In This Issue:

• Message from the CEO
• Corporate News
• Operations
• Log Harvesting
• Forestry & Engineering
• Environmental Management
• Manufacturing
• Safety
• Information Systems
• Calendar

Download PDF version

Adobe Acrobat Reader is
required to view PDF files.

• News Top

By Gary Collinge, ManagerLog Harvesting

 

I

t is a struggle to sit down and write a Log N Talk article that has much to be optimistic about.  A normal week these days has me responding to the question of "when", from many directions
Previous employees call looking for an update on work starts; New contacts from outside the industry, Alberta to Newfoundland, looking for a new opportunity, because there are no opportunities in their area;  And from people who have a job that are wondering what is next.  I think we in our forest industry town may lose sight of the fact that this economic downturn is everywhere in every industry, not just the forest industry.

This year has been a very tight balance of timber type tied to lumber market opportunities. The logging division came out of 2008 with a production system of continuous operation that could not be sustained in 2009, due to lack of market demand at any price level.  This cut the work opportunity in half for 2009. We have been looking at all markets trying to create better options just to stabilize where we are. The industry is now talking about recovery in 2010.  My question is what will the industry look like at this time next year?  The hard changes are just beginning.

We are in the final deactivation mode in Stewardson for 2009.  Cypre is 75% complete and the Rankin area is just cranking up for 4th quarter needs.  Kennedy Flats may also be an option if needed. We are developing areas for 1st and 2nd quarter in anticipation of market improvements.