2019 Sierra-Cascade Logging Conference President's Message

As President of the 70th Annual Sierra-Cascade Logging Conference, I am honored to be a part of this organization and the industries it represents. On behalf of the Board of Directors, committee chairs and volunteers, I would like to welcome all of our members, vendors, and attendees. Our theme this year is "Investing in our Future - One Youth at a Time" a statement that defines both the challenges and opportunities facing our industry.

A priority of the Conference remains the educating of students, teachers, and individuals in the forest products and construction industries, as well as the public, about forest resources and the importance of our industry in properly maintaining and managing these resources. In line with this year’s theme, our Education Day will host over 800 students and teachers. Additionally, with your continued support, $50,000 in scholarships were awarded this past year to graduating high school students and continuing college students that are furthering their education in fields related to the forest products and construction industries. We have also established a new “Youth Leadership Committee”, with the ultimate goal of establishing programs designed to develop interest from youth within our footprint for potential future careers in the industries our Conference supports. I am also proud to announce the addition of the Central Sierra In-Woods Forest Harvest Demonstration this past year, which hosted over 300 students and teachers, and compliments the existing Cascade In-Woods Forest Harvest Demonstration that has grown to over 800 attendees.

I encourage you to visit our website at www.sclcexpo.com under the Education tab and/or consult our newsletters for information and images from our annual In-Woods Forest Harvest Demonstrations and our SCLC Scholarship program, as well as our supported educational venues - The Forestry Institute for Teachers (FIT), The California Forestry Challenge and Talk About Trees (TAT).

This year's conference will once again be held at the Shasta District Fairgrounds in Anderson and Win-River Resort and Casino in Redding will serve as our conference headquarters. Traditional events include the following: the Gin Fizz Breakfast, Awards, Memorials, Education Day, FFA Forestry Competition, Vendors Dinner & President's Reception, Ladies Day Luncheon, Education Auction & Lumberjack Banquet, Past President's Breakfast, Logging Sports Exhibition, Strongest Logger Competition and Wild Things Wildlife Shows. Others will need to begin practicing for the Past President's Axe Throw, Golf Tournament, Excavator Rodeo, Log Loading and Truck Driving Skills Competitions. Our program over the 3 days will include: a two-day Licensed Timber Operator's Training class; a Fireline Safety and Awareness Class; the annual FFA Forestry competition; presentations and panel discussions by Associated California Loggers, Logging Association of Northern California, and Sierra-Cascade Logging Conference.

I would also like to thank our Conference, Event, Ad Book Sponsors, and the Members who attend and participate in the Education Auction and Dinner. Without your continued participation and support, the Conference would not be the success that it has become today and our growing support of educational programs would not be possible.

I look forward to seeing you at the Expo and thank you again for your continued support.

Dale Orchard, President
Sierra-Cascade Logging Conference