MN SFI Implementation Committee

Missoula County approves landmark fire protection plan The plan is seen as a model for other communities in the West that are coping with hotter, larger and more intense fires.

Just as humans have life spans, so do trees. Over-mature trees are more susceptible to insects, disease, blowdown, and fire than trees that are carefully managed and harvested. Removing trees at harvest age allows the wood to instead be used for making products.

Shermer Logging named Minnesota Logger of the Year

Shermer Logging, a 28-year-old business owned by Cliff and Mary Shermer in the Gheen area of northeast Minnesota, has been named 2018 Logger of the Year by the Minnesota Sustainable Forestry Initiative® State Implementation Committee (SIC). The award was announced April 17 during the Minnesota Logger Education Program conference at Fortune Bay Resort, in Tower, Minnesota. Pictured is Shermer, left, with Jason Evans, chair of the Minnesota SFI SIC.

“You won’t find a more widely respected person in Minnesota’s forests than Cliff Shermer,” said Jason Evans, chair of the Minnesota SIC. “Cliff and his excellent staff set the standard for safety and innovation, while always completing their logging jobs in an aesthetically pleasing and sustainable manner.

Shermer, who serves on the board of the Minnesota Timber Producers Association and is a former member of the Minnesota Logger Education Program board, was quick to pass on the credit to others.

“There are a lot of great loggers out there, but I’ve been fortunate to hire the best people and I’ve also learned by watching others,” said Shermer, 68. “I see the smart techniques others use, pick their brains a little and try to incorporate their best practices into what we do.

“The logging industry is filled with great people and companies working together to help do our jobs more effectively. Being chosen as the Logger of the Year is a huge honor, but our crew deserves the credit for where we are today.”

Shermer Logging has nine full-time and four part-time employees.

The Minnesota SIC includes representatives from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, forest companies, the University of Minnesota, family forest owners, the Minnesota Logger Education Program, Minnesota Timber Producers Association, Minnesota Tree Farm Program, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and SFI-certified county land departments.

April 18, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For additional information, contact Cliff Shermer at 218/742-7592, or Ray Higgins at Minnesota Forest Industries, 218/722-5013.

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