July - September, 2008
News From Missouri
A couple of issues ago I wrote about the upcoming Missouri Master Logger Certification program. I am happy to announce that the Master Logger Certification (MLC) program is ready for loggers to sign up.
The MLC program is for loggers who want to demonstrate to the public that they harvest timber according to Best Management Practices (BMPs), sound forest management, and good business practices. If you are or know of a logger that wants to prove he has been doing the right practices then this program is for you.
The MLC is considered the Gold Standard for Loggers. It is a Certification Program that certifies logging companies for carrying out sound timber harvesting activities. The third party verification will require verifiers to inspect the logging site to make sure the logger is complying with program requirements. A certifying board will then review the findings of the verifiers and make decisions on whether to accept the loggers into the program or to remove them based on non-compliance.
What are the requirements for the MLC program? There are seven areas of responsibilities that a logger must agree to uphold:
- Abide by water quality and soil retention standards
- Must comply with acceptable forest management practices
- The logger must be committed to safety
- Continued participation in an on-going training regimen
- Must comply with all state and federal regulations
- Utilization of sound business management principles
- It is mandatory that the logger documents harvest operations planning
So how does this program differ from the Professional Timber Harvesters training? The MLC is not an education or training program. But it does require the training which is already the industry standards such as the Professional Timber Harvesters training. It is an on-the-ground assessment of harvesting practices.
Why should you become a Master Logger? The MLC program will promote the profession of wood harvesting as a key element in your business success. The program will make it clear that loggers are “environmentalists of trees” who spend their work time in the forest. The MLC program will allow the logger to gain economic leverage by marketing what he knows and does. In addition the logger will hopefully gain reciprocity for harvesting timber across state lines that require a Master Logger such as Tennessee and Kentucky. Hopefully in time the Master Logger will be able to purchase timber and sell his services to landowners who realize there is more to selling timber than just money.
I feel this will be an outstanding program for loggers that know they are doing the right thing but do not get credit for it. It will also be a program that landowners should love since they would have reassurance from the Certifying Board that the logger is honest, and he knows how to implement good timber harvesting techniques. The forest landowner will know if the logger does not perform based on the MLC program requirements.
If you are interested in the Missouri Master Logger Certification program you can call the Missouri Forest Products Association at 573-634-3252.
As always if I can assist you in concerning forest products or if you have any questions you can give me a call. John Tuttle (573)522-4115 ext 3304.