PLC Member Weekly Update April 12, 2024
PLC Events:
- PLC Annual Meeting – One month Away! Register and Donate to the Auction Now!!
- Introducing Kenzie – Children’s Miracle Network Champion of Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital
- 2024 Spring Safety Trainings – Still Time to Register!
Logging News:
- The Logger’s Voice – Spring 2024 Edition
- Emergency Forest Restoration Program
- Do You Qualify for Maine’s Direct Link Loan Program?
- FSC Updates
- Northeastern Loggers’ Expo
Safety Resources:
- Are your logging employees CPR/First Aid/Bloodborne Pathogen certified?
- Safety Works! Classes
- Small First Aid Pack
- Crew First Aid Pack
- Northeast Safe Logger
News Clips:
Member Benefits:
- Classified listings – Send us your listings!
- Cost Calculators – Members Only
- PLC Store – NEW Small First Aid Pack
- Member Discounts – Many to choose from
PLC Events
Register Now! Donate to the Auction!
We are one month away from the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast (PLC)’s 29th Annual Membership Meeting and Log A Load for Kids Auction on May 9th – 10th, 2024, presented by Acadia Insurance, Cross Insurance, and United Construction and Forestry. This year’s meeting is being held at a new exciting location, The Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. Don’t delay, register now if you haven’t already!
May 9th
Splinters and Spirits Tour – Robbins Lumber and Local Brewery, Winery, & Distillery Tours
Evening Social Gathering – The Samoset Clubhouse
May 10th
Full PLC Board Meeting and Elections (Contractors only)
Equipment Innovation Panel
John Godfrey, Godfrey Forest Products
Log A Load Auction with NASCAR Driver Ricky Craven
PBS America’s Forests TV Show Premiere Featuring The Mallett Brothers Band
The PLC, which was created by Maine loggers to help Maine loggers, has from the very beginning also been about helping others, with a specific focus on kids. The generosity shown through PLC’s annual Log A Load for Kids fund-raising efforts is remarkable.
This year we are determined to once again come through for the kids and their families served by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in Maine and, new this year as part of our expansion across the Northeast, Vermont.
We are proud to introduce to you, Kenzie, this year’s Children’s Miracle Network Champion of the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital.
At six months old, Kenzie’s parents felt that she was falling behind developmentally, and not reaching her milestones. Their family worked with doctors, specialists and physical therapists, and underwent genetic testing looking for answers. But before they had a clear picture, Kenzie had a seizure that lasted forty-five minutes. An ambulance transported Kenzie to The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital (BBCH), and she was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
In the months after that first hospital trip to BBCH, Kenzie was diagnosed with epilepsy, as well as an ultra-rare genetic disorder of the VPS13D gene. She now travels to Boston for regular care, but her father Kevin explains that it’s not a matter of if- only when- she will need emergency care at BBCH again.
Seizures and feeding tube issues cause most of Kenzie’s stays at The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, and she’s often admitted through the Pediatric Emergency Department (ED). Kenzie’s family has an incredibly positive outlook though, as Kevin shares “In all these instances, the level of care at BBCH is bar none. Not only do they take such wonderful care of Kenzie, and her needs, but they also make sure the whole family is cared for. This hospital is like a big family, and we couldn’t imagine entrusting anyone else to care for our daughter in an emergency. State of the art, compassionate care, right here in our backyard.”
While not in the hospital or visiting her favorite doctors, Kenzie is such a vibrant and vivacious little girl. She loves sports, especially watching her favorite local baseball team, the Portland Sea Dogs and their mascot, Slugger, who is her “best friend forever.” Kenzie also enjoys music, whether it’s listening or making her own, and has a huge love of being outdoors, going to zoos and aquariums, and traveling. Kenzie’s family tries to take as many adventures together as possible, not knowing what challenges lie ahead.
Kenzie’s future, with this genetic disorder and the possible connections to mitochondrial disease, is very unknown. Therapies, procedures, and medications continue, but one thing is certain- she will need emergency care again- it is a part of her life. When that time comes, Kevin explains, “we know that BBCH will be waiting for us, to keep Kenzie strong, and keep her infectious smile and laughter going!”
If you are interested in donating to Log-A-Load to help support the children in need, click here and join us on May 10, 2024 in Rockport!!! Let’s make miracles happen together!
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. Openings still remain! Don’t wait, register now!
There is no charge for the Logger and Fleet Safety Training classes. CPR/First Aid is $50/attendee.
*The trainings on April 18 in Avon, ME; and April 26 in Lincoln, ME are full. Openings remain at all other trainings. The training scheduled for April 4 in Passadumkeag, ME has been moved to April 25 in Lincoln, ME and there is no need to re-register if you have already registered.
Register now!
FOR SCHEDULE AND ONLINE REGISTRATION CLICK HERE
Logging News
The Logger’s Voice – Spring 2024 Edition
Members, The Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP), administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides payments to eligible owners of nonindustrial private forest land in order to carry out emergency measures to restore land damaged by the weather related storms of the last five months. This program could provide many landowners you work with, and as a result your business, revenue during mud season for clean-up efforts on eligible forestland.
Applicants to this program (landowners) need to work with their local FSA Office to register their land by providing proof of ownership documents such as their deed(s) and tax map(s) and complete in-house eligibility paperwork. Applicants will also need to take initial pictures of the damage and provide an estimate of what is needed to clean up the land. Work cannot start in the program until approved.
Only nonindustrial private forest land is eligible for this program. Applicants that are principally engaged in the primary processing of wood products are not eligible applicants.
Once approved, applicants will be paying upfront for the cleanup to contractors and the program will provide cost-share for items approved. It is important to note that the program will not pay more than 75% of the established price which can be found on the component spreadsheet – the intent of the program is not to reimburse applicants in full but to cover a portion of the cost. Receipts will be required when applicants request payment.
A Fact Sheet on the program is available here and we encourage you to share it with landowners you work with: Emergency Forest Restoration Program.
Sign up for this program ends on May 24.
Anyone with questions should speak with their local FSA office.
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.
FSC Updates
TIME SENSITIVE: Ongoing Consultation on revised Trademark Standard
Requirements for use of the FSC® trademarks by certificate holders (FSC-STD-50-001) contains the requirements and guidelines for using Forest Stewardship Council trademarks by FSC certificate holders, and it is applicable (i.e., considered during annual audits) for almost all certificate holders. It covers the labelling and promotion of products with FSC trademarks, as well as the promotion of an organization’s status as an FSC certificate holder. Interested stakeholders can stay informed about the process and receive key updates by registering with FSC, and find more details about the process at the dedicated process page.
FSC is currently inviting feedback during the conceptual phase of the of this revision process via a public consultation that will be open through April 15. The consultation is only accessible via the following link: https://consultation-platform.fsc.org/en/consultations/take/c936e6a22f548.
Blockchain Webinars for License Holders
FSC is hosting a series of reoccurring webinars designed for FSC license holders seeking clear, practical information about the FSC Blockchain. The webinars will cover topics like:
- Introduction to FSC Blockchain: Learn the reasons behind integrating blockchain into our systems.
- Platform Details: Gain an understanding of what the FSC Blockchain is and its functionalities.
- Who Can Use It: Discover who can access the platform and the advantages it offers.
- Data Fields and Security Measures: Receive information on the types of data included and our approach to data security.
- Pilot and Rollout Plan: Get updates on the current pilot phases and the planned implementation for all license holders.
The webinars occur every other month and alternate between times intended to accommodate eastern hemisphere and western hemisphere audiences. Those with more favorable times for US participants (7am Pacific Time / 10am Eastern Time) will occur on April 30, August 20 and December 10. Use the links in the previous sentence to register for these webinars.
Northeastern Loggers’ Association Expo 2024
Safety Resources
Are your logging employees CPR/First Aid/Bloodborne Pathogen certified? Did you know that evidence of training is required every two years for OSHA and Master Logger compliance?
This spring, the PLC scheduled four classes FREE to members and their employees. One – on April 19th in Strong, ME – still remains.
If this locations doesn’t work for your company or you have more than 15 employees and would like to schedule a company specific training, we can work with you and companies in your area to schedule an alternative date for free training.
Again, if your employees need this training in 2024, the PLC is offering the course, and it is free to members and their employees. If you would like to schedule or sign up for an existing training, contact Jessica at Jessica@plcloggers.org or 207-688-8195.
Workplace safety and labor law requirements can seem complex – join the Maine Department of Labor for no-cost upcoming trainings!
Upcoming classes:
Wage & Hour Compliance –
April 17, 2024 I 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Rockland CareerCenter, 91 Camden Street, Suite 201, Rockland
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.
Safety and the Supervisor –
April 17, 2024 I 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta
The success of any safety program is dependent on your front-line supervisors. Do they have the technical and interpersonal skills it takes to move your safety program in a positive direction? This training discusses the interpersonal skills all supervisors should develop to create a positive safety culture. In addition, this course will outline the key tasks supervisors should be performing on a daily basis to identify hazards and keep their employees safe.
Impairment Detection Training for Employers –
April 18, 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 in order 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.
A Practical Approach to Electrical Safety –
April 26, 2024 I 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta
In this half-day class, you will learn how to protect workers from electrical hazards. NFPA 70E requirements will be discussed in layman’s terms.
Fire Extinguisher/Emergency Action Plans/Workplace Violence –
April 29, 2024 I 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta
In this class, you will learn about Emergency Action Plans, including the use of fire extinguishers and how to maintain them. In addition, this class tackles the emerging concern for workplace violence and how to prepare your organization for this hazard. This is a one-day hands-on class. Those attending this class should come prepared to discharge a fire extinguisher.
Register and browse more SafetyWorks! classes: https://www.safetyworksmaine.gov/training/scheduled_classes/register.shtml
SafetyWorks! is also a host site for the Region 1 OSHA Training Institute Education Center. The next class will be:
April 8 – April 10, 2024 503 Update Course for General Industry Outreach Trainers
To register go to https://oshaedne.com/osha-503/ or call 800-449-6742. Please note, these classes have a registration fee to attend.
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/
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
Maine News
Vermont News
Watershed Forestry Partnership Annual Meeting is Back in Person – The University of Vermont
Column: Act 250 update would preserve Vermont landscape – Valley News
Forest officials prescribe fires in Green Mountain National Forest – WCAX
‘Judgment proof’: Timber theft highlights a gap in Vermont’s judicial system – VTDigger
Member Discounts
Maine Trailer – Member Discount
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
ALC Member Discounts
PLC Members, because the PLC is a member of the American Loggers Council YOU are entitled to special discounts! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
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Fabian Oil Discount
Wallingford’s Discounts
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Maine Trailer Discounts
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PLC Members get a 5% discount on culverts purchased at Treeline and Frank Martin & Sons
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Hale Trailer discounts for PLC Members on new trailer purchases! Call Neal at 207-232-7969 for details!
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Cross Arena Discounts for PLC! 
PLC Classified Section
Preferred Supporting Members
Enhanced Supporting Members
