Study says logging still vital

AUGUSTA — The Professional Logging Contractors (PLC) of Maine released results of the state’s first-of-its-kind comprehensive study of the economic impact of Maine logging on Sept. 15, showing the industry contributed an estimated $882 million to the state economy in 2014.

The study, conducted with the University of Maine and Farm Credit East, revealed logging supported more than 7,300 jobs in the Maine economy in 2014, including more than 4,600 direct logging jobs and additional jobs in industries including trucking.

According to the study, without loggers, the entire forest products industry and the timber value chain upon which hundreds of workers and their communities depend would collapse.

“This study reinforces the importance and value of a strong logging workforce in Maine, not only to the economy, but to all the many industries and communities here in the state that depend on Maine wood,” PLC Executive Director Dana Doran said. “It also reveals that this is an industry facing large challenges in markets and costs that threaten not only loggers, but the entire forest economic value chain that depends on loggers.”

The survey requested employment, harvest and equipment outlay information for 2013 and 2014 and showed the average annual wage for workers employed by logging firms rose from $30,751 in 2004 to $42,795 in 2014. Worker wages and proprietor income for 2014 exceeded $296 million.

Over that same 10-year period, the study showed the numbers of logging firms and workers have remained relatively stable in recent years.

Survey respondents reported an average of 22 employees per firm; 12 in the woods, two in the office, six in trucking, and two mechanics.

According to the PLC, its members are responsible for 75 percent of the timber harvested from Maine’s forests annually. To learn more, visit www.maineloggers.com.