Maine TREE hosts 35th Certified Logging Professionals Annual Banquet

In early December, Maine TREE hosted the 35th Annual CLP Banquet. Tim Basham, the Chairperson of the CLP Advisory Committee, welcomed loggers, natural resource professionals, and their families. He highlighted that 2025 was a significant year for the Certified Logging Professional Program, as the program hired its first full-time program manager, who, with the help of the Maine TREE Foundation staff, worked to update the CLP curriculum and modernize its resources, with results expected to be available throughout 2026.  He welcomed the 50 new loggers who joined the program in 2025 and highlighted the continued success of Certified Logging Professionals, as evidenced by workers’ compensation rates that are 50% lower than those of non-certified loggers and at a historic low. Brian Barrett, CLP program manager, spoke about his 30-year background in forestry and logging, saying he was glad to be part of the community and is very excited about the 2026 CLP training season, and offered to reach out to companies interested in training opportunities. 

Edward Wright, Workforce Development Coordinator at the Maine Community College System, was the first of two guest speakers at the event. He shared information on how CLP's new relationship with the Workforce Development compact can directly benefit program participants by reducing training costs by 50%. He also promoted the grant program as an opportunity for natural resource businesses, as it can cover up to 50% of professional development costs for companies, up to $1,200 per employee per year.

The keynote speaker for the evening was Krysta West, Executive Director, Maine Forest Products Council. Krysta’s talk focused on the newly published “2024 Statewide Economic Contribution of Maine’s Forest Products Sector” report, which highlighted the industry's $8.3 billion impact on the state’s economy and its employment of over 29,000 workers. She also shared the success of the Spruce Budworm response efforts in 2025. 

Jim O’Malley, Operations Manager for Huber Resources, presented the CLP of the Year Awards to individuals representing each of the professional categories: conventional, mechanical, and contractor/supervisor. Each individual demonstrates excellence in their field and adheres to exceptional safety practices, contributing to the sustainable management of Maine’s forests.

Bill Taylor was presented with the 2025 Conventional CLP of the Year Award. “When you look at a career defined by exceptional harvesting work, what truly sets a logger apart? It’s consistency, and for Bill, it’s a standard of excellence maintained year after year. Not only is his work consistently high-quality, but he also boasts an impressive, perfect safety record, making him a truly exemplary Certified Logging Professional,” said Jim O’Malley. 

Bill’s nomination highlighted something particularly special: his role as a mentor, which Jim O’Malley highlighted during the presentation. “Bill took a new logger under his wing, helping them quickly grasp not just the business aspects of logging, but also the high-quality, on-the-ground work that we expect. This guidance and mentorship are more than just a passing favor; they help ensure that this new logger has a long and successful future in the woods, while also contributing to the continued prosperity of this vital legacy industry here in Maine.”  After receiving his award, Bill spoke about how bringing on his apprentice, William Maines, was one of the best decisions of his professional career, saying that William had an incredible work ethic and was dedicated to mastering the skills of the trade, and emphasized how rewarding the experience has been for both mentor and mentee. 

Clint Morrow was presented with the 2025 Mechanical CLP of the Year Award, a recognition that is well deserved, given his extensive experience as a mechanical logger, particularly his instrumental role as the primary processor operator in the unique and challenging environment of Baxter State Park’s Scientific Forest Management Area (SFMA). 

“For over two decades, Clint has been absolutely key to the success of harvest operations there, expertly executing the diverse prescriptions necessary to meet the complex ecological goals of the SFMA. Clint’s willingness to adopt new methods, coupled with his unwavering dedication to safety and high standards, has established him as a true leader in the logging industry.” Jim O’Malley remarked during the presentation,” His professionalism and tireless dedication truly embody the core values of the Certified Logging Professional program.”

Jim went on to emphasize that“... this award recognizes more than just time spent in the woods. Clint’s willingness to adopt new methods, coupled with his unwavering dedication to safety and high standards, has established him as a true leader in the logging industry. His professionalism and tireless dedication truly embody the core values of the Certified Logging Professional program.”

Glenn Collin was recognized as the CLP of the year in the category of Supervisor/Contractor. His nomination highlighted an unparalleled work ethic, and specifically his habit of taking calls from workers at all hours, seven days a week, ensuring the operation runs smoothly regardless of the time or day. His hands-on approach, whether operating or moving equipment, walking harvested properties, or lending a hand wherever necessary, proves his absolute commitment to the company’s success.

“What truly sets Glenn apart is his dedication to maintaining a crucial balance between productivity and safety,” said Jim, elaborating that Glenn ensures that his crew works efficiently while always prioritizing safety for the team and actively protecting and sustaining the forest land. And that Glenn was incredibly deserving of this recognition due to  his hands-on leadership, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to safety and stewardship.

The evening concluded with raffle prizes, with Forest Briggs having an exceptional string of luck, winning both a set of felling wedges and the Husqvarna 550xp chainsaw. The coveted chainsaw-carved bear, donated by Michael Thurlow, went home with Edwin Tillson.