Crews will be paving Route 302 in Naples from the Causeway to the fire station, approximately one-half mile in length, on Thursday, May 17th from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. While traffic delays are expected, flaggers will assist motorists with the alternating one-way traffic through the period.

For the latest travel information check out MDOT’s interactive 511maine.gov

American Loggers Council President – Steve Sherich

By Steve Sherich – President, American Loggers Council

Our Spring Washington D.C. trip still weighs heavily on my mind, and I wanted to share with you a few of the thoughts that I have had since our visit.  Results of these trips are hard to measure immediately but I know we left some good impressions with our representatives in D.C.  I am very proud of everyone who showed up to represent the loggers all across America and the American Loggers Council, as they are a part of the process.

I am disappointed that the Silviculture Regulatory Consistency Act, S. 1369, has not moved out of committee and on to the Senate floor for a vote. Our plan now is to get other industries that will also be affected by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision to join us, putting pressure on the leadership in the Senate to move the bill forward.  This decision by the courts could be the largest regulatory burden that our industry has ever faced, impacting timber harvesting on both federal and private lands.

Several of us visited with Tom Tidwell, Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, and expressed our concerns about the health of our forests, jobs, rural counties and schools.  When we explained to Chief Tidwell how increased volumes could help our rural schools, he became defensive and told us the U.S. Forest Service was “not in the business to make money.”  While this is true, one might think that with our growing deficits, someone in D.C. might take it under consideration to at least create revenue from the forests in order to fund other programs and projects and to make our federal timber dependent communities whole.  With target volumes set at 3 billion board feet for 2012, a 80% reduction in historical high volumes during the 70’s and 80’s, it is unlikely that the agency will meet those targets.

I personally feel our national forests that were set aside for multiple uses are the largest, most productive farms in America.  The American Loggers Council continues to go on record asking Congress to support full funding for the USDA Forest Service Timber Products line item.

A broad definition for renewable biomass has been on our agenda for the last six years and it appears that the definition that we fought for in the current Farm Bill will remain intact as Congress debates reauthorization of the bill this year.  We realize with natural gas being so inexpensive woody biomass will have a hard time competing, but if we are going to meet the 25% renewable energy goal by 2025, our forests will have to be included as a source for producing renewable energy.

For our industry partners in California and other western states, we asked members of Congress, and the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service to change the “two year protocol” for surveys of the northern spotted owl. We asked that it be moved back to a one year permitting process permanently. It is impossible to predict markets from two to three years out before harvest can occur.  Forest landowners in western states should not be required to have a two year wait (possibly three) from the time they make the decision to harvest timber, to getting the approval, if granted, from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

We asked for an appointment with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and were told that they did not have anyone that could visit with us.  We would have liked to have asked that our sixteen and seventeen year old children be granted the same rights as farmers and ranchers have under the existing farm child labor laws to be able to work and begin their training at an earlier stage in life.  The Department of Labor has recently been engaged in attempting to change policies which would not allow youth to work on farms and ranches, but after much outcry from the farming community, they have backed off of the issue.   We can’t help but wonder if the reason that we were not allowed an audience with the DOL was because of their desire to change the child labor exemptions for children in the agricultural community and certainly didn’t wish to see another agricultural related industry asking for those same exemptions that they were attempting to abolish.  It is important that we have future generations to take over our businesses and I have already heard from one of my Congressman and a Senator that they understand the issue and agree with our view.  We don’t expect a change soon, but it will continue to be on our agenda.

There have been several coalitions pushing for changes in weight limits on the Federal Interstate Highway System this year, but with the likelihood of a transportation bill being passed prior to the November general elections being slim to none, it is doubtful that we will see any changes in the near future.  The American Loggers Council will continue to look for opportunities to insert language into the proposed bill that would make your state tolerances legal on the Interstates, providing for a safer and more efficient route to existing mills.

November elections are only a few months away, and we need leaders in Washington D.C. that will take the initiative and use common sense to move this nation and our industry forward.  Now more than ever, we are asking that you know the candidates, know their platforms, and support those that are willing to do what is right for all Americans.  We are asking you to be a part of that process.

About the American Loggers Council

The American Loggers Council is a non-profit 501(c)(6) corporation representing professional timber harvesters in 30 states across the US.  For more information, visit their web site at www.americanloggers.org or contact their office at 409-625-0206.

By Jen Lynds, BDN Staff

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A Bridgewater man was convicted on Friday on a charge connected to a joy ride he took on equipment owned by a logging company.

According to a statement Sunday from the Maine Forest Service, Louis Finemore, 27, pleaded guilty to theft by unauthorized use of property…

…The pieces of equipment were parked at an active logging operation and were owned by Robin Crawford Logging Co. of Lincoln.

Read full story on BangorDailyNews.com

W.R. Berkley subsidiary marks milestone and celebrates its ‘Closer Coverage’ advantage

WESTBROOK, Maine (April 02, 2012) – In 1992, Acadia Insurance Company was founded as a response to the Maine Workers’ Compensation crisis.  Since then, the company has grown into a leading regional property casualty insurance carrier and reliable business partner serving independent insurance agents and their business customers throughout New England and New York.

Today, Acadia Insurance employs 380 insurance professionals at six local branches located throughout its service area.  Backed by the financial strength of its parent, W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE: WRB), Acadia Insurance is poised for additional growth and success.

“The key to Acadia’s twenty years of success in the insurance industry has been knowledge of our local markets, focus on commercial insurance and a steadfast commitment to working in close collaboration with our agency partners,” said Doug Nelson, President, Acadia Insurance.  “This local model embodies our vision of ‘Closer Coverage’ as we feel a strong sense of responsibility to provide the best insurance solution to the customers in the communities we operate because that’s our community, too.  We will continue to execute this approach with a trusted and true understanding of our agents and customers.”

Agents like Royce Cross, CEO, Cross Insurance, out of Bangor, Maine. Since June 3, 1992, Cross has been with Acadia every step of the way as a local independent agent.

“When you do business in Maine, the economies are small, and we don’t see many companies with a broad appetite for risk,” said Cross. “That’s exactly why I was excited when I heard a new carrier, Acadia Insurance, was being formed.  Acadia fills a much-needed place in the market and caters to a diverse range of risks, such as logging and lobster boats.”

Cross added that Acadia Insurance has the capacity of a national company, yet it delivers its promise on a local level.  “The relationship is right, the people are accessible and the company is always open to new ideas; Acadia truly has a bright future ahead.”

For more information about Acadia Insurance and its history, please visit www.acadiainsurance.com, or follow the celebration on Facebook @ facebook.com/acadiainsurance.

About Acadia Insurance

Acadia Insurance Group is a regional company offering commercial and specialty property casualty insurance coverages through independent insurance agents with local offices in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont.  Rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, Acadia Insurance is a subsidiary of W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE: WRB), one of the nation’s premier commercial lines property casualty insurance providers, and one of the 50 largest diversified financial companies in the United States.  Please visit www.acadiainsurance.com.

By Miles Anderson

There is a feeling of comfort for people working in a natural resource industry that is derived from being outdoors and distant from the urban chaos that rules many of our lives today.  In spite of some of us being out of our comfort zone, the American Loggers Council (ALC) Board of Directors once again made its annual trip to Washington DC.  Although feeling slightly out of place on initial trips to the Hill, it soon became apparent that Congressional members and staff rarely get the unique opportunity to hear our concerns and passions expressed personally on our way of life and our livelihoods.

A trip to Washington, D.C. is as amazing and fulfilling as it is frustrating.  Building relationships with Representatives or their staff (which seems more productive at times) gets you involved with the process that impacts your daily life and ability to provide a livelihood for your family and employees.  Some we met with gave the appearance of being interested; while others are truly concerned with the direction we are headed.  Some even shared information that left you asking why, how, or can they be serious?

Miles Anderson

One staff member we met with spoke about Congress being very inactive, yet we have seen a lot of activity coming out of this administration, basically leaving discussion and openness out of due process.

One thing was very clear at our meetings this year at the Capitol — everything there is at a standstill.  Both sides of the aisle have agreed to disagree on pretty much everything, which is to be expected when control is split in an election year.  The positive is that we should not see a bunch of new legislation coming out that could add more layers or rules and regulations.   The lack of meaningful accomplishment seems to prevail in Washington.

There is still the issue of dealing with the quagmire of rules Congress has already handed down that should warrant both their and our attention.  Many had hoped the large class of freshman elected to Congress last year would create some positive change, but are finding that “change” is loosely defined these days.

I encourage everyone to contact their local representatives, state legislators and congressional representatives and use any other available venue to make your issues heard.  It is our duty as citizens to be a part of the process as pointed out by a fellow logger and passionate ALC Board member

Richard Schwab from Florida when he stated, “After all, we hire the representatives and if they are not doing their job we should fire them and hire someone who will.”   While some would applaud sending Congress home until after the election due to inaction, we would all be better off to re-read the constitution and consider how it has guided us to this point and start adhering to it.  A quick read of the United States Constitution would demonstrate how our founding fathers talked almost as much about impeachment as they did legislative duties.

The American Loggers Council delegation accomplished 30 Senate office visits and 73 House office visits over a two day period.  During the trip, the group also had small groups meet with Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, DOT/FMSCA, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, the House Committee on Natural Resources and other Senate and House Committees important to our issues.   ALC members had State specific issues that they conveyed to their representatives while everyone at all meetings carried the national issues brought forward by the ALC.

One thing that became very clear from our meetings on the Hill was that Congress and the Administration have seemingly run out of options for funding rural parts of America dependent on and surrounded by a paralyzed Forest Service.  Schools and Communities in the West are about to lose their income from the general fund that was a replacement for revenue from timber sales lost to environmental policies, lawsuits and management decisions that shut down the Forest Service.  When the Forest Service’s ability to harvest timber and extract other resources ground to a halt, so was their ability to help fund those communities whose tax base contains large allotments of federal land ownership.

With appropriations for this year tied to a stalled Transportation Bill, I hope that schools and communities come together with the logging industry to move forward to promote a green, sustainable future that involves extracting resources and value from federal lands.  We hear a lot about job creation, bailouts, and green energy, and our industry has the resources to provide revenue by managing federal forest lands.  We are not asking Congress to give away money to our industry, just allow us to do our jobs. After all, isn’t this what the majority of citizens are asking for?  This is where we could see real change as rural resource providers, if we stand up together and are heard.

To clear up any misconceptions, if you are in the logging profession and are a member of one of the 30 state associations that make up the American Loggers Council, then you are a member of the ALC and should be proud of the efforts this group makes during the annual trip to Washington DC.  The issues that we carry on a continual basis and new ones as they come along can be seen prominently displayed on the ALC website and I strongly urge you to take a moment to see the newly revamped site at www.americanloggers.org.

I encourage all loggers across the nation to join your state logging association and become active in these and other issues.  Get to know the people that are out fighting these fights on your behalf and join with them.  Through the American Loggers Council, I have had the opportunity to meet loggers from all over the nation and better appreciate their determination, passion and the honor they put into supporting this industry and I hope that others trying to make a living in this industry do the same.

Myles Anderson with Anderson Logging Inc. is a 4th generation logger from Fort Bragg, CA. and is currently serving on the Executive Committee for the American Loggers Council.

The American Loggers Council is a non-profit 501(c)(6) corporation representing professional timber harvesters in 30 states across the US.  For more information, visit their web site at www.americanloggers.org or contact their office at 409-625-0206.

PORTLAND, Maine — Heavy trucks are being temporarily banned from thousands of miles of secondary roads across northern New England with the early arrival of spring…

…In the northern Maine town of Fort Kent, TNT Road Co. employees are working shifts starting at 10 p.m. to load and deliver shipments of wood chips, bark and sawdust to biomass energy plants. They have to work at night rather than their usual 4 a.m. shifts because that’s when the temperatures cool down far enough, to below 28 degrees, so they can drive on the rural paved roads and dirt logging roads to pick up and deliver their loads.

Read full story on BangorDailyNews.com

See an interactive the current posted state roads on MDOT’s website

updated on Wednesday, Mar 14, 2012 at 10:10 am

JAY — Police are involved in what appears to be an early morning standoff and hostage situation inside Verso Paper.

At 9:50 a.m. officers from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Jay police could be seen outside the mill. A dispatcher at the sheriff’s office was unable to comment…

Read full story:  Sun Journal.com

ATHENS — Gordon E. Linkletter, 86, of Athens passed away Monday March 12, 2012, at his home, surrounded by his family….

…He started out farming, and then he went to work for Peavey Manufacturing out of Oakland and Madison for several years as a manager. Gordon then started Gordon E. Linkletter Sawmill in 1963. In 1971, the family built a new mill called Linkletter and Sons. They progressed into logging in 1978. In 1986, they built and operated Gorbel Thermo Electron Power Co. He retired in 1989. Soon after retiring, Gordon and Melba started wintering in Florida for many years. Gordon was a mason and past master of the Keystone Lodge in Solon. He was also a member of the Shriners, a member of the American Legion Post in Athens, and was a member of the Eastern Star and served as Worthy Patron in Solon. He was first selectman in Athens for at least 12 years…

Read full obituary published in the Morning Sentinel March 14

By Bob Luoto

On February 16, 2012, I had the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. to give both written and oral testimony before the House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Committee on Energy and Commerce.  I discussed the current rules and regulations that affect not only our company, Cross & Crown, Inc., but thousands of logging and forestry companies across the United States.

My name is Bob Luoto and I am a third generation logger.  I have worked and lived in the northwest section of Oregon for over 40 years and the majority of my family lives just outside of two great little towns called McMinnville and Carlton, Oregon.  I have served as President of both the Associated Oregon Loggers and the American Loggers Council.  Currently, I represent the American Loggers Council on the SFI Board of Directors where I am currently serving as Board Chairman.

The issues that I addressed before the Subcommittee is our support of House bill (HR 2541), and the recent court rulings invalidating the EPA’s Silvicultural Rule, which has been in effect almost as long as I have been a professional logger. These rulings would effectively put the building and hauling on all logging roads under the permitting process of the EPA. The original EPA rules were never intended to focus on forest roads; however, they are now included after the rulings by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals which is located in San Francisco, California.

The other issues that I testified on involved the regulatory uncertainty facing professional loggers in woody biomass.  The uncertainty created by the countless lawsuits that have prevented the harvesting of timber from our federal lands, and the loss of generations of loggers, as our industry has declined from 73,500 logging jobs in 2001 to 48,400 in 2010.  This is a tragic loss of over 35 percent of our industry nationwide.  These rulings will affect our company greatly.  The same issues will certainly affect all of the logging and forestry companies throughout the United States.  We will all be affected by one or more of these issues in the near future.

I know that when I look at all of these issues, they seem overwhelming to me.  I wonder what kind of a difference a logging company or one person can make on the national scene. This is where you, as loggers and family members, can connect with your local professional logger associations and also support the American Loggers Council on the national level!  As the men and women who run logging companies or loggers who work for logging companies, we can’t always do it alone.  It takes the support of others outside the logging and forestry industries and all the loggers throughout the country to make a difference in Washington, D.C.  Without the support of my wife, Betsy, my son, Kirk, our employees and the several groups of great people in other supportive industries, such as John Deere, supporting the American Loggers Council, I would not have been able to make the trip to Washington, D.C. to tell our story as a logging family who are small business owners.  If we don’t try to make a difference today, generations of logging families will continue to go out of business and we will continue to lose years and years of experience in the woods.  If, as American citizens and loggers, we do not try to change things in our country, then many of the rights we have taken for granted for years, could be gone before we realize what has happened.  This is a frightening fact that we must contend with now, whether we like it or not.

I would personally urge you to get involved and stay involved with the political process at the local level, the state level and the national level whenever you can. I know that these past several years have been some of the toughest our industry has faced.  But, as we begin to come back from this huge blow to the nation’s economy, I would tell you to take the lead in all discussions that you can and on any level of our government that you can when it comes to what YOU do to serve our nation and the world-LOG!   It WILL make a difference for the future generations of loggers and logging companies and the future of our country.

Remember to vote this November and, above all, stay involved in the political process.  You will see that it does make a difference to our great industry in the years to come.  I have been both proud and humbled to represent our industry whenever I can.  I thank you for supporting me in doing so these past years.  Now, let us all move forward, knowing that we can not only survive, but thrive in what we love to do!  May God bless each of you and our great industry!