FRA’s 2025 Western Region Outstanding Logger Award Winner
Mark Turner, Turner Logging, Inc., Recognized As FRA’s 2025 Western Region Outstanding Logger Award Winner
Whitefish, MT, September 17, 2025 – The Forest Resources Association (FRA) and John Deere honored Turner Logging, Inc. as the 2025 Western Region Outstanding Logger Award winner. The award was presented at the Western Region/Montana Wood Products Association Fall Meeting on September 17 at the Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish, MT. FRA’s Western Region Manager, Lindsay Warness, gave a presentation sharing an overview of the Turner Logging family business, highlighting their logging operations and commitment to safety, family values, and community support. Outstanding Logger Award Sponsor John Deere’s Carl Lockhart was there to present Mark Turner with a solid cherry plaque in the shape of a crosscut saw to commemorate their accomplishment. John Deere also awarded him a $1,000 check as part of their reward. Mark accepted the award on behalf of his family and the entire Turner Logging team. In his acceptance remarks, Mark expressed gratitude to his brother Greg for being his partner in operations while he dedicated time to serving with the American Loggers Council and Associated Oregon Loggers. He shared how honored he felt to receive the award and expressed excitement about the plaque, noting that it will hang with pride in the Turner Logging office.
Turner Logging has been a cornerstone of Oregon’s forestry community for over 3 decades. Mark Turner’s father joined the Associated Oregon Loggers (AOL) in 1981. Growing up around the family business, Mark learned the fundamentals of logging—from tree cutting to yarding—while also enjoying hunting and fishing alongside his brothers. After earning his degree from the Oregon Institute of Technology and working as an engineer in Southern California, Mark returned home to carry on the family legacy. Following his father’s passing in 1995, Mark and his brother Greg assumed leadership of Turner Logging, focusing on cable thinning operations with a jammer and small yarder. For the past 30 years, the brothers have successfully run the business together, combining their complementary skills in fieldwork and business management to sustain and grow the family enterprise. In recognition of his leadership and dedication, Mark was honored with the 2024 AOL Logger of the Year Award and previously served more than a decade on the American Loggers Council (ALC) board, including as President in 2018.
Picture 1 (bottom left): From left to right — Carl Lockhart, John Deere; Mark Turner, Turner Logging Inc., and recipient of the Western Region Outstanding Logger Award; and John Holte, Roseburg Forest Products, Chairman of FRA’s Western Region Steering Committee.
Picture 2 (top right): From left to right — Mark Turner, Turner Logging Inc.; Lindsay Warness, FRA Western Region Manager; and Carl Lockhart, John Deere.
“Mark has committed much of his career to the betterment of his fellow loggers. He has spent nearly two decades in dedicated service to forest operators through his service on the Associated Oregon Loggers and American Loggers Council governance structures in officer roles. He recognizes that engaging and speaking out garners the respect and understanding that loggers need to obtain the necessary political and social capital to keep doing vital forestry work across Oregon, the West, and the nation. Staying silent, disengaging, and keeping your head down won’t protect your business. These actions risk what we hold so dearly. I have always held Mark in high regard for his understanding of this concept and his thoughtful, common-sense approach. Mark deserves this award for his many years of dedication to forestry, logging, and the sector as a whole. Congratulations, Mark!” Amanda Sullivan-Astor, AOL Forest Policy Manager
“We are honored to partner with John Deere in sponsoring the Outstanding Logger Award, which allows us to recognize individuals who set the standard in our industry. This year’s winner, Mark Turner of Turner Logging, Inc., exemplifies what it means to be a pillar of the community and a valuable link in the wood supply chain. Their dedication, professionalism, and stewardship strengthen both our industry and the communities we serve.” Tim O’Hara, FRA President
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