PLC Member Weekly Update Jan. 27, 2023
In this Issue
Public Hearing Monday LD 108 – Please Testify!
PLC Legislative Breakfast March 2 – RSVP Now!
Logging theft and vandalism– Rangers can help!
Skidder Bridge Loan Program Survey – Please Respond!
Logger’s Voice Winter Edition – Now Available!
PLC Annual Meeting May 4-5 – Book Rooms Now!
New Opportunity to Recruit Veterans – Boots2Roots
ALC Annual Meeting Oct. 3-6 – Book Rooms Now!
Cost Calculators – Members Only
PLC Store – Many items for sale
Safety Resources – Safety First!
Trucking – Latest news
Classified listings – Check them out!
Member Discounts – Many to choose from
Logging News – Latest headlines
Public Hearing Monday on Logger Relations Advocate
TESTIFY VIA ZOOM!
Members, our first major bill, LD 108, An Act to Establish a Logger Relations Advocate Within the Maine Forest Service, has been scheduled for a public hearing at 9 a.m. on Monday, January 30, 2023 in the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee. We need you to testify in favor of this bill!
Instructions on how to testify in person or via zoom from the cab of your machine can be found HERE. Yes, this is correct, you can travel to Augusta and testify in person or you can sign up beforehand and testify via zoom on your smartphone, laptop or tablet. This will make testifying much simpler and easier for our members to chime in on legislation without having to sit in Augusta for hours on end.
This bill is one of the top priorities for the PLC this session. For more on its importance and talking points for your testimony PLEASE CLICK HERE.
Please do not hesitate to contact PLC if you have any questions on this.
PLC Legislative Breakfast March 2
RSVP NOW!
RSVP now for the return of the PLC’s annual Legislative Breakfast, being held this year on the morning of March 2 at the Governor Hill Mansion in Augusta! This will the first time the event has been held since 2020 and you don’t want to miss this chance to meet your state Senators and Representatives, includng many new legislators who are unfamiliar with logging and the issues the industry faces. We want a great crowd for this event. See you at the breakfast!
RSVP HERE
Prevention of Logging Vandalism and Theft
Members, Maine’s Forest Rangers would like to help Maine loggers reduce theft and vandalism. They know how challenging it is for all of you right now and the bottom line is that your profitability can be reduced significantly if parts, equipment, or fuel are stolen or vandalized.
The Rangers have offered to visit any logging contractor who would like to discuss options for asset security checks. If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please CLICK HERE to fill out your contact information and a Ranger will call or email you to set up a time for a visit.
The Rangers have also compiled a list of best practices that can be used to prevent logging vandalism and theft in Maine which we are sharing with you.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact PLC.
Skidder Bridge Loan Program Survey Please Respond!
The Maine Forest Service (MFS) skidder bridge loan program provides steel and wooden skidder bridges to the logging community at various locations statewide. Please follow the link below to share your thoughts on the existing program to help the MFS make better informed decisions on enhancing and/or expanding this program to better serve Maine’s forest products industry.
There is currently an opportunity to enhance and/or expand the skidder bridge loan program using federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act legislation which would allow MFS to replace wooden bridges with steel, and/or purchase additional bridges to service new locations around the state. Funds may also be used to administer a cost share program, where qualified participants could purchase skidder bridge panels out-right at a reduced cost. The Maine Forest Service is eager to hear from the forestry community about how these funds should be best utilized. The American Loggers Council (ALC) helped to get this program funded.
Please take the survey by March 1, 2023.
TAKE THE SURVEY
Logger’s Voice Winter Edition Now Available!
The winter edition of The Logger’s Voice is now available!
Copies have been mailed out!
Save the Date and Reserve Rooms Now!
PLC Annual Meeting May 4-5 2023
It is not too early to start thinking about the 2023 PLC Annual Meeting and Log A Load Auction! The meeting will be held May 4-5 2023 at the Harborside Hotel in Bar Harbor. Rooms are already available to book so why not reserve a room now?
Click here to book a room or use: https://www.opalcollection.com/harborside/stay/
Group Code: MEPL050423
Steps to reserve a room at the Harborside Hotel:
- Click on Link (can also type in the group code)
- At the top of the web site modify the dates of your stay – 1 or 2 nights
- You will not be charged until the event and the resort fee will be waived
Questions? Email office@maineloggers.com
New Opportunity to Recruit Veterans For Your Job Openings!
Send Job Openings to PLC
Members,
The PLC is working with the nonprofit organization Boots2Roots to connect your companies with a new pool of potential skilled workers – veterans recently retired from the military or planning to be who are seeking employment in Maine.
Boots2Roots is the only organization in Maine specifically focused on preparing active duty military members up to a year before they begin their transition for immediate success in Maine, while providing a pipeline of new workforce talent to Maine employers.
The PLC has been granted access to post jobs from our members on the Boots2Roots portal. This will put your job openings in front of veterans accessing the site. As most of you are aware, many veterans have skills or experience applicable to the logging industry, and a proven work ethic. This is a great opportunity!
Send your job openings to PLC Office Coordinator Vanessa Tillson at office@maineloggers.com and she will get them posted for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office at 207-688-8195.
ALC Annual Meeting 2023 in Maine!
Reserve Rooms Now!
Save the Date for the 2023 American Loggers Council Conference and Membership Meeting at the Sunday River Resort in Newry, Maine October 3-6!
American Loggers Council President and long-time PLC Board Member Andy Irish and his wife Kathy look forward to hosting timber industry representatives for the peak “Leaf Peeping” season. More details will be coming soon!
For guests who would like to reserve a room online CLICK HERE
For guests who would like to call to book their reservation lease call 800-207-2365 and refer to Group Code 86B5IN
PLC Members Only!
Equipment Cost Calculators Available
Members,
With expenses rising rapidly in the industry we know you are struggling to get a handle on your costs. This is a great time to utilize the cost calculators created in 2021 for PLC Members.
These new, easy to use, logging equipment and log trucking cost calculators are available on the PLC Members Only section of our web site You may access this private section of the web site with your member login or set up a login HERE.
These calculators allow you to quickly estimate the hourly cost of operation for any piece of your equipment.
DISCLAIMER: These calculators are being made available for your business use as a member benefit. They produce equipment estimates and are not official products of the PLC nor should they be used for negotiation purposes.
PLC Online Store
Looking for great PLC items and apparel? Gifts? First Aid packs, safety items and more? You will find them at the new PLC Online Store on our web site. Ordering is easy.
CHECK IT OUT HERE
PLC Upcoming Meetings
PLC Executive Board Meeting
Feb. 9
PLC Office, Augusta ME
Safety Resources
Reminder on Electronic Submission of OSHA Form 300A Data
OSHA is reminding employers to submit their 2022 OSHA Form 300A (Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses) data by March 2, 2023.
Who is required to submit Form 300A data?
- Establishments with 250 or more employees that are required to keep OSHA injury and illness records.
- Establishments with 20 to 249 employees in designated industries.
- Establishments under Federal OSHA jurisdiction can use the ITA Coverage Application to determine if they are required to electronically report their injury and illness information to OSHA. Establishments under State Plan jurisdiction should contact their State Plan.
How to submit Form 300A data:
As part of the Department of Labor’s IT modernization and security enhancement efforts, the Injury Tracking Application transitioned its login procedure to Login.gov — a secure sign-in service used by many government agencies. Current and new account holders need to create a Login.govaccount to submit their 2022 injury and illness data. Detailed guidance on how to carry out this change is available as a job aid and video.
If you have questions, visit the FAQs webpage. If the FAQs don’t address your questions, complete the Help Request Form located on the page. Thank you for your cooperation.
Office of Statistical Analysis
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
U.S. Department of Labor
NEW Featured HumpDay Safety Video – Grinder Safety
NEW Featured Unsafe Zone Video – Dan Qualey: Battery Explosion
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CPR/First Aid/Bloodborne Pathogens certification: Did you know your employees are required to have this training every two years? If your employees need this training in 2023, contact Jessica at Jessica@maineloggers.com or 207-688-8195 and the PLC will schedule training in your area. THIS TRAINING IS FREE TO MEMBERS!
Trucking
FMCSA Pre-employment Requirement Goes Into Effect January 6, 2023
On November 4, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse published information titled “Pre-employment Investigations for Drug and Alcohol Program Violations.” The Clearinghouse notice (re-posted below) is a reminder to certain employers regarding a change requirement that will go into effect January 6, 2023. Learn more
Logging News
U.S. Senator Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree are calling on the Biden administration to stop illegal wood imports that harm Maine’s forest products industry. In a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack, the Maine lawmakers highlight the importance of taking on the illegal wood trade, call attention to the slow enforcement of existing laws, and urge rapid action on foreign imports that devalue Maine timber.
Erosion Control Training and Certification Updates Maine DEP Nonpoint Source Training Center
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is making 10 hours of new online video trainings in various topics available for both certification credits and simply for interest. Anyone can view the videos for free, although a fee would apply for applying certification credit. CEOs can obtain credits and view any of these online training videos for free https://www.maine.gov/dep/
Register: Upcoming Wage & Hour Compliance Classes
Dear Employer,
Labor laws can be complex – join the Maine Department of Labor for a Wage and Hour Compliance Assistance class!
This course is designed for human resource or benefits professionals, accountants, business owners, managers, or payroll supervisors. It will cover wage and hour laws, including minimum wage, overtime, youth employment, severance pay, equal pay, rest breaks, and paid or unpaid leave requirements. It will also address commonly asked labor-related questions.
Upcoming classes – choose whichever date and location works best for you:
- January 18, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Tri-County CareerCenter, 45 Oak Street, Suite 3, Bangor
- January 25, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the SafetyWorks! Training Institute, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta
- February 1, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Rockland CareerCenter, 91 Camden Street, Suite 201, Rockland
- February 8, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Portland CareerCenter, 151 Jetport Blvd, Portland
- February 15, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Presque Isle CareerCenter, 66 Spruce Street, Suite 1, Presque Isle
Register and browse more classes here: https://www.safetyworksmaine.gov/training/scheduled_classes/register.shtml
If you have questions about Wage and Hour compliance, please reach out to the Wage and Hour Division at 207-623-7900 or bls.mdol@maine.gov, or visit www.maine.gov/labor/bls/.
Thermal Energy Investment Program Now Live
The Thermal Energy Investment Program (TEIP) provides financial incentives to businesses, municipalities, educational institutions, and nonprofit entities located in the state of Maine for the installation of new thermal energy derived projects. A thermal energy derived project is defined as; a project that produces thermal energy and thermal renewable energy credits including but not limited to, (1) conversion of fossil fuel-fired boilers to wood-fueled boilers or boilers using biofuels derived from wood, and (2) installation of new wood-fueled boilers or boilers using biofuels derived from wood. TEIP requires program participants to substantially share in the cost of projects. To learn more and for documents including teh pre-approval application CLICK HERE.
Member Discounts
TRUCKING DISCOUNTS THROUGH THE ALC!
PLC Members, because the PLC is a member of the American Loggers Council YOU are entitled to special discounts on truck purchases! Click on the brand names below to learn more!
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Fabian Oil Discount
Traction Heavy Duty Special
Wallingford’s Discounts
Maine Trailer Discounts
PLC Members get a 5% discount on culverts purchased at Treeline and Frank Martin & Sons
Hale Trailer discounts for PLC Members on new trailer purchases! Call Neal at 207-232-7969 for details!
Cross Arena Discounts for PLC!
Classifieds
PLC Classified Section
Check out the equipment and job opportunities our members have listed at the LOGGING ZONE! If you have equipment for sale, are looking to buy, are looking for employees, or
Preferred Supporting Members
Enhanced Supporting Members
