“Timber Builds Dreams” Theme Guides 87th Annual Oregon Logging Conference

Industry professionals gathered for three days of networking, education, and social activities at the 87th Annual Oregon Logging Conference, held February 20 – 22, 2025 at the Lane Events Center and Fairground. This year, there were more exhibitors, both inside and outside, and greater attendance at the OLC. The OLC thanks this year’s sponsors, many of whom support the conference every year, who without their support, this conference would not be possible.

2025 Oregon Logging Conference President Jayme Dumford said, “The 2025 Conference was excellent. The show continues to grow and has become the place to be for industry professionals,” he added. He expressed his appreciation to everyone who did their part to make such a huge event so successful.

Saying it was an honor to be invited and share his message with the Oregon Logging Conference, Keynote speaker Chris Evans, President of Timberlab, based on Portland, OR, talked about the environmental advantages of using mass timber building materials rather than concrete and steel. He said using mass timber instead of concrete and steel will result in a 60% reduction in greenhouse gases “Using wood helps reduce carbon emissions,” Evans said. “If you put this product into a building where it’s going to be stored for 100 years,” he added, “that really is a deferment of having that carbon released into the atmosphere.” Evans also said the typical mass timber building is half the weight of a concrete building. “It’s hard to fathom how much a building weighs when you look at it, but when you think about the impact that has to the local community, as that building is being built, that’s half the trucks on the road,” he said.

Evans holds a Master of Science in internal construction management from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the University of Oregon.

Desserts for Dreams Fundraiser Benefits Every Child Lane County
More than $30,000 was raised at the 21st Annual Desserts for Dreams luncheon, held Friday Feb 21st at the Graduate by Hilton Eugene hotel. It was the most successful of all events held since it began in 2004.

OLC First Lady Maria Dumford selected Every Child Lane County as this year’s charity to benefit from the annual fundraiser. Every Child Lane County is a non-profit organization that provides assistance for children and families in the foster care system.
“Dessert for Dreams was an overwhelming success with the largest attendance ever!” Dumford said. “Thank you to everyone who came and gave generously,” she added.

The luncheon included salads and delicious desserts donated by local bakeries and restaurants, and a special sock drive, with all donations given to the charity’s Brighter Side Giving Store.

Future Forestry Workers Career Day
More than 700 students, educators and industry professionals participated in the 7th Annual Future Forestry Workers Career Day, held on Friday February 21st, in conjunction with the Oregon Logging Conference.

The high school students from more than 32 Oregon schools attended this interactive and hands-on career day, learning about logging, forestry, reforestation, sawmills, wildland firefighting, diesel mechanics, and operating heavy equipment.

Some of the students had an opportunity to operate a small excavator with one student saying, “That’s the most fun I’ve ever had,” and adding, “that was so cool.” One of the educators accompanying her students described the event as a “one-stop shop” for learning about current job opportunities and careers in natural resource-related industries, adding how much she and her students look forward to coming to this event every year.

One of the activities at Future Forestry Workers Career Day was the high school forestry skills relay.

With 100 students from 12 Oregon schools competing, Waldport High School teams took first and second places, finishing within seconds of each other. Third place was captured by La Pine High School and Taft High School took fourth place.
The teams competed against each other in the four-skills relay, which included hose lay, choker setting, crosscut sawing. and chainsaw use.

This event is coordinated by Future Natural Resource Leaders and Executive Director Rex Lowther said, “Overall the event went great with no issues. The kids did a great job of being ready to go and properly equipped,” he added.

Log Loader Competition Winners
Demonstrating their skills at operating a 4040-B Link-Belt, the top three winners in the 15th Annual Oregon Logging Conference Log Loader Competition were within 20 seconds of each other.

First place was Jeremy Staats of Bryant Logging with a time of 3:24:44. Second place was a familiar name in this annual contest, Bryan Chipps of Green Diamond Resource Company, with a time of 3:35:91, and third place was Layne Walker with a time 3:43.16.

Guess the Net Scale
Oregon Logging Conference attendees gave their guesses for the net scale of two loads of logs, with the winner of each receiving a $250 Cabela’s gift card.

The winner of the load of alder chip and saw logs was Thomas Fox of Ethel, WA. He was one of four who were ten feet off the total of 4,690 board feet. All four names were put into a hat and Thomas was the winner drawn.

The net scale of the load of logs was 6,660 net. The lucky winner is Jack Miller from California guessed it to the foot.

Thank you sponsors; Swanson Bros. Lumber and Southport Lumber Co. Log trucks provided by Leonard Masser Logging and Bracelin Trucking Co.

Family Day and OLC Open to the Public Day
Forest families and other members of the public turned out in large numbers on Saturday, February 22nd, as the rain held off until late afternoon, and the weather was good for those who built wooden bird houses just outside the Wheeler Pavilion.

Other popular Family Day activities included live wildlife, free seedling giveaways, face painting, balloons, art projects, and other hands-on forestry-related opportunities.

“The final day of the conference is an opportunity for families to attend the OLC and for the public to learn more about who we are and what we do and meet many of the professionals who make their living in our industry,” said Rikki Wellman, OLC Manager.

The dates for the 88th Annual Oregon Logging Conference are February 19, 20, and 21, 2026.

For more information visit: www.oregonloggingconference.com (OLC website)
www.forestnet.com/oregon-logging-conference-official-show-guide/ (2025 TimberWest Magazine OLC Show Guide)