The Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast (PLC) is pleased to offer Logger, Fleet and CPR Safety Training to all PLC Members and Master Loggers March 28-May 17 in 2024!

By now you should have received registration forms in the mail and may also register online if you have not already done so. Please review our Logger and Fleet offerings and return registration forms as soon as possible, but no later than March 15, 2024, to ensure there is room for your employees at the chosen location/s. Don’t delay! Register now!

FOR SCHEDULE AND ONLINE REGISTRATION CLICK HERE

IF YOU PREFER TO REGISTER ON PAPER CLICK HERE

Maine’s Direct Link Loan Program

Are you a Master Logger® in Maine who is buying new equipment? Take advantage of the Direct Link Loan Program and get an interest rate reduction of up to 2% on qualifying equipment. Details of the program and how you can take advantage of it are below:

1. A Master Logger signs an Agreement with the Maine Forest Service (MFS), the bank submits Agreement to MFS, and it is approved by the MFS for the purchase of a new or new to them piece of qualifying equipment. (Cut to Length Harvesters and Forwarders, Tracked Feller Bunchers, Stroke Delimbers, Mulching Machines, Road Graders; also includes retrofitting of existing equipment like Flotation tires, Bogey wheels, harvester and processor heads; and Miscellaneous purchases like Metal and Wooden Bridges, Bottomless arches, and sediment and erosion control products) Purchases are considered on a case by case basis, with eligibility based on whether the equipment facilitates the implementation of Best Management Practices.

**Equipment that is NOT eligible: Grapple Skidders, Pull-Thru Delimbers, Tree-to-Tree Feller Bunchers.

2. The Master Logger gets a loan from a participating bank. (See list below) Example: Loan is for $500,000 at current bank interest rate (ex. 7.00%). Contractor can have multiple loans but can’t exceed the $800,000 aggregate limit allowed by the program.

3. The Master Logger is given an interest rate subsidy (reduction) of 1.50% (up to 2%) – the same amount as the *CD rate for as long as they continue to qualify for the program.

Example: 7.00% loan interest rate less 1.50% rate subsidy = 5.50 effective rate.

The following banks participate in the direct link loan program.

Katahdin Trust Company – David Cambridge
Farm Credit East – Shannon Webber
Machias Savings Bank – Anita Madden
Acadia FCU

**Note: Maine Municipal Bond Bank buys a $500,000 CD for up to five years from bank for up to 2.00% less than the bank’s going CD rate matching the term of the loan. Ex. 1.50 % – (up to 2%)

Don’t see your bank on the list? Reach out and encourage them to get involved.

Not yet Master Logger® Certified? Email Sydney at sydney@tcnef.org, call (207)-688-8195, opt. 2 or visit masterloggercertification.com.

For more information, click here for the Direct Link Loan Program.

Have You Received The New PLC Membership Handbook?

By now you should have received your 2024 PLC Membership Handbook. This year’s ‘Handbook’ is a great tool to find out which businesses, individuals and associations really support the Northeast’s logging and forest trucking industry!

Inside you will also find PLC bylaws, meeting schedule, information about Log-A-Load, 2023 award winners, the Mechanized Logging Operations and Forest Trucking program, contact information for your elected officials, contact information for state agencies, listing of PLC Contractor Members, listing of Supporting Members and the buyer’s guide with discounts for PLC Contractor members.

We would like to especially thank and recognize all the PLC Supporting Members who have advertised in the 2024 edition of the PLC Membership Handbook. Without them, we could not make this great resource available to the membership.

If you would like to receive additional copies ($10 each plus S/H), please contact the office at renee@plcloggers.org or 207-688-8195 and we will mail them to you.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the 2024 PLC Spring Safety Trainings!

Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast and Northern Maine Community College announce recruiting is underway for Mechanized Logging Operations and Forest Trucking Program in 2024

HINCKLEY, ME -The Professional Logging Contractors (PLC) of the Northeast and Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) today announced recruiting is underway for the Mechanized Logging Operations and Forest Trucking (MLOFT) Program, an expanded version of their highly successful logging operations certificate program that now includes Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training.

The program will run for 20 weeks, from June 24 to November 7. Classes will take place at an active timber harvest site on the Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) Alfond Campus on U.S. Route 201 in Hinckley. Tuition remains free for qualified students.

“This program has a proven track record of addressing Maine’s shortage of qualified logging operators and forest truckers in an efficient and affordable way,” PLC Executive Director Dana Doran said. “Thanks to Maine’s Congressional delegation the program has secured Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) support, and with planned new equipment purchases to support forest trucking for this year’s program, we are well positioned to provide top-notch instruction and hands-on experience for the incoming class.”

“This short-term training is the opportunity of a lifetime for people looking to learn equipment operation and earn a CDL,” stated NMCC Assistant Dean of Continuing Education Leah Buck. “To be able to learn both in a 20-week span is incredible, and thanks to a grant from the USDOL supported by Senators King, Collins, and Rep. Golden we can offer this training at no cost to the 16 students selected to join us this summer. I encourage anyone interested in the program to reach out and fill out the online application without delay. A career working in the woods of Maine is waiting.”

The opportunity to earn a CDL-A permit and receive preparation for the state driving exam was a significant addition to the program in 2023 and has expanded opportunities for graduates while increasing benefits to Maine logging employers who need more mechanized logging operators and truck drivers.

Students enrolled in the post-secondary training program will harvest timber and operate trucks using sophisticated state-of-the-art machines like those they will encounter in the logging industry. The hands-on experience students gain operating equipment is an opportunity unavailable anywhere else in Maine and neighboring states and will prepare them for in-demand careers with logging contractors throughout the state of Maine. A report released by the University of Southern Maine in 2019 documented that up to 2,000 positions in timber harvesting and trucking will be available in the next decade.

The program includes a strong emphasis on safety as well as giving students an understanding of the variables of timber growth, tree species, and markets. Students pay no tuition or fees, and the program provides all personal protective equipment (PPE).

This project is funded 100% by a $1M grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

The program was created in 2017 by the Maine Community College System, the PLC, and industry partners. This year’s class will be the 8^th since its launch, and dozens of graduates are working in Maine’s logging industry today.

Approximately 95 percent of logging in Maine now relies on mechanized equipment. The industry also relies almost exclusively on heavy trucks to move wood. With the majority of logging operators and forest truckers at or near retirement age, the demand for new workers in the logging industry is high and most students in the previous certificate program have had job offers before graduating.

Anyone with an interest in the program should contact Holly Grant at Northern Maine Community College at 207-768-2645 or by visiting nmcc.edu to apply. Additional information may be found online at plcloggers.org.

Maine’s loggers are a vital part of the state’s forest products sector, which is worth an estimated $8.1 billion annually. Logging contributed an estimated $582 million to the state economy in 2021.

Maine Trailer – Member Discount

Do you know a person or business involved in the logging industry who ought to be recognized for service to the community, outstanding professionalism or service to the industry? If you do, please NOMINATE THEM for one of the PLC’s annual awards.

PLC Logging Contractor of the Year Award – The PLC Logging Contractor of the Year award recognizes a PLC Logging Contractor for their commitment to the sustainability of the industry and logging as a profession.

PLC Community Service Award – This Award is given annually to a PLC member, Supporting Member or affiliated organization that has demonstrated a significant commitment to giving back to their community.

PLC Supporting Member of the Year Award – The PLC Supporting Member of the Year Award is presented annually to a PLC Supporting Member who has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to logging contractors in the Northeast.

Nominations should be received no later than March 29, 2024.

Awards will be presented at the PLC Annual Meeting on May 10 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, ME.

A list of previous winners is available HERE

NOMINATION FORM HERE

This year, the PLC Annual Meeting, Dinner, Awards Ceremony and Live Log A Load Auction will be held on May 9 – 10, 2024at the Samoset Resort in Rockport! Please be sure to block the dates in your calendars.

We are planning for a fun social event on Thursday, so stay tuned for more updates.

Below is the reservation link for early booking information.

Reservation Booking Link:

Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast

Code: 051024plcm

Northeastern Loggers’ Association Expo 2024

FRA Forestry Forum Meeting Announcement – March 7, 2024

WHEN: Thursday, March 7, 2024
WHERE: Jeff’s Catering -15 Littlefield Way, Brewer, Maine
TIME: 5:30 – 6:15 PM – Social “Hour”
6:15 – 7:00 PM – Buffet Dinner
7:00 – 8:00 PM – Forum Speaker and Discussion

COST: $25 for Members and $35 for Non-Members – Payable at the door. Payment via cash, check or credit card.
Pre-registration is requested to assure an accurate head count for meals!

Mass Timber – Opportunities and Activities Across New England
Using Northeastern Lumber in Cross Laminated Timber – Charles Levesque(Innovative Natural Resource Solutions LLC) and Andrew Fast (University of New Hampshire – Cooperative Extension)

While the Northeast doesn’t (yet) have a manufacturer producing Cross Laminated Timber, lumber from the region has been used in multiple projects. Eastern hemlock from the Northeast has been shipped to manufacturing facilities in Alabama and Illinois, turned into CLT panels, and utilized in projects in the region. Spruce-fir will be next. Hear about the process that took place over the last 3 years to source the appropriate lumber, test panels, and use regional lumber in regional projects.

Developing New England CLT Panels – John Rake (Sterling Structural)

Sterling Structural has begun using Northeastern lumber at its CLT manufacturing facility in Illinoisr for local mass timber projects. Hear from the company on who they are and how this might lead to expanded CLT panel production using spruce-fir and eastern hemlock from the region.

Barriers to Use of Cross-Laminated Timber in Maine – Shane O’Neill (University of Maine)

Hear and discuss findings from a report recently produced for the Maine legislature which outlines opportunities to increase mass timber construction and drive demand for Maine-based manufacture, helping to expand and diversify markets for Maine lumber.

Forestry Forums are an important opportunity to network and bring value back to your business.
Bring a friend! Invite a logger, forester or other prospective FRA member.

Thank you to Seven Islands Land Company
for Sponsoring this FRA Forest Forum

Pre-registration is requested to assure an accurate head count for meals!

Please e-mail by Tuesday, March 5, 2024 to:
Eric Kingsley, ekingsley@forestresources.org

To register, please simply send the names of attendee(s) to ekingsley@forestresources.org

Treeline, Inc. is Shopping for White Oak, Soft Maple, and Hard Maple

Treeline is shopping throughout most of New England for large diameter White Oak, Soft Maple, and Hard Maple #2 sawlogs FOB your yard.

Diameters: 18” to 36”
Lengths: any lengths, 6’ long and longer
Sound wood

Please contact Brian Souers at:

(207) 290-2901
brian@treelineinc.biz

PLC Members Only!

Equipment Cost Calculators Available

Members,

With expenses rising rapidly in the industry we know you are struggling to get a handle on your costs. This is a great time to utilize the cost calculators created in 2021 for PLC Members.

These new, easy to use, logging equipment and log trucking cost calculators are available on the PLC Members Only section of our web site You may access this private section of the web site with your member login or set up a login HERE.

These calculators allow you to quickly estimate the hourly cost of operation for any piece of your equipment.

DISCLAIMER: These calculators are being made available for your business use as a member benefit. They produce equipment estimates and are not official products of the PLC nor should they be used for negotiation purposes.

PLC Online Store

Looking for great PLC items and apparel? Gifts? First Aid packs, safety items and more? You will find them at the new PLC Online Store on our web site. Ordering is easy.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Safety Resources

SafetyWorks!

Workplace safety and labor law requirements can seem complex – join the Maine Department of Labor for no-cost upcoming trainings!

Upcoming classes:

Confined Space Entry – Construction –

March 1, 2024 I 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta

A confined space has limited or restrictive openings for accessing the space and is not meant for continuous use by workers. OSHA uses the term “permit-required confined space” (permit-space) to describe a confined space in which workers are exposed to serious hazards within a confined space. Employers must be able to determine if a confined space is permit-required. In this half-day course, attendees will learn how to evaluate confined spaces, monitor them during use, and set up rescue procedures.

Incident Investigation/Injury Analysis –

March 5, 2024 I 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta

When work doesn’t go as planned, incidents and close calls happen. Investigating these incidents can prevent similar or even more serious problems from happening. In this half-day class, learn how to conduct a thorough investigation and how to use your results to prevent future incidents.

Life Safety Code 101 –

March 7, 2024 I 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta

This one-day class will provide a working overview of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 101 “Life Safety Code” for fire and life safety in the building environment. Topics covered will include classification of occupancy types, adequate means of egress, occupant load factors, and occupancy specific hazards to fire and life safety. The Life Safety Code is adopted in the State of Maine as the state code for fire and life safety in buildings.

Trenching & Excavation –

March 8, 2024 I 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta

This course explains the dangers to employees from trenching and excavation operations, soil classifications, OSHA requirements, and the types of protective systems to prevent cave-ins. You will also learn what is meant by “competent person.”

Emergency Scene Traffic Control – VIRTUAL

March 11, 2024 I 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Performing duties while working in the roadway is extremely dangerous for emergency responders. This class covers requirements for training, personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighters and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers who will be controlling traffic at unplanned motor vehicle accidents. This program will also include setting up a safe work-zone, equipment needed, guidance for day and nighttime operations, blocking to protect the scene, apparatus parking, incident types, signs, communication regulatory text, liability and much more.

Wage & Hour Compliance –

March 13, 2024 I 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Northern Maine Community College, 33 Edgemont Drive, Presque Isle

This course is designed for human resource or benefits professionals, accountants, business owners, managers, or payroll supervisors. Labor laws can be complex. This seminar covers wage and hour laws, including minimum wage, overtime, youth employment, severance pay, equal pay, rest breaks, leave requirements (earned paid leave, family medical leave, family sick leave and leave for victims of violence). This class addresses commonly asked labor-related questions.

10 Hour Construction Standards –

March 14 & 15, 2024 I 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 a.m. (Day 1); 8;30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Day 2) University of Maine Presque Isle, 181 Main Street, Presque Isle

This one-and-a-half-day course offers basic information on a variety of construction industry safety/health standards (29 CFR 1926). Attendees who complete the course will receive an OSHA 10-hour course completion certificate.

Wage & Hour Compliance –

March 20, 2024 I 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta

Impairment Detection Training for Employers –

March 21, 2024 I 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta

This one-day training session is designed to help owners, managers, and supervisors recognize and respond appropriately to employee-impairment in the workplace to reduce worker accidents and injuries. Participants will be taught procedures to detect impairment regardless of the substance or cause. This class is designed to fulfill the federal DOT requirements for reasonable suspicion training of supervisors. In addition, participants will learn how to develop and implement policies that address impairment in the workplace and are in compliance with Maine’s Substance Use Testing Law.

Register and browse more SafetyWorks! classes: https://www.safetyworksmaine.gov/training/scheduled_classes/register.shtml

If you have questions about safety or upcoming classes, reach out to SafetyWorks! at 1-877-SAFE-345 or general.bls-safetyworks@maine.gov.

If you have questions about Wage and Hour compliance, please reach out to the Wage and Hour Division at 207-623-7900 or bls.mdol@maine.gov, or visit www.maine.gov/labor/bls/

Cross Insurance TPA – Loss Control Services SIG Safety Training March 2024

March 19th

VIA ZOOM

9:00am – 11:00am

Sexual Harassment – Ethics and Workplace Respect Presented by: Career Management Associates

This program will help employers comply with all forms of harassment and hostile‐free work environments as outlined in Federal and State laws. This workshop opens with a review of the current climate on the issue of harassment. Employers will learn to comply with federal and state anti‐discrimination laws as well as offer strategies for preventing harassment in your organization. The program covers all Maine State requirements from the MOL for Sexual Harassment training. Additionally, this program also includes how an organization’s ethics, as well as a culture of workplace respect, is critical to long term success.

Who Should Attend? Managers/Supervisors; Human Resource Directors; Safety Coordinators Program Fee: $75/pp

Registration Information

To register for the March 19th session please copy and paste the link listed below to your web browser. If this does not work return to the original email and select the link located there.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsdeyqpz0qH9UI2Eg3MlBilPF6hrs9QSfp

Please register by March 11th. Maximum of 80 attendees per session. If you have any questions or issues with registering, please e‐mail us at

tpa‐trainings@crossagency.com

Note: In case of inclement weather, please call 1‐800‐698‐3267 Ext 1021 to get a recorded message about training cancellation.

New Small PLC Operator/Driver First Aid Pack!

In response to demand for a smaller/”must have in an emergency” first aid pack to be stored in a machine or pickup, the PLC has created a new Operator/Driver First Aid Pack.

Contains “must have in an emergency” bleeding control items
One pack is recommended per machine/truck
Detachable velcro panel ideal for mounting in a machine or truck
Meets OSHA requirements for a logging first aid kit
Supplements PLC’s larger first aid back pack but is not a replacement

The PLC Member price is $69 plus tax and shipping (if it is not picked up by the contractor or delivered by the PLC). Color RED

More information on the pack and its contents is available HERE.

Get yours now by clicking HERE!

PLC Crew First Aid Backpack

PLC First Aid Pack: In response to widespread interest from members, we have created a PLC First Aid Pack that has everything you need for emergencies in the woods. This Military Elite Tactical Trauma First Aid Backpack was designed for the PLC by Paul Stewart – EMT Houlton, ME.

To order Click HERE

CPR/First Aid/Bloodborne Pathogens certification: Did you know your employees are required to have this training every two years? If your employees need this training in 2024, contact Jessica at Jessica@plcloggers.org or 207-688-8195 and the PLC will schedule training in your area. THIS TRAINING IS FREE TO MEMBERS!