Member Weekly Update – May 16, 2025

30th Anniversary Annual Meeting!

Record Log A Load Funds Raised, Awards Presented and More!

The PLC held its 30th Anniversary Annual Meeting May 8-9, raising a record $165,386 for Log A Load For Kids and presenting awards to businesses and individuals from across Maine and Vermont for their contributions to the logging industry. The two-day event was held at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, ME., with more than 250 people attending the main events on Friday. This was the second annual meeting of the PLC since its expansion in 2023 from a Maine organization to a regional one serving loggers and forest truckers across the Northeast, and a milestone anniversary for the organization.

We would like thank everyone who made this event a success, from our sponsors, to our members, to our partner hospitals, to our presenters, and our special guests that included Ryan, Ashley, and Jedi from the hit TV show Maine Cabin Masters as well as Dan Burns with his live chainsaw carving (contact info for Dan here) and Baxter Brewing Co.

And a well-deserved congratulations to our award winners! You may read the full press release on the event by clicking the link below!

PLC Logger of the Year Awards: These awards recognize PLC Logging Contractors for their commitment to the sustainability of the industry and logging as a profession. This year for the second time the award went to two companies, one from Maine and one from Vermont. The winners are: Lipsky Logging and Land Clearing of Stowe, VT; and Khiel Logging and Chipping of Denmark, ME.

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. The winner this year is:JRS Logging Inc. of Fort Kent, ME.

PLC Supporting Member Award: The PLC Supporting Member of the Year Award is presented annually to a PLC Supporting Member that has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to logging contractors in Maine. The winner this year is: Skowhegan Savings Bank of ME.

PLC President’s Award: The President’s Award is presented to individuals or organizations within the PLC which have a significant and positive impact on the PLC and the logging industry in Maine. The winner this year is: Will Cole, PLC President 2022-2024.

Master Logger Supporter’s Awards: The Master Logger Supporter’s Awards were created to recognize individuals and organizations that have been outstanding supporters of the Master Logger Certification Program^® and the standard it represents. The winners this year are: The New England Forestry Foundation and former Maine Forest Service Director Alec Giffen, who is current Senior Forest Science and Policy Fellow for NEFF.

PLC Supporting Member Acadia Insurance presented its annual Acadia Safety Award to Comprehensive Land Technologies Inc. of China, ME.

Photos of all the events are posted on the PLC Facebook page!

Thank you to our sponsors for this event!

Bangor Loggers’ Expo Today and Tomorrow, Come visit our booths!

Logger’s Voice Spring Edition Now Available!

New Online Portal for PLC Training:
Northeast Professional Logger

All Northeast Professional Logger Training is Free for PLC Members & Master Loggers

Master Logger Best Practices Workshops 2025

Please join one of our free interactive workshops designed for all logging companies (owners, foremen, & operators) who are responsible for aspects of harvest planning and implementation. Foresters and land managers that also play a role are invited to register and can attend pending space.

PLC is Hiring – Certification Coordinator

Maine Member Alert – Medcard “K” restriction Out of service issue

Attention all Maine trucking contractors: The PLC encourages you to check with your CDL drivers to make sure that they have a medical card if they are required to (Drive over 100 air miles (interstate commerce) or have a hazmat endorsement).  Drivers should have a “K” restriction on their license if they do not drive over 100 air miles (intrastate commerce).  If they have neither (a medical card or “K” restriction noted on their license), they need to either get a medical card or recertify with the Maine BMV, putting the “K” restriction on their license.  If a driver has let their medical card lapse, their license will be downgraded.  If a driver is stopped by a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit (CVEU) Trooper who has neither of the above, they will be put out of service. 

If your driver has checked either of the two highlighted options below and is now not carrying a medical card, they need to recertify to the last option and get the “K” Restriction Code and stay within 100 miles of your base. 

[    ]      Non-excepted Interstate:  I operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce. I am subject to and meet the medical qualification requirements in FMCSR section 391 and required to obtain a medical examiner’s certificate.  A valid medical certificate must accompany this form.      

[    ]      Excepted Interstate:  I operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce, but engage exclusively in transportation or operations excepted from FMCSR section 391 and therefore not required to obtain a medical examiner’s certificate.  Examples include: school bus operations, fire trucks & rescue vehicles, transportation by Federal or State government, transportation of human corpses or sick and injured persons.  For a complete list of operations excepted see 49 CFR 390.3(f), 391.2, 391.68 or 398.3.     

[    ]      *Non-excepted Intrastate:  I certify that I operate only in intrastate commerce and am subject to State driver qualification requirements.  A valid medical certificate must accompany this form.  There are no exemptions for motor carriers, vehicles, or drivers transporting hazardous materials of a type or quantity that requires the vehicle to be marked or placarded in accordance with 49 CFR, Subchapter C, Pt. 172.  Example: Oil Truck Drivers.     

[    ]        *Excepted Intrastate:  I certify that I operate in intrastate commerce but engage exclusively in transportation or operations excepted from all or parts of the State driver qualification requirements.  Example: Drivers that operate less than 100 air miles from their regular place of business.  

If you have any questions, contact us at the PLC, and we will get you some answers. 

Notice of Timber Sale – P2-508 Kearsarge Mountain SF

Below is the notice for the upcoming Timber Sale for P2-508 Kearsarge Mountain SF

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@plcloggers.org, call (207)-688-8195, opt. 2 or visit masterloggercertification.com.

Five Important Topics Related to Commercial Trucks in Vermont

Members, here is an update on five important topics related to commercial trucks in Vermont which we are providing after consulting with Vermont’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Many of these topics were discussed at our recent PLC Safety Training in Vermont, and questions raised by members there are answered below.

1. Registrations of large pickups that haul trailers: The bottom line is that you need to register the pickup for the total weight of that pickup and trailer when loaded. The example I sent to Vermont was: How much do I register my F350 with a GVWR of 14,000 lbs. for when I haul my excavator (CAT 304) on a trailer, which weighs 9,867 lbs. The answer I received was that I need to register my pickup for 24,000 lbs. 

2. When do you need a CDL to drive a large pickup with a trailer: The answer is sometimes. This is a federal rule; See this flow chart. The bottom line is you need a CDL “A” if your truck & trailer weighs more than 26,001 lbs. 

Lt. Cuttita of the Vermont DMV discussed issues from our Vermont safety trainings with the commercial enforcement unit troopers. The following is a summary of their responses: 

1. When a truck hooks onto some lowbeds, it activates the ABS light on the dashboard of some trucks. Lowbeds that have a GVW greater than 120,000 lbs. are not required to have ABS, and they trigger the light even when there is no problem, so it should be ignored during the roadside inspection. (See attached Inspection Bulletin) 

2. There was a question about where to measure an overlength load of logs. Multiple drivers complained that they were measured from the point where the wood last made contact with the trailer.  

The rule is to measure from the furthest point of the trailer (the DOT bumper). Once you exceed four feet from the furthest point, you need a minimum of one flag.  If there is more than two square feet of overhang, or if there are two different pieces sticking out separately (ie. if you have one stem on the bottom right of the trailer and you have another stem mid-level on the left sticking out further than 4 feet) then you would need two flags.  

3. They added that if the truck is involved in interstate commerce, and the driver is required to have a CDL A, then in most cases the company will need to have an International Registration Plan (IRP) registration and an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) permit. (See attached Vermont manual for IRP & IFTA)

Please do not hesitate to reach our the PLC if you have further questions.

Public Hearing May 22 on Expansion of Act 250 Permit Requirement

Members, 

The Vermont Land Use Review Board (LURB) is hosting a public engagement session next week to gather input on planned expansions of the Act 250 permit program, and we encourage all Vermont PLC Members and Master Loggers to participate.

The meeting is on May 22, from 6-8 p.m., and welcomes both in-person and remote participation. Attendees can join in person at the Act 250 hearing office at 111 West Street, Building 2, Essex Junction or remotely via Microsoft Teams. Remote connection information is available on the meeting agenda, available HERE.

Act 250 is Vermont’s land use and development law, enacted in 1970, that regulates major subdivisions and developments to manage their environmental, social, and fiscal consequences. Under current law, any timber harvesting above 2,500 feet in Vermont requires a permit under Act 250. Vermont is now considering whether an Act 250 permit will also be required to harvest in any new natural resource areas such as headwaters, shoreland zones, etc. which are classified as Tier 3 areas. The PLC is opposed to expansion of Act 250 in any of these areas beyond what might already be required by the state and municipalities, as existing rules and regulations for harvesting in these areas are more than sufficient to protect them and additional permitting requirements will simply create more uncompensated and unnecessary work for loggers.

A link to Vermont’s current laws and regulations is available below, with Act 250 found on page 6. A second link outlining the Tier 3 rulemaking process and timeline is also available below.

Please make your voice heard in person or online at this hearing and feel free to reach out to the PLC with any questions or concerns. 

Notice of Timber Sale – P2-508 Kearsarge Mountain SF

Below is the notice for the upcoming Timber Sale for P2-508 Kearsarge Mountain SF

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Weekly Report

Vermont News Clips

📌  PLC of Northeast honors Lipsky as Logger of Year
📌 Is logging as bad for the climate as some people say it is? | Vermont Public
📌 BTEC Important Message for Congress
📌 Vermonters react to the Trump administration’s guidance for increased logging on national forests
📌 802Logging: From family farm to forestry enterprise
📌 Trump takes Vermont’s climate superfund law to court
📌 8 ELDs Removed from FMCSA Registered Devices List

PLC FREE and easy CDL Training May 27-29th!

The PLC will offer Members its 4th FREE CDL training class for their employees May 27-29. Each participant must be a current employee of a PLC Member Company. 

Please send a picture of each participant’s license to office@plcloggers.org or upload it. There is no charge for this class, and it will be held online and in-person in the Augusta/Waterville, Maine area. 

The class will run from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily. Instructions for the employer to create an FMCSA account as a Training Provider will be sent after registration. Click the link below to learn more and sign up!

The deadline to register is May 21.

If you have questions, please call 207-688-8195. 

Free CPR Classes – Schedule Your Class Today!

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?

If the currently scheduled locations don’t work for your company or you have more than 10 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.

If your employees need this training in 2025, 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@plcloggers.org or 207-688-8195.

Upcoming Classes.

Wage & Hour Compliance – May 28, 2025 l 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Northern Maine Community College, Edmunds Center, 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. Safety and the Supervisor – May 29, 2025 l 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, the course will outline the key tasks supervisors should be performing daily to identify hazards and keep their employees safe. Register and browse more SafetyWorks! classes: https://www.safetyworksmaine.gov/training/scheduled_classes/register.shtmlIf 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 orbls.mdol@maine.gov, or visit https://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

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

Purchase

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. 

Purchase

Now Free to Maine Loggers! A $300 value!

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 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.

Shop Here

Member Discounts

ALC Member Discounts

PLC Members, because the PLC is a member of the American Loggers Council YOU are entitled to special discounts!

Fabian Oil Discount

Wallingford’s Discounts

Dirigo Waste Oil

10% Discount on new furnaces. Contact Justin at 207-873-0881

Maine Trailer Discounts

Maine Trailer Discounts

Treeline Discounts

Click Here Discount Pricing on Skidder Bridges and Crane Mats

PLC Members get a 5% discount on culverts purchased at Treeline and Frank Martin & Sons

Hale Trailer Discounts

Hale Trailer discounts for PLC Members on new trailer purchases! Call Neal at 207-232-7969 for details!

Preferred Supporting Members

Enhanced Supporting Members