FRA's Western Region recently completed revisions to the Chip Quality Manual - Quality Chips Make a Difference. First published in 1998, back in American Pulpwood Association days, with a second edition in 2005, this 3rd edition is a comprehensive guide covering all aspects of chip production, including chip quality, debarking, chipping, screening and conveying, and troubleshooting.

An exciting student video contest, Thru the Trees, is about to launch. It is designed to inspire students and promote the industry. We are thrilled to announce that the website is now LIVE!

In April of 2020, the Pacific Forest Foundation launched a weekly podcast – Talking Timber. The podcast is sponsored by the Pacific Logging Congress and TimberWest Magazine.

Before I decided to do a blog on video conferencing, a Western Region member sent me this link:

The Workforce Connections Project has been a priority for FRA’s Western Region for over a year now, so when given the opportunity to attend the Oregon Logging Conference (OLC), and this year’s Future Forestry Workers Career Day – I jumped at it.

For the second year, Western Forestry and Conservation Association, Wood Resources International, and FRA’s Western Region collaborated on last week’s Mapping the Course conference in Vancouver, Washington.

FRA’s Western Region recently held its 2019 Fall Meeting in Lewiston, Idaho. The region planning committee has a long-standing commitment to content, collaboration and networking.

It is easy to celebrate National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week. What’s not to like? Truckers make our entire modern way of life possible! They bring us a bountiful variety of fresh food to urban and rural areas alike.

Earlier in the year, we announced the formation of the Workforce Connections Initiative in the Western Region. The main goal is to connect qualified candidates with those companies in the Pacific Northwest who have labor shortages and problems filling open positions.

Fiber Industry Consultants, Ltd (FICL) was created in 1999. Customers of the consulting company receive a comprehensive 30-page monthly report on many aspects of the forestry business in the Western Region.