News Release
Date: Jan. 16, 2018
Contact:
Nick Hennemann, Public Affairs Specialist, Salem, 503-945-7248
Kyle Abraham, Private Forests Deputy Division Chief, 503-945-7473
SALEM, Ore.--The 2017 Operator of the Year awards go to Lane Parry Forestry Consulting of Baker City, Denali Logging of Coos Bay, and Morisse Logging of Astoria. The Board of Forestry gives the Operator of the Year Awards to recognize those who conduct forestry work that goes above and beyond the laws to protect natural resources.
To encourage sound forestry, the board honors operators who consistently meet or exceed the Forest Practices Act. The law requires people to: replant forests; harvest responsibly; protect and enhance habitat; reduce landslide risks; and protect streams and water quality.
Private Forests Division Chief Lena Tucker said, "These operators set the example. They show how operators can both manage forests and protect natural resources. We're pleased to honor their exemplary work."
Lane Parry Forestry Consulting Inc. earned the Eastern Oregon Operator of the Year award for helping landowners after the 2015 wildfires. Lane's team worked with 14 landowners in Baker County and multiple operators to perform salvage harvests. His leadership ensured both successful harvesting and replanting. (Video: https://youtu.be/p_akKepy_Kw)
Denali Logging Inc. earned the Southwest Operator of the Year award for its diligent planning and harvest. While doing forestry work, Denali protected streams, stream buffers and fish habitat. Denali also reduced impacts to the public. Their careful planning included listening to and working with neighbors. Throughout the harvest Denali kept the electricity on and the roads open to meet the neighbors' needs. (Video: https://youtu.be/U723vLHHOSw)
Morisse Logging Inc. earned the Northwest Oregon Operator of the Year award for protecting streams and improving fish habitat. Morisse's extra effort included coordinating work to improve safety along Highway 26 during and after the harvest. His team also brought civic groups to the harvest site to share about forestry and stream improvements. (Video: https://youtu.be/WDgLuMBh2Bk)
Nominees must exceed the Forest Practices Act, which helps improve Oregon's forests. Regional committees select operators of the year and merit award recipients. The Southwest Regional Forest Practices Committee issued a Merit Award for excellent work to Zuber & Sons Logging LLC for protecting water quality and streamside buffers.
The Board of Forestry will present the Operator of the Year Awards at its March 7 meeting. The Associated Oregon Loggers, the Oregon Logging Conference and the Oregon Small Woodland Association will also provide special recognition.
In 1971, Oregon enacted the Forest Practices Act, the nation's model forest management laws which focuses on forest operations and protecting natural resources. Many states followed Oregon's lead. The Act remains current through updates based on science, facts and values to create a balanced approach to natural resource management.
###