Small Log Conference to be held at Coeur d'Alene Resort
<p>Gas prices are seen on Wednesday in Montpelier, Vt. Gasoline prices jumped 8.2 cents per gallon in the last month, and $1.28 per gallon in the last year. The national average for a gallon of regular on Wednesday added another 2.3 cents at $3.194, according to AAA, Wright Express and Oil Price Information Service.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - The fifth annual Small Log Conference called "Technology, Evolution and Collaboration" is set for March 23-25 at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.
The event includes a mill tour, supplier's showcase and an industrial waste wood grinder demonstration by Rawlings Manufacturing of Missoula.
"Working in our wood industry for the last few years, I believe the need for collaboration, such as the Small Log Conference provides, will help all those attending," said Ed Mayer, general manager of HewSaw Machines in Vancouver, B.C., and a conference sponsor. "You hear the same hard-pressed stories over and over in our industry, but a boost of motivation and meaningful insights will help us all move forward.
"I believe our industry embodies resilient and clever people, and this type of collaboration can forge a thriving industry once again."
The conference also features retired Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth and Collins Company CEO Eric Schooler, along with forest industry, environmental and entrepreneurial speakers.
Subject matter will cover the pine beetle epidemic, harvesting, processing and transportation innovations, supply issues, collaboration success stories and the challenges ahead.
"My hope for getting involved in the conference is that people will start to recognize how the small log business ties in salvage and biomass," said Schooler, whose company presides over a variety of wood products ventures, including a developing biomass plant at Lakeview, Ore., and a hybrid poplar enterprise at Boardman, Ore. "It's sometimes an iffy supply out there, but if we put things together, they can be complementary and synergistic."
Schooler has been encouraged by the southern Oregon biomass stewardship program, acknowledging that the Forest Service has worked well with Collins and its contractors.
Bosworth, meanwhile, sees potential for more projects such as Collins' Lakeview project.
"There aren't enough projects and we need more of them to reduce the fuels," said Bosworth. "The more these projects happen, the more people will see the good and get on board. It's a win-win situation."
Bosworth added that he doesn't want to see a return to over-harvesting of the national forests, but that there is certainly a need to reduce fuel hazards and wildfire danger.
For more information on the conference or to register, contact Manager Jan Raulin at (604) 541-7562 or janraulin@gmail.com or visit www.timberbuysell.com/slc.