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
New From Husqvarna: T540 XP Mark III Saw
Remastered for reliability, the new T540 XP Mark III from Husqvarna responds to the need for greater power, productivity and maneuverability with products that get the job done safely, efficiently and effectively. The new T540 XP Mark III was redesigned following consumer feedback resulting in a lightweight, balanced, and agile chain saw for climbing and cutting. With a high cutting capacity, the T540 XP Mark III was redeveloped to ensure maximum reliability and trusted performance over hours of use…
Oregon Groups Fund Awareness Campaigns
With the state of Oregon facing key timber management issues concerning upcoming changes to its overall forest practices act and management of state forests, the Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI) recently kicked off an educational outreach campaign that is running in April and May highlighting the importance of sustainable managed forests to both the environment and the economy…
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