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
Astec, Bejac Announce Distribution Agreement
Astec has announced Bejac Corp., a heavy equipment dealer with 10 locations, will represent the Peterson line of forestry and environmental recycling equipment in California and Arizona. Bejac, founded in 1953 operated as an underground pipeline contracting business until 1985 when the company pivoted to the heavy, specialty equipment sector. In 2008, Bejac rapidly expanded its product line offerings and now focuses on a diversified customer base that complements Astec growth strategy…
J.M. Huber Corp. Receives Management Honor
J.M. Huber Corp. (Huber) has proudly announced it has been selected as a 2023 U.S. Best Managed Company Gold Standard honoree. Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies and the achievements of their management teams. The 2023 designees are U.S. private companies that have demonstrated excellence in strategic…
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