Master Logger Certification

As a GLTPA member you already possess the necessary skills and the attitude needed to be a Master Logger:

• GLTPA members are professionals
• GLTPA members want to improve the practice of sustainable forestry
• GLTPA members are active participants in an association
• GLTPA members care about the future of forest management and the forest products industry
• GLTPA members subscribe to a c ode of ethical conduct

What is a Certified Master Logger?

Master Logger Certification (MLC©) is a third-party certification system and constitutes the highest professional achievement a logging contractor can attain in Wisconsin or Michigan.

To become a Certified Master Logger, operations must conform to a strict code of conduct encompassing seven areas of responsibility and must successfully complete a rigorous field and business practices audit.

Once an individual becomes a Master Logger©, they must be prepared to meet the same verification standards on their work. This is done through bi-annual re-certification and a complaint system that can trigger a re-visit from field verifiers. The purpose of this program is not just to hold loggers to a higher standard, but to provide a gold standard that is recognizable by forest landowners and mills. To date, 24 Master Loggers have been certified, with more groups to follow.

Why is Certification Needed?

Why is certification needed for any profession? To give clients, customers, or the general public assurances that the person performing the job has the education, training, skill, and experience to do the job correctly. Many loggers already meet all the standards and criteria of the MLC© program. The problem is they don't have a formal way to prove it. Other loggers can easily meet the requirements with slight modifications to their operations. And some loggers will either not be able to meet the standards, or won't care to.

The Seven Areas of Responsibility

The American Logging Council developed seven Areas of Responsibility for the nation-wide Master Logger program. Any logger wishing to become a certified Master Logger must meet or exceed strict performance standards in each of the following seven areas:

1. Water quality and soils protection
2. Compliance with government regulations
3. Compliance with acceptable silviculture and utilization standards
4. Participation in an on-going training regimen
5. Implementation of aesthetic management techniques
6. Adherence to a site-specific management plan that is agreed to by the landowner
7. Utilization of sound business management principles

Can YOU be a Certified Master Logger?

Would you like to become a member of this elite group of professionals? Does one of these symbols represent your abilities as a logger and your pride in your profession?

For More Information

If you are interested in learning more about the Master Logger program, details and applications contact:

WISCONSIN

Rachel Peterson, Master Logger Coordinator or Forest Industry Safety and Training Alliance, Inc. (FISTA); Training arm of Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association. At 1-800-551-2656 or (715) 282-7979 or via email at rachel.peterson@fistausa.org.

MICHIGAN

Don Peterson, Coordinator GLR Michigan Master Logger Certification and the Sustainable Resources Institute, Inc. at 1-877-284-3882 or sri_ dpeterson@sbcglobal.net.