2016 Indiana Logger of the Year
By Ken Day
Buchan Logging, Inc. is the 2016 Indiana Logger of the Year. Buchan Logging was selected for professionalism in carrying out logging operations, dedication to protect forest resources and water quality, outstanding relationships with landowners, and attention to training and safety. Buchan was recognized at the Tree Farm Breakfast at the Indiana Hardwood Lumberman’s Association (IHLA) convention in Indianapolis on February 8, 2017.
Evidence of their professionalism is demonstrated by over 50% of their logging jobs over the last five years has been from repeat landowners. They take care of the land and other resources through the proper use of cable skidders, grapple skidders, crawler skidders, and loaders. Water quality is protected by use of Best Management Practices (BMP) through proper lay out of skid trails and log landings prior to the beginning of the logging operation and installing water bars and seeding the areas after the logging is complete.
Buchan Logging, Inc. is truly a family affair consisting of Dan along with his five sons, Cliff, Brent, Ned, Jay, and Wayne, and bookkeeper daughter Nan. Buchan also employs a forester and another employee to make up three logging crews. Their annual production is about 3 million board feet of sawlogs and veneer logs. Buchan Logging has previously been recognized as Logger of the Year in 2008 and 1997.
Dan has been a licensed timber buyer for over 32 years and a longtime member of IHLA and Indiana Forest Industry Council (IFIC). According to Dan the biggest improvement for the industry has been Soren Erickson classes. These classes emphasizes proper cutting and felling techniques and use of safety equipment. Dan has hosted several of these classes which benefits other loggers as well as his staff.
Training and safety is an important part of how Buchan conducts its operations. All employees keep up-to-date with cutting and skidding training, and CPR and First Aid. They have attended IHLA Lumber Grading Short Course, and training on Gypsy Moth, Emerald Ash Borer, Pesticide Use, Storm Salvage, Fish and Wildlife, and the Game of Logging. Buchan even has an ASE Certified Auto and Truck mechanic on staff.
The Logger of the Year award is sponsored by Indiana Tree Farm. Recognition of outstanding professionalism in sustainable forestry practices is one of their objectives. Education is the other objective. Awardees are selected by the Indiana Tree Farm Committee which is composed of 30 members representing a cross section of forestry professionals in the state.
Ken Day is retired Forest Supervisor of the Hoosier National Forest.