Plan to attend the 78th Annual Oregon Logging Conference, taking place February 25th, 26th, and 27th at the Lane County Convention Center and Fairgrounds in Eugene, Oregon.
The equipment and products on display at this year’s conference will highlight the cutting-edge technology and innovation in forestry and biomass equipment.
There is something for everyone at OLC and you won’t want to miss this gathering!
OLC Presidential Address
The theme of the 78th Annual Oregon Logging Conference is “Reaching New Heights with Forest Products.” 2016 OLC President Jeff Unger said this reflects how today’s innovative and modern technology in logging equipment are helping the industry grow, with more productive and operator-friendly machines.
According to Unger, “this year, as always, we will have a traditional full equipment show with the newest in technology in logging, construction, trucking, heavy equipment, and biomass processing.”
“You will have an opportunity,” he continued, “to visit with equipment dealers and manufacturers to learn about the latest technology in equipment, and attend panels and seminar sessions where you earn Professional Logger Credits.”
Conference Seminars and Panel Discussions
- Seminars on the Oregon Forest Practices Act Compliance Audit and Washington Forest Practices Act Tools for Safe Yard
- Hands on training seminars on topics such as Tire and Wheel Safety
- Panel discussions on Better Ideas and New Logging Technology and Log Market Trends
- Update on Red Rock Fuels Bio-refinery in Lakeview, OR
- Oregon Sick Leave UpdatesThese educational opportunities are valuable to forestry professionals, who earn professional logger credits while networking and exchanging ideas. (see schedule for specific dates and times)
Guest Speakers
Thursday morning, February 25th, guest speakers are:
- Dean of the College of Forestry Thomas Maness will give an Oregon State University update
- Vancouver, BC, Canada Architect Michael Green will speak on “Why We Should Build Wooden Skyscrapers”
- Wiremu Lee Edmunds will deliver an inspiring motivational message on “Standing in the Gap”
Education
- Elementary school education tours of the Oregon Logging Conference will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 25th.
- High School Forestry Skills Competition will take place on Saturday, February 27th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Oregon Logging Conference Foundation Auction – proceeds for educational activities. Items will be auctioned Thursday and Friday mornings, February 25th and 26th. Auctioneer is Jamie Yraguen, Basco Logging
Last year the OLC Foundation awarded six scholarships totaling $16,000. In addition to providing educational exhibits aimed at explaining important forestry issues, the Foundation has donated more than $275,000 to public education programs, and supports Oregon Women in Timber’s free education program Talk About trees.
Other Activities
- Log Loader Competition – Friday, February 26th from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturday, February 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
- Chainsaw Wood Carvers Ryan Anderson and Jay Peppard – Thursday and Friday, February 25th and 26th 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 27th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Located in the Outside Demonstration Area.
- OLC Dinner and Dance – Friday, February 26th, doors open at 7:00 p.m.
- Ladies Desserts for Dreams – Charity event for Boys and Girls Aid Society. Friday, February 26th from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Held at the Eugene Hilton.
- Oregon Women in Timber Dinner and Auction – Proceeds to benefit Talk About Trees educational program. Wednesday, February 24th, doors open at 4 p.m. Held in Playwrights Hall at the Eugene Hilton
The full schedule of events at the 78th Annual Oregon Logging Conference is available online at www.oregonloggingconference.com.
For more information, contact:
Mary Bullwinkel, OLC Media Coordinator, (707) 601-6533, bullwinkelm@gmail.com
Rikki Wellman, OLC Executive Director, (541) 954-2477, rikki@oregonloggingconference.com