How to Choose a Professional Logger Ohio’s first Master Logger, Jeff Whitcraft, discusses low-impact timber harvesting techniques with a landowner. 1 Training Ohio Master Logger Program Master Loggers are trained to use Best Management Practices: logging techniques that reduce erosion, protect water quality and safeguard your woods. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry provides support to the Ohio Forestry Association (OFA) in coordinating the Master Logger Program. A Master Logger is a logger who participates in a voluntary certification program that provides extensive safety and resource protection training. Participation demonstrates the Master Logger’s commitment to safety, worker education and protection, and environmental stewardship. Master Loggers are taught to minimize the environmental impacts that result from timber harvesting activities. Find a Master Logger by calling OFA at 614.497.9580 or going to ohioforest.org Questions to Ask Loggers • How long have you been in business? • How long have current crew members been with you? 2 Safety • Are you and your employees covered by Workers’ Compensation and liability insurance? Master Loggers receive training in safe and efficient logging practices. • What are your insurance limits and what kinds of accidents are covered? Each Master Logger has current certification in CPR and first aid, and provides Workers’ Compensation insurance for their employees. • Will you provide me with certificates of Workers’ Compensation and liability insurance coverage? • What kinds of equipment do you use? • Do you handle the entire logging process, or use subcontractors for part of the work? • What types of roads and skid trails do you normally construct? • How will my skid trails, landings, and haul roads look when you’ve completed the logging operation? • Have you completed any kind of logger training/continuing education program? • Are you accredited in any way? 3 • What options do I have if my or my neighbor’s property is damaged? References Always ask a logger for references from previous clients. Quality loggers strive to maintain a reputation for fair dealing and ethical practice. • What Best Management Practices (BMPs) do you normally implement? • Do you have a copy of the BMPs for Erosion Control for Logging Practices in Ohio manual? • Which BMPs would be needed on my forest? • Can you supply me with references from other landowners you’ve worked with? Master Loggers are experts in using Best Management Practices (BMPs) Logging roads established on gradual slopes and seeded to grass for soil stabilization. BMPs are timber harvesting techniques that safeguard water quality, prevent soil erosion and protect the remaining trees in the forest stand. • Erosion control practices such as “water bars” that divert water off of skid roads • Establishing skid roads on contours instead of straight up and down hills • Seeding and mulching logging roads with a grass mixture and straw immediately after harvest can reduce soil loss Master Loggers are trained in safety techniques. Ohio Master Logger Program Contact: Ohio Forestry Association 4080 South High Street Columbus, OH 43207 614.497.9580 www.ohioforest.org Ohio Division of Forestry 2045 Morse Rd Building H-1 Columbus, OH 43229-6693 614.265.6694 www.ohiodnr.com/forestry