provide matching funds to help cover transportation costs for timber sales the company was working on the Malheur National Forest. However, after submitting paperwork in February, company officials were told the grant money wasn’t eligible for reimbursement for current sales. 

In a statement to all parties involved, Grant County Commissioner Jim Hamsher noted a key purpose of the grant is to ensure that wood products industry infrastructure “is maintained into the future” and the FS decision not to allow reimbursement affects that infrastructure. He added that the company is in the process of re-permitting, upgrading and restarting a cogeneration plant on site. The facility would play a key role in utilizing the large amount of biomass generated by thinning and other forest treatments to improve forest health.

Latest News

Redesigned From Husqvarna: 562 XP Mark II

Redesigned From Husqvarna: 562 XP Mark II

Leveraging Husqvarna’s expertise in tree care and engineering to design a product that dominates in even the most challenging work environments, the 562 XP Mark II is the result of a new generation of Husqvarna chain saws. The 562 XP Mark II features a new and improved engine design plus AutoTune 3.0 technology for easier starting. It boasts an enhanced power-to-weight ratio and an ergonomic body design for unbeatable handling and maneuverability…

read more
Stihl Reveals 2023 Hearts of Stihl Grant Recipients

Stihl Reveals 2023 Hearts of Stihl Grant Recipients

Stihl has announced the winners of the 2023 Hearts of Stihl program, an initiative to care for the environment through the preservation of America’s state parks. The 2023 winners, representing the nation’s six state park regions, were each awarded a $20,000 grant to help fund sustainability, recovery, conservation or environmental education programs…

read more

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