Logging Programs in Maine and the 2010-2015 SFI Standards

Logging Programs in Maine and the 2010-2015 SFI Standards

Logging Programs in Maine and the 2010-2015 SFI Standards

Purpose

The 2010-2015 SFI Standard,Objective 16 makes references to Qualified Logging Professionals (QLPs) and Certified Logging Professionals (CLPs). In Maine there are also QLPs, CLPs and MLCs, whose programs preexist the 2010-2015 SFI Standard. This paper is intended to provide some clarity for SFI Participants and their auditors on how to apply Maine logger training and certification programs against the SFI Standard.

Background

Maine’s Certified Logging Professional program is a logger training program established in 1991 for the primary purpose of reducing injuries and related workers compensation rates. In 1999, four years after the initiation of SFI, a goal had been established for 100% of gate-wood, deliveries to SFI mills, to come from trained loggers by the end of 2000. As a result SICs were under pressure to develop training programs if none existed. Although Maine already had a logger training program, in 1999 the SIC Education Committee established a set of principles and criteria by which a logger training program might be recognized by Maine’s SIC. In 1999 CLP became the first SIC approved logger training program. In 2000 another program, the Qualified Logger Professional Program, sponsored by Southern Aroostook Adult Education Program, requested to recognized by the Maine SIC. They also were successful and now there were two SIC approved logger training programs. Those program remain active and in good standing with the Maine SIC.

In 2001 another logger associated program sponsored by the American Loggers Council's was established, the Master logger Certification (MLC) program. This program differs significantly and is not a logger training program. The goal of MLC is to gain recognition and acknowledgement for a logging firm’s exemplary harvesting services. It differs from traditional training program in that MLC certifies a “logging firm” for on the ground performance against established standards. Conversely the logger training programs recognized in Maine certify the knowledge and skill of an individual logger. Maine was the first state to have an MLC Program. Today the MLC program has expanded to a New England wide program. MLC programs in the Northeast exist under the umbrella of the Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestlands (TCNF).

16.2 is unique in Maine

In states where they exist, MLC programs are likely candidates for SIC recognition as (CLPs) as defined in the 2010-2014 SFI Standard. MLC programs in the Northeast exist under the umbrella of the Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestlands (TCNF). The Maine SIC recognized this fact and on July 15th, 2010, representatives from ME’s SIC met with Master Logger and TCNF principles to apprise them of the opportunity to be recognized in Maine as CLPs, should they desire recognition. MLC representatives serve on the SIC and at the September and December SIC meetings, communicated they understand the opportunity and have yet to decide on whether to pursue recognition by the Maine’s SIC. As of the date of this audit the Maine SIC has not been approached by the Northeast Master Logger Program to seek recognition as a ME SIC approved CLP program. In accordance with SFI Standard’s Guidance document, Maine’s SIC has not developed criteria for CLPs as there have been no requests of Maine’s SIC to develop such criteria by potential CLP programs.