Industry professionals gathered for three days of networking, education, and social activities at the 88th Annual Oregon Logging Conference, held February 19 – 21, 2026 at the Lane Events Center and Fairground. This year, there were more exhibitors, both inside and outside, and greater attendance at the OLC, the largest logging, trucking, equipment and construction show, west of the Mississippi.
The OLC thanks this year’s sponsors, many of whom support the conference every year, who without their support, this conference would not be possible.
2026 Oregon Logging Conference President and Stimson Lumber Company Director of Western Resources Mike McKibbin said this year’s conference was an overwhelming success. “This year’s show was a testament to an industry that continues to show up for one another to meet old friends, share new ideas, and really just have fun,” McKibbin said. “Our goal each year is to showcase the latest technologies in logging, discuss current topics, promote our industry through educational outreach, and become a place that families can enjoy,” he added. “I think we checked all of those boxes in 2026,” McKibbin said. He also expressed his appreciation to the exhibitors, OLC Board of Directors, staff and volunteers. “Their dedication and collaborative spirit are what makes OLC what it is,” McKibbin said.
Keynote speaker Jacque Buchanan, U.S. Forest Service Regional Forester for Region 6 (Oregon and Washington) spoke about partnerships with the timber industry and for the first time in a long time, having tools to implement a streamlined timber harvesting program.
Buchanan is also the U.S. Forest Service Regional Forester for Region 5 (California) and Acting Regional Forester for Region 10 (Alaska). She has served with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Forest Service for more than 30 years and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources from Pennsylvania State University.
Desserts for Dreams Fundraiser Benefits Compassion Tillamook
More than $32,000 in ticket sales and cash and in-kind donations was raised at the 22nd Annual Desserts for Dreams luncheon, held Friday Feb 20th at the Graduate by Hilton hotel. “I feel very blessed to be a part of Desserts for Dreams,” OLC First Lady Angela McKibbin said.
McKibbin selected Compassion Tillamook as this year’s charity to benefit from the annual fundraiser. Compassion Tillamook is a non-profit organization that provides medical, dental and other services for those in need at an annual clinic, which takes place at the Tillamook Fairgrounds. A special shampoo, soap, and other toiletries drive was part of the luncheon this year, and all donations were distributed at the February 23rd Compassion Clinic.
The luncheon included salads and delicious desserts donated by local bakeries and restaurants. “It has been a wonderful experience to be part of OLC and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” McKibbin said.
Oregon Logging Conference Foundation (OLCF) Auction
More than $26,000 was raised during auction, held on both Thursday and Friday mornings of the Oregon Logging Conference. Proceeds from the auction will support the OLCF scholarship program. Auction items included a safari, paintings and other art items, truck tires and seats, chainsaws, and more. Since the Oregon Logging Conference Foundation’s scholarship program was established in 1968, more than $1.5 million has been awarded to deserving students pursuing careers in the timber industry.
Future Forestry Workers Career Day
More than 700 students, educators, and industry professionals participated in the 8th Annual Future Forestry Workers Career Day, held on Friday February 20th, in conjunction with the Oregon Logging Conference.
High school students from more than two dozen Oregon schools attended this interactive and hands-on career day, learning about logging, forestry, reforestation, sawmills, wildland firefighting, diesel mechanics, and operating heavy equipment.
One of the activities at Future Forestry Workers Career Day was the high school forestry skills relay.
With 17 teams from 10 Oregon schools competing, Waldport High School team 1 took first place, Waldport High School team 2, second, La Pine high School team 1, third, and Waldport High School team 3, fourth place.
The teams competed against each other in the four-skills relay, which included hose lay, choker setting, crosscut sawing. and chainsaw use.
This event is coordinated by Future Natural Resource Leaders, a high school student leadership organization focused on developing students’ potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success, through natural resources education.
Log Loader Competition Winners
Demonstrating their skills at operating a 4040-B Link-Belt, the top three winners in the 16th Annual Oregon Logging Conference Log Loader Competition were within 15 seconds of each other.
First and second place this year were captured by two people who work for Bryant Logging in Bearvercreek, OR. First place was Jeremy Staats (with a time of 3:22:72) and second place was Zane Bryant (with a time of 3:26:28). Third place was Justin Jakola (with a time of 3:33:76) who works with Rice Logging in Sweet Home, OR
Guess the Net Scale
Oregon Logging Conference attendees gave their guesses for the net scale of two loads of logs, with the winner of each receiving a $250 Cabela’s gift card. The Cabela’s gift cards were donated by Swanson Bros and Melcher Logging.
The winner of the load of logs provided by Swanson Bros on a Leonard Maser Trucking log truck was Richard Beers, II, (with assistance from his father Richard Beers) He and two others guessed the exact net scale of 7,420 and in the case of a tie, the names are put into a hat and one name is drawn.
The winner of the guess the net scale load of chip and saw logs, provided by Sierra Pacific Industries on a Gene Whitaker Inc. log truck, is Corey Copeland. Copeland, from Albany, OR is the Harvest Manager at the Weyerhaeuser Alsea Tree Farm. Copeland’s name was drawn after he and one other person were tied with the closest guess of the net scale. Their guesses were 5,670 and the net scale was 5,640.
Family Day and OLC Open to the Public Day
Forest families and members of the public turned out in large numbers on the final day of the Oregon Logging Conference, Saturday, February 21st. One of the new activities this year, which was very popular, was an opportunity to take a virtual tour of a working forest.
Other popular Family Day activities included building wooden birdhouses, live wildlife, free seedling giveaways, face painting, balloons, art projects, and other hands-on forestry-related opportunities.
“Saturday, we are joined by our industry’s families, as well as being open to the public which provides an opportunity for everyone to learn more about who we are and what we do and meet many of the professionals who make their living in this industry,” said Rikki Wellman, OLC Manager. “Our conference is also a place where forestry and natural resource professionals can socialize and network with others in the industry,” she added.
The dates for the 89th Annual Oregon Logging Conference are February 25, 26, and 27, 2027.
For more information visit: www.oregonloggingconference.com.