Page 22 - Tree Line - North Carolina Forestry Association - Third Quarter 2022

PROLOGGER PULSE
Q: How did you get
into logging initially?
A: I began my career in forestry in 1976 with Federal Paperboard, where I worked for 12 years. Back then, I spent a lot of time around logging, but not as much time actually in the logging woods. In 1988, I moved into a procurement
role with Squires Timber, where my exposure to the logging woods increased substantially, as my primary responsibility was purchasing timber and running logging crews. In the early 1990s, we acquired several logging crews and that is when my logging career took off. In 2011, we ramped up to two full-time logging crews. Logging has been an essential part of my entire career.
Q: What does your job entail and what is your role in forestry?
A: I am beginning to wind things down in my logging career;
however, I am still very much involved in the entire operation. First thing in the morning, I meet with our foreman and make sure all of our trucks have a plan for the day. Then we look at our weekly quota and distribute that work across our company crews and contractors. In addition, I also maintain relationships with both the mills we are supplying, and the landowners we are procuring timber from. Today I am in the office working up cruise data on several tracts we are working on. Of all the jobs that
I oversee, the logging crew receives
the majority of my attention, to ensure everything goes according to plan.
Q: What do you like about the ProLogger program? What are
the benefits to ProLogger?
A: The safety aspect of the ProLogger program is the main benefit.
We have to remain safe while doing
our jobs and the ProLogger program does an excellent job of making this
a priority. I really like the fact that
real loggers are incorporated into the training. This authenticity helps bring the concepts home. In addition to safety, the ProLogger program has dramatically improved the way the logging industry protects water quality and public perception. Some of the logging practices that were common during the ‘80s and ‘90s gave our industry a bad reputation. The ProLogger program has helped steer the ship back on course.
Q: What are the most important things about ProLogger
that you want our members to remember?
A: Four key concepts come to mind:
1. Safety
2. Improved water quality/environment 3. Improved public perception
4. Increased awareness of the business aspect of a logging crew ■
20 ncforestry.org / THIRD QUARTER 2022
PROLOGGER Q&A:
KENNY CAIN,
Lumber River Timber Company By Mike Powell, Director of Forestry Programs