SALEM –– Loggers are invited to a free workshop explaining how simple changes can increase their profit and protect their business. The workshop will be at the Ozark Natural & Cultural Resource Center (202 South Main St or Hwy 19) in Salem, Mo. on Saturday, Aug. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There is no charge, but pre-registration is required — phone 573-634-3252 or email tammy@moforest.org. Lunch will be provided. There will also be a free drawing for CDs by a local, mystery bluegrass recording artist.
Featured speakers will be William Stuart and Laura Grace, both Professors in the Department of Forestry at Mississippi State University.
Bill’s family has been in logging for generations, and he has spent the last 45 years working with loggers on improving business performance and helping them get out of financial and legal trouble. His message will build on what he learned working for an experienced logger in the ‘60s: “Profits ride the last load out at night.”
Laurie also has a history of working with loggers and their wives on business, best management practices, and certification issues. She built and led the Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s logger education program for the state of Mississippi.
Pioneer Forest Manager Terry Cunningham will tell how salvage harvests after last year’s wind storm showed their loggers that blocking and pulpwood harvest is both feasible and profitable.
“If we know better, we can do better“, said Cunningham, “and we’re fortunate to have people at this workshop willing to share what they have learned.”
Peter Becker of the Eastern Ozarks Forestry Council will reinforce that message with results from a cooperative study between loggers and landowners.
“Loggers have shown that they can make a good living without clear cutting or high grading”, said Becker, “and that’s great news for those who like to see our woods looking good.
Loggers should attend with their book keepers because the workshop will show the importance of keeping careful expense records. After the workshop, speakers will visit with anyone having more questions.
The workshop is sponsored by Pioneer Forest, LLC and the Eastern Ozarks Forestry Council with funding from NCR-SARE. Continuing education credits will be available through the Missouri Forest Products Association.
