Summer 2014 - Vermont Forest Products Association

Vermont Forest
Products Association
V O L U M E
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
NELA Award
Winners
2-4
Legislative &
Regulatory Update
5-6
Forester Licensing
Sunrise Review
Public Meeting
Working Lands Board
Announces Grant
6
7
Recipients
USDA Awards Funds
7-8
How Current Use
Values Are Generated
8
The Vermont Farm &
Forest Viability
Program
9
Timber Talk
9
Vermont Tech
Centers
10
Vermont Portable Skidder
Bridge Program
10
VFF &
LEAP
11
Vermont Forestry
Foundation:
Silviculture Workshop
VFPA Member News:
12
13
James & Claire Lathop
Kingdom Locals Host
Bennington BoyBoy’s Desire to
“Be a Logger” Fulfilled
1315
Chainsaw Raffle Winner
15
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I S S U E
X I I I
since 1977
S U M M E R , 2 0 1 4
The Mission of the VFPA is to promote and defend the interests of our members. VFPA
represents all aspects of the forestry community and the member businesses and individuals
that are located throughout the State of Vermont . VFPA meets its mission through:
Information and continuing education to its members
Public outreach and education
Working with other organizations through partnering and coalition building
Networking with others within the forest products industry
Lobbying state and federal government officials and lawmakers
Vermont Forest Products Northern Regional Roundup
The Vermont Forest Products Northern Regional
Roundup was held Saturday, April 26th, at the Eastside Restaurant in Newport, which
included a hearty breakfast
buffet and meeting.
Colleen Goodridge of Goodridge Lumber and VFPA Vice
President welcomed the group
of about 50 attendees to this
third annual regional event.
Vice President Goodridge
spoke about the VFPA, our
Colleen Goodridge
Vermont industry organization, now in its’ 37th year of
service to all sectors of the forest products industry.
The vision of the VFPA is a strong forest products
industry in Vermont and its mission of promoting
and defending the interests of its members is accomplished by providing information and continuing
education to the membership, public outreach and
education, networking and working with other
organizations in the industry and lobbying state and
federal government officials and lawmakers.
Year end 2013 showed a total of 100 memberships158 members. The VFPA operating budget is
approximately $23,000 per year-most of which is
obtained through membership dues.
New members are welcome and needed to help
with VFPA operating costs and share in the important work of the organization. Join us to help keep
our industry strong!
Thanks to the VFPA Board and Barb Ross, Administrative Secretary, for their leadership, commitment
and efforts on behalf of all in the
forest products industry.
Chris Fife, Plum Creek
Forester, presented information
about Plum Creek Timber
Company and activities on their
forestland-our neighbors in the
North.
Chris Fife
Jared Nunery, new Orleans
County Forester, introduced
himself to the group. As
County Forester, Jared will
continue to work out of the
St. Johnsbury Regional Office
for the State Agency of Natural Resources, where he had
Jared Nunery
been employed as a State
Forester. In that capacity, he
has worked all over the Northeast Kingdom.
Jared comes to the job with a degree in forestry
from the University of Vermont and wants to be the
best resource he can be for the county.
Jared looks forward to meeting landowners in the
county, as well as loggers, truckers, and sawmills in
the area. He can be reached by phoneoffice (802) 751-0119; cell (802)-595-5754; or
email [email protected].
WELCOME JARED!
Paul Frederick, Wood Utilization Forester for the Department
of Forests and Parks, shared information on the Timber Harvest
Assessment and other industry
updates.
Paul Frederick
Steve McLeod of the Vermont
Traditions Coalition and VFPA Lobbyist was present to provide an update on legislative issues of the
session, which included Senate Bill 100 (forest fragmentation), current use tax program, forester licensing, lake shore land zoning, rules for the importation
of firewood, working lands legislation and state land
use plan.
Steve noted that 2014 is going well for VFPA
thanks to important contributions from VFPA’s
leaders and members. VFPA put a major effort into
protecting forestry interests in Montpelier. Many
issues will be back in 2015 or will be ongoing
during the legislative off-season.
(Continued on page 2)
“The voice of the forest products industry in Vermont since 1977“
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(Continued from page 1)
“Supporting VFPA with your dues, contributions and activism makes a crucial difference to the business climate under which we operate.”
Anyone else that would like to work regularly on the VFPA Legislative Action Team, please contact Steve McLeod at
[email protected] or 434-3346.
Several new memberships were received after the meeting.
Thank you to these folks and also to all those for their continued support of their industry
organization.
Roy Amey Log Yard
Plum Creek Timber Co.
Goodridge Lumber, Inc
Columbia Forest Products
Lamell Lumber
Thank you to all our sponsors who
helped make this roundup possible!
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
NORTHEASTERN LOGGERS’ ASSOCIATION NEWS
Joseph E. Phaneuf, Executive Director
GMTCC HONORED FOR OUTSTANDING
CONTRIBUTION TO FOREST INDUSTRY EDUCATION
MILL RIVER LUMBER HONORED AS
OUTSTANDING SAWMILL OPERATOR
Burlington, Vermont – The Northeastern Loggers’ Association
(NELA) recently honored the Forestry and Land Management
Program of the Green Mountain Tech and Career Center as the
recipient of its 2013 Outstanding Contribution to Forest Industry
Education Award. NELA President Bill Polihronakis presented the
award at the Annual Loggers’ Banquet in South Burlington, VT in a
ceremony attended by over 200 members of the Northeast’s forest
products industry.
During the awards presentation, President Polihronakis told the
audience “The future of our industry depends on getting the
younger generation interested in and competent in all aspects of
what we do. GMTCC is at the front lines of that effort.”
“Hardwick, Vermont is the site of the Green Mountain Tech and
Career Center and its Forestry and Land Management Program.
Over the past 30-plus years the
program has evolved – starting as an
Intro to Forestry course which was
taught as a Hazen Union High
School science elective. The program eventually expanded to include
students who were eligible to attend
the GMTCC Vocational center.”
“The focus of the program is on
forestry and woodlot management
with a strong hands-on approach to
things like timber harvesting, natural
resource management, sawmilling,
maple syrup and Christmas tree production, and firewood production.
One supporter of this nomination
wrote ‘Marc Luneau is the GMTCC
forestry instructor and he is vital in
making this program the success that it is. Marc’s teaching style,
hard work and dedication ensures that his students graduate from
the program with a set of marketable skills and a real future. “
“Program graduates have options – they can pursue further
education in a natural resources field like forestry, surveying, soil
conservation, etc. or they can transition directly into the work force
in timber harvesting, maple syrup production, or wood lot
management. Either way, the future is a little bit brighter – both for
these students and for our industry.”
Polihronakis concluded “It’s my privilege to present the Northeastern Loggers' Association Award for Outstanding Contribution to
Forest Industry Education to GMTCC’s Forestry and Land
Management Program.”
Burlington, Vermont – The Northeastern Loggers’ Association (NELA)
recently honored Fred Burnett and the late Gil Roberts, Jr. of Mill River
Lumber in North Clarendon, VT as the recipient of its 2013 Outstanding
Sawmill Operator Award. NELA President Bill Polihronakis presented
the award at the Annual Loggers’ Banquet in South Burlington, VT in a
ceremony attended by over 200 members of the Northeast’s forest products industry.
During the awards presentation, President
Polihronakis told the audience “It was 1983
when the partnership of Fred Burnett and Gil
Roberts, Jr. purchased Otter Creek Lumber
and turned it into their own – Mill Creek
Lumber. Burnett and Roberts got things up
and running and immediately installed new
kilns. The mill burned down in 1986 – but
they fought back from that. They rebuilt the
mill, upgraded the operation with a generator
and built a planer mill. In 1992 they installed
a new double cut band mill. They continually
upgraded the operation and the results were
impressive as they increased their yield by
over 20%.”
“Over its 30 year history – Mill River has
become renowned for maximizing the use of
their logs while developing new products in
response to ever-changing markets. They’ve
also become an important economic anchor for the Rutland area – providing employment opportunities and an important market for local logs.
Fred Burnett has been a driving force at the mill from the beginning – his
commitment and support of education, safety, innovation, and community involvement has been a key component in Mill River’s success.”
“Fred’s early business partner Gil Roberts, Jr. was also key in making
Mill River what it is today. Roberts was an excellent sawyer and spent
many years keeping the mill running productively. He later spent a fair
amount of time working with the procurement team and in overseeing
contract logging operations. Roberts unfortunately passed away in 2002,
and has been succeeded by his son Michael who currently serves as
president of Mill River Lumber.”
Polihronakis concluded “The dedication and commitment of Fred Burnett and Gil Roberts, Jr. has built a business that enriches its employees,
its community, and its industry. Please join me in congratulating Fred
Burnett, the late Gil Roberts, Jr. and Mill River Lumber as the
recipient of this year’s Outstanding Sawmill Operator Award.”
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NORTHEASTERN LOGGERS’ ASSOCIATION NEWS
WARREN HILL TRUCKING HONORED AS
OUTSTANDING FOREST PRODUCTS TRUCKING
OPERATOR
Burlington, Vermont – The Northeastern Loggers’
Association (NELA) recently honored Warren Hill, Jr. and
family of Greensboro Bend, VT as the recipient of its 2013
Outstanding Forest Products Trucking Operator Award.
NELA President Bill Polihronakis presented the award at the
Annual Loggers’ Banquet in South Burlington, VT in a
ceremony attended by over 200 members of the Northeast’s
forest products industry.
During the awards presentation, President Polihronakis told
the audience “The forest products industry depends upon
contributions from a lot of different people and companies –
from the foresters who generate a management plan, all the
way to the retailers of finished wood and paper products.
Often overlooked as a critical component in our industry is
the forest products trucker – the people who bring the logs
out of the woods, who deliver the lumber from the mill, who
keep the process moving at every stage.”
“The Hill family has been part of the Vermont landscape for
generations – the Hills settled in Greensboro over 200 years
ago, where they farmed, sugared, logged and took care of the
land. In 1975 Warren Hill, Jr. and his wife Irene began their
trucking and logging business – Warren Hill Trucking.
While they were building the family business, Warren the
third helped wherever needed all of his growing-up years. In
1998 he began working full-time and has become responsible
for the logging part of the business – although he also has his
CDL and can run truck as needed. Warren Hill Trucking is a
widely respected outfit. Letters of support for this nomination uniformly mention their reliability, their professionalism, and their high standards.”
“Beyond the business side of things the Hill family is also
widely respected within their community. Irene, now retired,
volunteered as an EMT for 27 years and Warren is in his 22 nd
year as a volunteer ambulance driver covering the biggest
geographic area in Vermont. Both still serve on the governing board of the rescue squad.”
Polihronakis concluded “Warren Hill Trucking and the Hill
family have dedicated their lives to the forest products industry – they are people you want to do business with and they
are people with whom we are proud to be associated.
Warren Hill Trucking is truly deserving of this year’s
Outstanding Forest Products Trucking Operator
Award.”
.
VERMONT COMPANY HONORED FOR OUTSTANDING
USE OF WOOD
Burlington, Vermont – The Northeastern Loggers’ Association
(NELA) recently honored Tom and Pam Lathrop of Exclusively
Vermont Wood Products, LLC as the recipient of its 2013 Outstanding Use of Wood Award. NELA President Bill Polihronakis
presented the award at the Annual Loggers’ Banquet in South
Burlington, VT in a ceremony attended by over 200 members of the
Northeast’s forest products industry.
During the awards presentation, President Polihronakis told the
audience “The Craftsbury Academy World War II Memorial Gym,
built in 1947, had served the town of Craftsbury well over its 60year history. In 1986 the gym was officially condemned as
structurally unsound. For the next 12 years, plans for a new gym
were drawn, costs were estimated, and bond votes were held – and
defeated. The cost of replacing the gym - $150,000 – was felt to be
too expensive. It was then that Harry Miller, a local builder, made
note of the fact that the local forested landscape and wood resource
had always played a major role in his community –and perhaps it
was time to look outside the box. That’s when he approached the
Lathrops. Tom Lathrop is a fifth generation sawyer from Bristol,
VT – whose top quality hardwood flooring is part of many local
homes. When Miller approached him about the gym – Lathrop’s
response was “Count us in”.
“The project involved 38 land owners, approximately 180 trees,
including nearly 9,000 feet of sugar maple for the main gym floor –
and almost 3,000 feet of yellow birch for the out of bounds area.
The logs were trucked to the Lathrop’s mill in Bristol, where Tom
supervised the sawing and the tongue and groove planing of the
new flooring. And he did this at a very favorable rate – saving the
town $40,000. Over a long weekend 60 volunteers installed the
flooring – all of which was grown within 10 miles of the gym.”
Polihronakis concluded “Tom and Pam
Lathrop, known for their integrity,
hard work, and the pride they take in
producing superior quality products
are very deserving of the Outstanding
Use of Wood Award in connection with
this project as well as their lifelong
commitment to the forests of Vermont.
The Lathrops personal investment of time
and talent allowed this project to become
a reality; a legacy that will live on for
future generations.”
The Northeastern Loggers’ Association,
headquartered in Old Forge, NY, is a trade
group representing nearly 2,000 members of
the Northeast’s logging, sawmilling, and
paper industry. The Loggers’ Banquet is held
each year immediately prior to the Northeastern Forest Products Equipment Exposition.
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NORTHEASTERN LOGGERS’ ASSOCIATION NEWS
The NELA Awards Banquet was held Thursday
evening, May 8, 2014
This awards banquet, preceding the Essex Junction,
Vermont Expo on May 9th & 10th, honors
individuals and companies that have enhanced the image
and reputation of the forest products industry.
Award winners from Vermont included:
Outstanding Use of WoodTom & Pam Lathrop
Exclusively Vermont Wood Products, LLC
Bristol, Vermont
Outstanding Sawmill Operator
Fred Burnett & Gil Roberts, Jr.
Mill River Lumber Company
North Clarendon, Vermont
Outstanding Forest Products Trucker Warren Hill, Jr, and Family
Warren Hill Trucking
Greensboro Bend, Vermont
Outstanding Contribution to Forest Industry
EducationForestry & Land Management Program
Green Mountain Tech and Career Center
Hardwick, Vermont
Other Award winners included:
Outstanding Service to the Forest Products
Industry–
Ken Boudin, Sr.
Machinery Service Company
Wiscasset, Maine
Outstanding Logging Operator–
Erroll & Ben Peters
Peter’s Logging
Landaff, New Hampshire
Outstanding Industry ActivistDon Winsor
Plymouth, New Hampshire
Outstanding Management of ResourcesMichael Bartlett, Hull Forest Products
Pomfret Center, Connecticut
A complete review of the award winners and the 2014
Expo will be in the July issue of the “Northern Logger”
magazine. To obtain a copy of this July issue or to subscribe to the “Northern Logger” Magazine, contact the
Northeastern Loggers’ Association at 315-369-3078 or
visit their website at
www.northernlogger.com.
The Bangor Expo will debut at the
Cross Insurance Center on
May 15& 16, 2015.
PAGE
Officers for 2014
President
Steve Hardy, Chesterfield, NH
(802) 257-1644
1st Vice President
Colleen Goodridge, Albany,VT
(802) 755-6298
2nd Vice President
Bob Toppin, Ira, VT
(802) 235-2361
Secretary/Treasurer
John Meyer, Montpelier , VT
(802) 223-6666
Directors ~ 2014-2016
Ray Colton, Pittsfield
(802) 746-8033
Timothy Cleveland, Hardwick
(802) 472-8448
Delwin Fielder, Whiting
(802) 623-7601
Tony Lamberton, Middletown
Springs
(802) 235-1042
Colleen Goodridge, Albany
(802) 755-6298
John Meyer, Montpelier
(802) 223-6666
Steve Galbreath, Ascutney
(802) 674-5834
Bruce Shields, Wolcott
(802) 888-5165
Bob Toppin, Ira
(802) 235-2361
Directors ~ 2013-2015
Dennis Allard, Springfield
(802) 875-4304
Sean Barrows, N.Clarendon
(802) 775-0032
Steve Hardy, Chesterfield, NH
(802) 2571644
Robbo Holleran, Chester
(802) 875-3021
Michael Molleur, E. Hardwick
(802) 533-7001
Mark Rivers, Brattleboro
(802) 254-4939
Bill Sayre, Bristol
(802) 363-3341
Mark Doty, Fairfield, ME
(207) 453-2527
Eric Parenti, Orford, NH
(603) 655-6980
5
VFPA Related Excerpts From 2014
Vermont Traditions Coalition
Legislative Score Card
By Steve McLeod
VTC Executive Director & VFPA Lobbyist
The 2014 Legislative Session went well for VFPA thanks to especially important contributions from
some of VFPA’s leaders and smaller but nevertheless important contributions from many VFPA
members. I hate to think how the 2014 Legislative Session would have gone if VFPA had not put a
major effort into protecting forestry interests in the halls of government.
There were about a dozen significant issues that had acceptable outcomes. However, many of these
issues will be back in 2015 or are ongoing during the Legislative Off Season.
There will be an important session of the Associated Industries of Vermont Forest Policy Task
Force on August 7 at the AIV Building in Montpelier where forestry industry representatives will
be meeting with Forests, Parks & Recreation Department Commissioner Michael Snyder and others on these ongoing issues. A good turnout is important. If you are interested in possibly attending, contact Bill Sayre at [email protected] .
Here’s a rundown of the major VFPA issues.
ATTEMPT TO BRING FORESTRY UNDER ACT 250 FAILS ON SENATE FLOOR: As
reported in detail in the VFPA Spring Newsletter, an attempt led by Senator Peter Galbraith (DWindham County) to discourage forest fragmentation by real estate development potentially could
have involved forestry operations in Act 250. As you might imagine, this bill had potentially disastrous implications for many timber harvest operations. VFPA, Vermont Traditions Coalition and
Senators John Rodgers and Bobby Starr, Democrats from Essex-Orleans Counties, led the successful
two year fight against this bill, and the bill was defeated 22-5 on the Senate Floor. A study of more
practical ways to address forest fragmentation by the Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation was
passed in place of Senator Galbraith’s proposal with a report back to the 2015 Legislature with recommendations. Consequently, this issue remains very important, and is one of the issues that will be
addressed with Commissioner Snyder at the AIV Forest Policy Task Force Meeting on August 7.
TAX INCREASE ON OPEN LANDOWNERS AGAIN FAILS TO PASS: Every year since
2009, there was been an attempt to increase taxes on open landowners in the current use tax program.
VTC has always supported the farm and forest product communities in trying to keep any tax increase to a minimum. VTC and the Vermont Farm Bureau and Vermont Forest Products Association,
two VTC charter member organizations, joined a broad coalition known as the Current Use Tax Coaliton in 2011. CUTC is made up of groups with all different philosophies trying to find common
ground on the controversial tax increase issue. VTC is working with landowners because taxing land
how it is used rather than the commercial real estate sales price is the most important tool Vermont
has for preserving our farm and forest working landscape. The Current Use Tax Coalition reached a
compromise on a much smaller tax increase than had previously been proposed. The House of Representatives passed a higher tax increase. CUTC fought the increased rate. The Senate Agriculture
Committee led by Senator Starr passed a lower tax increase than the House, but other Senate Committees increased the Agriculture Committee tax rate, and the bill died because of disagreements that
lingered on until the Legislature concluded.
STATEWIDE ZONING FAILS: This bill would have been the most restrictive environmental legislation in history had it passed. The bill would have applied statewide zoning to currently exempt
recreational, farm, and forest product activities. The bill gained some momentum in 2013, and VTC
reserved testimony time for a variety of traditional land use witnesses. However, the bill lost momentum and died quietly in 2014.
LAKE SHORELAND ZONING PASSES WITH IMPORTANT EXEMPTIONS: This legislation places strong restrictions on shoreland construction within 250 feet of any lake or pond over ten
acres in size. VTC, the Vermont Forest Products Association, and the Vermont Farm Bureau worked
collaboratively with Senator Rodgers to win exemptions for forestry, water related farm infrastructure, and state facilities such as fishing accesses and public beaches from the legislation. In behalf of
(Continued on page 6)
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VFPA Related Excerpts From 2014 Vermont Traditions Coalition Legislative Score Card
(Continued from page 5)
VTC’s lake association members, VTC fought restrictions in the bill that appeared to be unreasonable, but had only limited success
in moderating these provisions.
MORE WATER RELATED LEGISLATIVE RESTRICTIONS: Another bill would have forced widespread and expensive
changes in farm practices and would have required the use of Certified Shoreland Contractors to be hired especially for forestry
operations near water. In addition to establishing a small farm licensing requirement, the bill would also have dictated expensive
fencing in of livestock and other costly changes for the smallest homestead farm operation, even those merely providing food for
their own families. The bill was so far reaching that it raised objections along its legislative path and wound up losing momentum in
the late stages of the 2014 Legislative Session. Bill Moore, lobbyist for the Vermont Farm Bureau, took the lead on this bill with
help from VTC.
WATER PROCEDURES BILL: House Bill 394 sought to eliminate some procedural protections that are part of the process for
consideration of restrictions related to activities on or near water bodies. These procedural protections help make sure that
restrictions can’t be imposed without full public input. VTC and VFPA were part of a coalition of groups that wanted to keep the
procedural protections in place so as to provide greater protection for activities on or near water. Fortunately, the House Fish &
Wildlife Committee agreed with keeping the procedural protections in place and the bill died. Much of the legislation VTC and
VFPA deal with is pretty technical stuff such as this bill, but bills that set out the rules of the game are important. Ed Larson, a
charter VTC delegate and expert on water quality issues, played the lead role for VTC and VFPA in successfully defeating this
proposal.
FUNDING TO BOOST WORKING LANDSCAPE BUSINESSES: For the third straight year, the Legislature passed $1 million
plus in grants to forestry, agriculture, and maple businesses that keep Vermont’s rural landscape open. Since both rural occupational
and recreational groups benefit from making working landscape enterprises stronger, VTC supports this funding. When the
legislation was originally proposed, it included more state regulation of rural occupations and recreation. VTC and VFPA worked
successfully to make the program an economic incentive program instead of a regulatory program. Many VFPA representatives
attended the Working Landscape Summit on this issue in December.
OTHER FORESTRY LEGISLATION: VTC and VFPA worked closely with Commissioner Michael Snyder of the Department
of Forests, Parks & Recreation to defeat legislation that would have reduced timber and agriculture right of way rights for land
locked land. VTC and VFPA also worked to exempt two-way radios used for forestry and agriculture from the cell phone ban
legislation.
Forester licensing came up and will be studied by the Secretary of State’s Office of Professional Regulation. The results of the
study will probably be ready in 2015, and VTC will closely monitor any suggested action in behalf of VFPA. VFPA has already
distributed the Notice of August 12 Public Hearing on the licensing issue to the VFPA Email List. Legislation passed that directs
the Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation to develop rules dealing with the importation of firewood due to the potential for
imported wood to be carrying infectious disease causing insects. Plus, VTC and VFPA played lead roles in the defeat of the aforementioned ill-advised forest fragmentation legislation.
Forester Licensing Sunrise Review
from Christopher Winters, Director
Office of Professional Regulation
The Office of Professional Regulation has been asked by the legislature to report on whether foresters in Vermont
should be licensed. This is called a "sunrise review" and is intended to elicit as much public participation as possible
before making a recommendation about whether regulation is necessary. Our office has created a link on our website
www.vtprofessionals.org with more information. Please review the information on the website. More importantly,
please help educate us about the various duties and responsibilities of foresters in the public and private sectors. If you
know others who have an interest in this subject, please let them know about our project.
We have scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, August 12,2014 at 1:00 p.m.
Our hope is that we will receive written comments well before then. Use this link which will let you easily submit
email comments- https://www.sec.state.vt.us/professional-regulation/sunrise-review/foresters.aspx
We look forward to hearing from you.
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Working Lands Enterprise Board Announces $1.1 Million in Grants to
37 Vermont Entrepreneurs and Technical Assistance Providers
The Working Lands Enterprise Board announces this year’s grant recipients - 37 projects for $1.1
million in grants reaching every county in Vermont (8 forestry projects, 28 agriculture projects, 1 ag and
forestry project) and leveraging $1.8 million in matching funds, building upon last year’s initial investment
of $1 million. This year, the program further invests in job creation, innovation, sustainability, and increased income.
“We recognize the tremendous economic and environmental impact that our Working Lands businesses have across the state of Vermont,”
said Governor Shumlin. “By investing in technical assistance and infrastructure for our ag and forest economies, we are creating jobs and
supporting a quality of life that will attract Vermonters and out-of-stater’s for generations to come.”
“The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative builds upon Vermont’s history and culture through investment in our state’s backbone:
our forests, farms, food, recreation, and wood products economies,” said Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Market, Chuck Ross. “It takes
investment in infrastructure and support services at all stages of business development to grow and maintain a vibrant working lands
sector.”
Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Community Development, Lucy Leriche, said “The working landscape is the foundation of
some of our most important economic sectors: agriculture, forest products, stone and minerals, and renewable energy, but also critical for
our tourism economy and helps attract business to our state. Interacting with the land in work and recreation is fundamental to our way of
life.”
“Vermont’s forests provide significant contributions to our economy, environment and well-being,” said Commissioner of Forests,
Parks and Recreation, Michael Snyder. “When we invest in support services and infrastructure for working forests and forest products enterprises, this pillar of the economy grows stronger and we bolster both Vermont’s character and integrity.”
Highlighting the vital role technical assistance plays in developing and sustaining Vermont’s working landscape, an overwhelming
majority of Working Lands grant recipients have received technical assistance, including education and business mentoring or support.
Delivery of these critical business and organizational resources were provided by Vermont Housing and Conservation Board’s Farm and
Forestry Viability Program, University of Vermont Extension Service, Northeast Organic Farmers Association of Vermont (NOFA VT),
United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS), Small Business Development Center
(SBDC), The Intervale Center, and various county Economic Development Corporations. Technical assistance is loosely defined as providing recipients with technical guidance on business and management planning, feasibility studies, practical application, and product
design.
The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative, Act 142, is administered by the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets and is in partnership with the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, as well as the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development. The Working Lands Enterprise Board, comprised of public and private sector members involved in agriculture, forestry, and/or
forest products is in its second year of funding, and uses the Farm to Plate Strategic Plan to inform the decision making process around farm
and food grant making.
2014 Grant recipient profiles can be found at the Working Lands website at http://workinglands.vermont.gov/projects.
Please email Noelle Sevoian at [email protected] for photos from the event.
A growing list of technical assistance providers for agriculture and forestry/forest products business can be found at the Working Lands
website at http://workinglands.vermont.gov/apply/ta/tools. If you would like to add your contact information to be listed as a technical
assistance resource, please email [email protected].
About the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets: VAAFM facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and
viability of agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the
environment. Visit www.VermontAgriculture.com
State Wood Energy Teams and Wood2Energy Grants 2014
USDA Awards Funds to Promote Development of
Rural Wood to Energy Projects
WASHINGTON, July 15, 2014 –Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the award of more than $2.5 million in grants to develop
wood energy teams in 11 states and an additional $1.25 million for nine wood energy projects.
“Renewable wood energy is part of the Obama Administration’s ‘all of the above’ energy strategy,” Vilsack said. “Working with our partners, the Forest Service is supporting development of wood energy projects that promote sound forest management, expand regional economies and create new rural jobs.”
The federal funds will leverage more than $4.5 million in investments from USDA partners. Under the terms of the agreements announced
today, private, state and federal organizations will work together to stimulate the development of additional wood energy projects in their
states. Activities may include workshops that provide technical, financial and environmental information, preliminary engineering assessments and community outreach needed to support development of wood energy projects. Grant recipients are from: Arizona, Colorado,
Kentucky, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
Secretary Vilsack also announced projects to be funded through the Wood-to-Energy grant program, which will use woody material
from National Forest System lands, such as beetle-killed trees, to improve forest health and aid in wildfire prevention. The grant program
(Continued on page 8)
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(Continued from page 7)
helps applicants complete the necessary design work needed to secure public or private investment for construction.
This year more than $1.25 million will be provided to assist projects in New Hampshire, Minnesota, Texas, California, Oregon, and Washington.
The Forest Service Wood to Energy grant program began in 2005 and has provided more than $36 million
toward various projects, ranging from biomass boilers for schools and hospitals, to helping businesses acquire equipment that improves
processing efficiencies. So far, over 150 grants have been awarded to small businesses, non-profits, tribes and local state agencies to
improve forest health, while creating jobs, green energy and healthy communities.
For more information on the cooperative agreement program, visit http://na.fs.fed.us/werc/wood-energy/. For more information on USDA’s
renewable energy programs click here.
Today’s announcements support forest restoration and the Obama administration’s efforts to help communities better prepare for and reduce
the severity of wildfires, especially in the face of climate change. Over the past ten years the Forest Service has had to borrow $3.2 billion
dollars from other agency programs to support emergency wildfire suppression costs amid longer fire seasons and more frequent and severe
wildfire activity. On July 8th, President Obama requested $615 million for emergency wildfire suppression activities for FY 2014, and a
new budget approach to fund wildfire suppression similar to other natural disaster events, mirroring bipartisan legislation proposed by
Congress. These actions alleviate the need to conduct fire transfers this year and in future years and will help reduce firefighting costs,
promote long-term forest health, and maintain fiscal responsibility.
The mission of the Forest Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the
Nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land,
provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. Public lands the
Forest Service manages contribute more than $13 billion to the economy each year through visitor spending alone. Those same lands
provide 20 percent of the Nation's clean water supply, a value estimated at $7.2 billion per year. The agency has either a direct or indirect
role in stewardship of about 80 percent of the 850 million forested acres within the U.S., of which 100 million acres are urban forests where
most Americans live.
How Current Use Values Are Generated
Submitted by Bruce Shields
Use Value Appraisal (UVA), commonly called
Current Use program, has generated controversy from its beginning in the 1970’s. Vermont’s basic law regarding property
taxes holds a very simple principle: real estate shall be assessed
based on its Fair Market Value (FMV). Because the principle
is simple, politicians hate it, and more than
half of the 52 states rely on some other method of appraising
property. California, for instance, fixes the taxable value of
property based on the last market sale. Vermont retains FMV
assessment, modified for agricultural or forest land to the Use
Value.
UVA is a specialized form of what property appraisers
call the Income Approach to value. An appraiser takes the
actual stream of income generated by a property and uses a
common tool of financial analysis called Net Present Value to
capitalize that stream of income into a current market value.
We are all familiar with using that tool to evaluate the current
market price of a Government Bond. If a $10,000 bond has 10
years to maturity, and pays 3% annually, the face value will be
discounted to reflect how long one must wait to get paid. That
bond might sell for $7000 today. Any owner of commercial
real estate under Vermont law may petition the Listers in a town
to value a particular parcel using the income approach. Stores,
warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and rental properties
frequently do so.
Farm land is difficult to value using the income
approach because it is a mixed use: the farmer typically has
located his home on the income producing property, and much
of the income is retained to support the farmer’s dwelling and
family. Forest land is difficult to value under the income
approach because any particular parcel may only generate
income once every 20 years. The UVA program as passed in
the late 1970’s established a two track valuation method, one for
forestland, one for farmland. The farming value was (in very
rough outline) determined by compiling the gross Vermont
value for shipments of milk, and dividing that by the number of acres
of farmland reported in the National Agricultural Statistical Service
census of Agriculture. That income per acre was then capitalized to
arrive at the Use Value for farmland. But milk prices have been very
volatile, and ranged from very high to very low one year to the next.
Worse, as the dairy industry shrank in Vermont, milk began to reflect a
smaller share of gross farm income.
Forest land is valued by taking Vermont’s timber production
data, which has been collected by the Department of Forests since the
1920’s, calculating the effective stumpage value, and capitalizing that
across all Vermont timberland each year.
The UVA assessment represents the value upon which the
landowner pays tax directly. In order to allow lightly populated rural
towns to raise the sums needed for education and normal municipal
operations, the State reimburses towns for the difference between UVA
and FMV assessments. That avoids the problems rural towns encounter in states like Kansas where UVA assessment represents the only
source of municipal income. The UVA “Hold Harmless” sums are
added back into the Statewide Education Fund in part, and in part
transferred from General Fund revenues.
Around 2009, the near collapse of dairy prices caused the
milk-based farmland values to go negative. The Current Use Advisory
Board voted to move to a Net Rental Value for farmland, based on a
fairly extensive data set published by NASS reporting what farmers
were renting farmland for. That yielded a higher number than the dairy
sales report, and became extremely controversial for that reason. The
2014 per acre values are: $118 for ordinary productive timberland, $89
for timberland more than 1 mile from a class III town highway, and
$279 per acre for farmland.
The key point for all people in the forest products industry is
that UVA is absolutely not a tax giveaway for the wealthy. Taxes on
real estate in Vermont are very high, verging toward 2% of FMV
annually. Historical research shows that to be well above the
sustainable long term capacity of the land. Responsible government
spending would solve the problem, but given present politics, UVA is
virtually the only way that productive forestland can be kept in private
ownership.
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The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program
Submitted by Ian Hartman, Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator
 Considering big changes to your business or your crew?
 Trying to sell to a different wood market?
 Looking to better manage your business finances?
 Preparing for transferring your business to new ownership?
The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program (VFFVP) provides one-on-one, in-depth business planning and related technical assistance to Vermont businesses in three sectors: forestry and forest products, food systems, and farming. Our goal is to provide these
kinds of businesses with the skills they need to remain viable into the future.
We can provide:
Enterprise Analysis:
to find out what’s making money and what’s losing money
Business Planning:
to clarify the goals, finances, and future plans of your business and get it on paper so you can communicate where you
are and where you’re going to others
Financial Record-keeping and Management:
to learn how to keep track of your finances and use your financial info to make strategic business decisions
Marketing and Sales:
to help you determine that you’re getting into the right markets for all the work you’re putting in
Human Resources Management:
to learn the skills and techniques for holding on to quality employees
Retirement and Ownership Transfer Planning:
to make sure your business and your family have a plan for down the road
And more, call and ask…
When businesses enroll in the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program, we match them up with the consultant, or team of consultants, best suited to provide the skills they are looking for. The business will then work directly with their consultant(s) at their place
of business for anywhere from 2 -24 months, depending on the nature of the project. Some business owners already have a consultant
they wish to work with, but in most cases we identify consultants and advisors from our growing network of service providers who
specialize in forestry and the forest products industry.
We welcome applications from woodlot owners, loggers, foresters, sawmill and kiln operators as well as manufacturers and craftsmen.
A $75 enrollment fee is charged to businesses in the program. In some cases, if the scope of the work is larger than what the program can cover, participants will need to contribute to the costs of the consultant.
Our program coordinator, Liz Gleason (802-828-3370; [email protected]), is happy to answer any questions you may have. For further
information and a copy of the application, please visit our website: www.vhcb.org/viability.
The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program is a program of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, with additional
funding from the Vermont Working Lands Initiative.
Information from our industry, about our industry
in Vermont and surrounding areasmarkets, trends, projections, needs, challenges…
To be included in the next newsletter, send your
viewpoints to Barb at [email protected]
This has been a great year for firewood sales. With unusually cold temperatures, we cleaned out the woodshed and then cut a dead cherry tree out back for the final fires in April. With everyone doing the same, we all
need a bit more wood than last year, plus we all want some extra, "in case it happens again". Is this climate
change? The summer got off to a slow, wet start, so the wood has been coming slowly, and some is too muddy
for good firewood. Hardwood sawlogs are in good demand, along with hardwood pulp, so a strong demand
with low supply has given a much-needed boost to the guys doing the work. Hopefully this allows the producers to charge a bit more for the product. I have friends still waiting for their load of firewood logs.
From a forestry perspective, it helps us get those low-grade hardwoods out of the forest and weed out the
garden. It is a pleasure when a logger asks for a woodlot with a good supply of firewood. The landSubmitted by Robbo Holleran,
owner can get a bit more, but my philosophy has been that during a market boost like this (which
Forester, Chester, Vermont
might be short term) the logger is still doing us a favor to get the junk out, so I try not to ask for too
much. But, it allows us to get a bit more of the junk out.
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10
Vermont Tech Centers and Students ~ Our Forest Industry’s Future
Many activities and training are taking place in our Tech Centers throughout the State in the forestry, natural resource and agriculture programs. These young people are the FUTURE of our Forest Products Industry.
The Vermont Forest Products Association invites these young people to become a part of our industry organization through our
special Student Memberships. Among their member benefits would be their own free subscription to the Northern Logger Magazine
and free quarterly VFPA newsletters. VFPA looks forward to meeting these young people, working together and learning from each
other, recognizing that Vermont's forests and forest products industries are crucial to sustaining the rural character and economics
of our Vermont communities.
Green Mountain Technical and Career Center is the recipient of the
2013 NELA “Outstanding Contribution to Forest Industry Education” Award.
Congratulations!
Maple Sugaring
Logging
Green Mountain Technical
and Career Center
Logger Rescue
Training
Skidder Bridge
Workshop
Vermont Portable Skidder Bridge Program
Bridge rentals through Natural Resource
Conservation Districts- Several Conservation Districts
in Vermont offer bridge rentals. Rental fees may vary,
but most are charging $100/month. The following districts have bridges to rent:
Bennington County Conservation DistrictShelly Stiles- 802-442-2275
(Bridges staged in Dorset at JK Adams)
Lamoille Conservation DistrictKim Komer- 802-888-9218
(Bridges staged at Manchester Lumber in Johnson and
Buffalo Mtn. yard in Hardwick)
Winooski Conservation DistrictJustin Kenney- 802-865-7895
(Bridges staged at Fontaine’s Mill in East Montpelier)
White River Conservation DistrictSamantha Clough- 603-499-6029
(Bridges staged at Angell’s Mill in South Royalton)
Orleans Conservation DistrictDayna Cole- 802-334-8325
(Bridges staged at Glover Logyard in Glover)
Caledonia Conservation DistrictKerry O’Brien- 802-748-3885
(Bridges staged at Stan Robinson Logyard in Passumpsic)
Windham Conservation DistrictJolene Hamilton- 802-254-5323
(Bridges staged at Allard Lumber in Brattleboro)
Ottaquechee Conservation DistrictSue Greenall- 802-295-7942
(Bridges staged at Sheehan’s Sawmill in Perkinsville)
Anyone wanting an application or more information, call
Kevin Beattie, Program Coordinator, at 802-548-8246 or
email [email protected]
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11
Vermont Forestry Foundation
The official education and outreach arm of the Vermont Forest Products Association
The Mission of VFF is to educate the people within the forest products industry to improve efficiency, safety,
professionalism, to increase profitability and build a positive image for the industry. In addition, VFF is engaged
in outreach efforts to educate the general public about the importance of a vibrant working forest and forest
products industry in Vermont.
VFF is a non-profit 501 © (3) organization that accepts grants and donations to meet its mission. Donations are tax exempt. VFF is run by a
Board of Trustees that are elected for four year terms at the Annual Meeting of the Vermont Forest Products Association.
Current Trustees and Officers:
President: Robbo Holleran, Chester, Consulting Forester (802) 875-3021
Vice President: Steve Hardy, Chesterfield, NH, Forester
(603) 254-1644
Secretary/Treasurer: Bruce Shields, Eden, Landowner/Sugar maker (802) 888-5165
Trustees:
Dennis Allard, Springfield, VT, Logger ~ Delwin Fielder, Goshen, VT Logger ~ John Meyer, Montpelier, Forester ~ Bill Sayre, Bristol, Sawmill
~ Mark Doty, Fairfield, ME, Landowner ~ Sean Barrows, West Rutland, Sawmill ~ Warren Hill, Greensboro, Logger Please contact the
VFF if there are specific courses, workshops or training that will help you in your business
LEAP~Logger Education to Advance Professionalism
Submitted by David Birdsall
MISSION: The purpose of the Vermont LEAP program is to promote a professional approach to
logging by providing the knowledge necessary for LEAP participants to work safely, efficiently, and in
an environmentally conscientious manner while harvesting timber in Vermont.
How it works!
The LEAP Program
Step 1. Provisional LEAP Certification for Loggers
new to Logger Education:
A logger must complete 24 hours (three days) of instruction, in the Primary Curriculum to achieve Provisional
Status.
Step 2. Full LEAP Certification – for loggers who
have completed the Primary Curriculum.
A logger must complete 3 additional workshops, within 2
years of obtaining Provisional status to achieve Full
Certification. One of which must be First Aid & CPR
The other two can be Electives of choice.
Step 3. Maintaining Full Certification – Continuing
Education (CE) – for loggers who have completed the
Secondary Curriculum.
To maintain Full Certification, a logger is required to
participate in 2 days of related CE programs or public
service, within 2 years thereafter. First Aid and CPR certification must be kept current as well.
Bottom Line – once certified, complete one workshop
a year to remain certified!
How much does it cost?
LEAP requires a one-time Registration fee:
$250 for VFPA members, $300 for others.
There will be day fees associated with the different workshops, these rates vary depending on the presenter or
topic. The fees typically range from Free to $150.
Contact David Birdsall, LEAP Coordinator
41 Northrup Road, Middletown Springs, VT 05757
email: [email protected]
website: www.vtleap.com Phone: 802-235-2908
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12
Vermont Forestry Foundation Hosts Silviculture Workshop
On June 13th, the Vermont Forestry Foundation hosted a silviculture workshop in Andover Vermont. Featured speakers included Bill Leak and Mariko Yamasaki for the Durham office of
the USFS, Ken Desmarais from New Hampshire, Steve Hardy
from Green Mountain Forestry and Robbo Holleran who has
managed this tract for more than 25 years. This was mainly a
draw for foresters, and about 40 attended from around the region
even though it rained most of the day. A top-notch lunch was put
on, and Larry Sullivan, the landowner, gave some welcoming
remarks.
The Sullivan Forest is a 260 acre tract consisting of northern
hardwoods, spruce and associated species with a history of diverse active management, primarily directed at improving wildlife habitat. Elevations range from 1900-2100’ on moderate terrain. Extensive previous high-grading make beech and striped
maple serious problems. This is not a “model woodlot”. Grouppatch cuts were done for grouse and wildlife management in
1991, 1998, and 2008. Various single tree and small group improvement cuts have been done, along with softwood retention
and release, 1998 ice storm salvage, and a section of Beech Mast
Management. Deer browse pressure is only moderate, but regeneration has been erratic with lighter cuts. Recent (2008) patch
cuts of 1-4 acres were thoroughly cut and scarified, and showed 5
seasons of vigorous hardwood regrowth, with birches and some
maple, ash and even red oak up to 8 feet tall. Beech and striped
maple were effectively controlled by this technique, even on this
poor site with advanced undesired regeneration. The open discussion format gave everyone a chance for input, and some hot
topics included: Should reserve trees be left in the groups as crop
trees or for wildlife habitat and structure? Should there be some
sort of cutting between the groups? How does red oak compete
submitted by Robbo Holleran
in these young stands? How much effect do deer and moose
have on this site? When should the next treatment be, and at
what pace should this progress through the stand?
The tour included several other features. The matrix forest
was typical northern hardwoods with sugar and red maple,
beech and yellow birch of variable quality. Understory was
primaruily beech and striped maple due to previous selection
management and "improvement cutting". We walked through a
1991 clearcut of about 15 acres with a mix of white birch and
northern hardwoods now into the pole size of 6" diameter or
so. Also, the neighboring property is owned by the Vermont
Land Trust with a no-cut easement. We saw a portion of this,
just across the property line with a large percent of declining
beech and poor quality trees, with mostly beech in the understory. Areas of spruce release had large spruce beginning to
show signs of decline, with some spruce regeneration accumulating. All these features combined for a wide set of discussions.
Attendance included foresters from around the region from
Maine to New York, with only a few from Vermont. We intend
to offer this again with hope to get more Vermont participation,
and also to open this to the logging community. Especially
since more logging is now done by prescription rather than
individual tree marking, it is helpful for logging professional to
understand the terminology used in forest management plans,
along with the practices used to achieve these objectives. It is
also helpful for foresters to receive input from loggers on practical application of these methods. This is tentatively
scheduled for Friday, October 10th or 17th.
Robbo Holleran
The Vermont Forestry Foundation is the official education and outreach arm of the
Vermont Forest Products Association
The Mission of VFF is to educate the people within the forest products industry to improve
efficiency, safety, professionalism, to increase profitability and build a positive image for
the industry. In addition, VFF is engaged in outreach efforts to educate the general public
about the importance of a vibrant working forest and forest products industry in Vermont.
PAGE
13
VFPA Member News
Claire Lathrop Band Mill Inc. and Lathrop Forest Products would like
you to help us celebrate the retirement of James and Claire S. Lathrop. As of June
15, 2014 they have joined the ranks of the retired baby boomers.
They set out on a trip around America on June 15th and hope to see the
United States at their leisure. Last we heard July 15, Jim had entered Lathrop, California and was looking up any relatives he might have there. No telling where they
are headed next.
The business has been sold to Jason and Justin Lathrop with no interruption in services offered with Jodi Lathrop assuming duties of Business Manager.
All three have been with the company since the early 1990's and see no major
changes in the near future.
Check out lathropforestproducts.org to see what they have been up to or friend us on Face Book for weekly updates.
To send a card of congratulation mail it to: James and Claire S. Lathrop, 62 West Street , Bristol ,VT 05443
Kingdom Locals Host Bennington BoyBoy’s Desire to “Be a Logger” Fulfilled
{Northeast Kingdom]
by Jenn Hanlon, Express Correspondent
Published in the Newport Daily Express on Monday, July 21, 2014
This past week, through the generosity of several individuals and businesses, it was
proven that Disney isn’t the only place where dreams come true. For six year old
Keegan Brooks, a wish to experience being a logger for a day turned into a trip with rewards even the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which organized the event, didn’t plan on.
On Tuesday, Keegan Brooks and his family arrived at Jay Peak, where they were given
complimentary passes to the Pumphouse in addition to a chauffeur and all other expenses
paid for - including their room and board at the luxury hotel. Keegan and his parents,
Kayla Brooks and Nick Hollis, along with Keegan’s sister Tammy (5), and brother Roman (1), took full advantage of the water park during the hot and humid weather. They
stayed three nights at Jay Peak, and returned home to Bennington on Friday. For these
city dwellers, their trip to the Northeast Kingdom was worlds apart from their usual daily
life.
Photo by Jennifer Hanlon
On Wednesday, the Brooks family, along with staff from the Make-A-Wish Foundation
and local wish grantor Judy Moulton, arrived in Island Pond. As Keegan ran along the shoreline in the park, and later as he enjoyed a lunch
of hot pizza under the pavilion, the casual observer wouldn’t know there is something different about the boy. What brought him here was
the fact that he suffers from a medical condition that qualifies him to ask for a dream to be fulfilled - a wish granted - by the Make-A-Wish
Foundation.
Shawna Wakeham-Smith, who is the director of wish granting for the organization, said they’d rather not focus on the circumstances that
qualify children to be considered by the group, but rather on the events taking place to fulfill that wish, and the generosity of all the people
who come together to make it happen. “If you know of a young person who might qualify, please do contact us!” she said. (Their website
is: http://vermont.wish.org/). Judy Moulton, of East Charleston, who has been a volunteer wish granter for 14 years, was the lead organizer
in coordinating and facilitating Keegan’s wish to be a logger.
At noon, a big, blue, tractor trailer truck, owned and operated by Marcel Isabelle of Norton, pulled
up alongside the park. At that point, the little boy who previously could barely sit still long
enough to eat, fell silent as he stared at the shiny log hauler. He had changed into his gift of brand
new tiny work boots, just like real loggers have, and he was ready to ride. Chris Fife, Northeast
Kingdom Resource Officer for Plum Creek, also gifted Keegan with a Plum Creek hard hat that
was just his size, an official “Ax Men” t-shirt, a pair of leather gloves, and suspenders. Keegan’s
wish actually came about by his love for the television show “Ax Men”, and his desire to do the
things those loggers and "Ice Road Truckers" do.
Photo by Julie Richards Photography
(Continued on page 14)
PAGE
14
(Continued from page 13)
Keegan and his father, with Isabelle driving, all traveled in the rig through Brighton, onto the Henshaw Road, miles deep into the woods of
Lewis along a winding, narrow, logging road, and finally to a log landing in Avery’s Gore. A procession of vehicles followed, carrying
members of the press, Make-A-Wish volunteers, and his family. Upon reaching the log site itself, Chris Fife introduced the little logger to
Britt Moulton, who owns the logging company contracted by Plum Creek to harvest the wood on this land. Fife and Moulton presented
Keegan with a logger’s license ID card. Then the real action began.
Several pieces of equipment, including a de-limber, a feller-buncher (shearer), a grapple skidder, and crane truck, were all lined up and
ready for Keegan to check out and experience. The boy, who rarely let go of his father’s hand, decided he’d just watch all the activity rather
than ride on the equipment. The loud noises seemed to intimidate him, but he walked with Fife, Moulton, and his father across the muddy
site and watched operators harvest the trees. After about a half-hour or so of observing each being used from a comfortagble distance away,
Keegan finally did end up getting closer to the machines and checking out their interiors.
Before leaving the Moulton crew and this site, however, Britt Moulton had another surprise. He
presented the Make-A-Wish foundation with a $500 donation, and Keegan received another pair of
work gloves, just like those worn by Moulton and his crew. Britt Moulton also gave him a video of
his crew working the site, in their heavy equipment. But the day wasn’t over yet.
A short distance down the hill, at Camp #10 in
Avery’s Gore, another logger was waiting for the
Photo by Julie Richards Photography
group to arrive. Rusty DeWees, an actor/comedian
who goes by the stage name "The Logger", who is
from Elmore, VT, had been asked if he would like to be part of the days events. DeWees
jumped at the chance to assist. Though he was asked to come to give the “real” loggers a
short performance as a reward for giving up their time to fulfill a child’s wish, he arrived like
Santa, bearing a red bag full of gifts. Logger DeWees sang, read from his book “Scrawlins”,
and told funny stories to Keegan and his family and about twenty others who were present. DeWees sat on the steps of the camp, while Keegan and his father and sister sat in the
warm sun on the soft grass. He gave Keegan one of his trademark Logger t-shirts, a calendar,
and a DVD with his songs. DeWees took the time to sign autographs for everyone, and as he
did so, Keegan slipped into his new, official “Logger” shirt. “When you get home, cut the
sleeves off it if you want, so it looks just like mine,” Rusty told the boy.
As Keegan Brooks and his family filed into their chauffeured van to return to Jay Peak, DeWees went back up to log site to spend more
time with the Plum Creek foresters and Britt Moulton Logging crews.
On Thursday, Goodridge Lumber of Albany also took part in granting the logger wish
for Keegan Brooks. He arrived wearing his Ax Men t-shirt from the day before, and
had his logging boots on again too. “He didn’t really want to take them off last night
for bed,” said his mother, Kayla. The big difference between the day before and this
day though, was that Keegan seemed calmer and more at ease with only Judy Moulton
and this reporter accompanying him and his family as they took a tour of the sawmill.
While Colleen Goodridge, who owns the business with her sons Brian, Mark, and
Doug, led the small group around the grounds, it was Brian Goodridge who gained
Keegan’s trust almost immediately. Goodridge’s outfitted Keegan with a pair of noiseblocking headphones and safety glasses to wear, along with his gear from the day
before. Though he still wanted his father close by, Keegan eagerly crawled onto Brian’s
lap and proceeded to drive the huge loader. It was difficult to determine who was smilPhoto by Jennifer Hanlon
ing more, Brian or Keegan. Brian and Keegan switched the bucket off the loader for a
set of forks, and proceeded to move nearby logs onto the log deck to be cut by the sawyer. A thrill ride at an amusement park could not
have elicited a bigger grin of satisfaction from the boy. He really didn’t want to stop driving
the big tractor, but there was more to see at the mill. There were wood chips rapidly spewing
into a big pile, and fine sawdust to touch and smell. Keegan took time to look at the huge
sawblade as the logs were sawn into lumber. There was also more equipment to crawl up
onto and sit in and watch in action.
Before his day at Goodridge’s came to an end, he was given a hardcover book with colorful
pictures titled “Knuckleboom Loaders Load Logs - A Trip to the Sawmill”, which Goodridge’s have for sale at their mill. High quality photographs document the entire process of
harvesting the trees from the Vermont forest to the end product of useable lumber produced
at the sawmill. The book features photos of the Goodridge family as they work at their mill,
and made an excellent souvenir of his trip to the Kingdom.
Photo by Jennifer Hanlon
(Continued on page 15)
VOLUME
I,
ISSUE
XIII
PAGE
15
(Continued from page 14)
Shortly after noon, Keegan and his family said goodbye to the Goodridges and headed back to Jay for
more fun at the waterpark where they would stay another night before returning to their home
Friday. Judy Moulton quietly breathed a sigh of satisfaction as she reflected on another wish
granted. Who would have ever thought that spending the day as a logger would be a child’s most
desired wish? Or that fulfilling that wish, on so many levels, could take place in the most rural areas of
Orleans and Essex Counties, by people who would be willing to give up so much time and money - just
to make a child’s wish come true? Judy Moulton knew it could happen, and made sure Keegan’s dream
came true - via the generosity of people who asked for nothing in return. Disney and all their resources
could not have done a better job at bringing it all together and creating an experience that a six year old
boy and his family will never forget.
Photo by Jennifer Hanlon
Vermont Forest Products Association Chainsaw Raffle
Robbo Holleran of Chester, Vermont was the winner of the Husqvarna
562XP on May 10, 2014 at the Northeastern Forest Products Equipment
Expo in Essex Junction. Proceeds from the raffle help to pay for our
legislative representation from Vermont Traditions Coalition.
Members and Recognition
Thank you to all those who have given their support through memberships with the VFPA this year
A.Lewis Equipment
Colton Enterprises
Manchester Lumber Company
Ron’s Husqvarna Forest and Garden
All Seasons Excavating
Cummings & Son Land Clearing, Inc
Mark Lane
M&K Lemieux Logging, Inc
HB Logging, LLC
Kurt Colby Loading & Logging
Parent Timber Harvesting, LLC
Forand’s Logging
LSF Forest Products, LLC
Ryegate Associates
Deer Lake Timber Ltd.Co.
E.B. Hyde Co.
John Meyer-Forester
Robbo Holleran-Forester
James R. Cloud Logging and Trucking,
LLC
Kevin Braman-Logging
Northeastern Products Corp.
P & L Trucking, Inc
Phoenix Forestry and Logging
Lawrence Felion Jr
Twin State Forestry
G.H. Evarts & Co., Inc
Champlain Hardwoods, Inc
Lamell Lumber Corp
Martin White Logging
Paul Fournier
Mill River Lumber Ltd.
Bruce Shields
Dan’s Construction
Plum Creek Timber
Plumb Lumber Co.Inc
Richard Isabelle Insurance Co.
Goodridge Lumber Inc
The Richards Group
AMP Timber Harvesting
Bardill Land and Lumber
Timothy Poczobut
Northeast Timber Exchange
Richard Walker
A. Johnson Company
Paul Bunyan Logging, Inc
Delwin R. Fielder Logging
Rolling Meadow Farm Logging
Gagnon Lumber
Stephen W. Weber
Philip Pelkey
Allard Lumber Co.
Daniel Fowler
Raymond A. Lamberton
Mike Molleur
L.W. Webster
Darcy Nelson Log Hauling
Calvin Johnson Logging
Scierie West Brome, Inc
Warren Hill Trucking
Green Mountain Forestry
Edward’s Logging Contractors
Anderson Equipment (formerly
The Oliver Stores)
Hanson Savage
Vermont ATV Sportsman Assoc.
Timothy Cleveland
Yves Maclure
Robert Toppin
Columbia Forest Products
Blake Brothers Logging
Hollow Hill Forestry, LLC
David Birdsall
Deryl J. Stowell
Roy Marble
Paul Frederick
Zambon Brothers Logging
Justin Taft
Meadowsend Timberlands,
Jeremy Turner
Jon Parker
Rodney Rainville
Ames True Temper
Alex Ibey
Jack Davis
Michael Currie
Mike Boisvert
Guy Lariviere
William Crandall
Lathrop Forest Products
David Dence
Ralph Loomis
Gabe Freitag
A.Davis Ag Services LLC,
Arthur Davis
Green Crow Corp, Chris Loomis
Cersosimo Lumber Co.
Eric Johnson
Arty Piper
Moose Mountain Forestry,
Ben Wileman
A.McGovern Logging &
Portable Sawmilling,
Andy McGovern
Lincoln Agrisource, LLC,
Sam Lincoln
Hancock Lumber Co.
International Paper Co.
David Grayck
S.R. Parker & Son Trucking
Harold Pouliot
Rodney Rainville
Duquette Forestry Transportation,
Inc
Willoughby Timber, Michael Moore
Robert Moore
Wright’s Logging, Chris Wright
Timber Resource Group
Whitcomb & Bickford Trucking
NEW MEMBERS:
Stuart Bevin
LaBranche Lumber Company
Exclusively Vermont Wood Products
Adam Crafts
Seeley Timber Products
PAY YOUR MEMBERSHIP ON-LINE! PayPal is now available through the VFPA website for those wishing to pay for
www.vtfpa.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 802-461-5688
Vermont Forest Products Association
P.O. Box 110
Coventry, Vermont 05825
Dates and Events
August 7, 2014-9 am AIV/SFI Forest Policy Task Force Meeting
at the AIV Office Building, 99 State Street, Montpelier, VT
Contact Bill Sayre (802-363-3341) to register or obtain more information.
August 7, 2014 VFPA Directors’ Meeting-following the AIV/SFI
Forest Policy Task Force Meeting-AIV Office Building, 99 State
Street, Montpelier, VT
August 12, 2014 -1 pm Forester Licensing Sunrise Public Review
Public Meeting, 89 Main Street, Montpelier, VT, Large Conference
Room A.
September 18, 2014-4 pm VFPA Diretors’ Meeting
Location to be announced
October 16, 2014-4 pm VFPA Diretors’ Meeting
Location to be announced
Directors’ meetings are open meetings and all forest
industry folks are invited and encouraged to attend
October 19-25, 2014 National Forest Products Week
National Forest Products Week is a time to recognize the
many products that come from our forests, the people who
work in and manage our forests, the people who make the
products, and how they all contribute to our lives.
October 19-25, 2014 Celebrate Vermont’s Forests!
Plan a special activity with your family this week to
celebrate the gifts of our forests.
Vermont Forest
Products Association
~ honors the traditions of the
working forests of the past
~Strengthens the industry of today
~Helps shape the future of the
forest products industry for
generations to come