Welcome to IFEW by Roger Ziesak

On behalf of the MT DNRC and our State Forester, Bob Harrington, I would like to thank you for the invitation to speak here today. It is truly excellent to see all of the different and innovative ways the timber industry is addressing new and old challenges. Outside the box, unconventional thinking has consistently driven innovation in problem solving for our industry. This isn’t something new; loggers, foresters, and mill operators have been creating new and better ways of doing things for over 150 years. It can be one person in his shop, or an entire corporate engineering staff on the factory floor. We are always pushing toward the next level by developing a new product, creating a new machine, or developing a new process. This industry has been innovative since some guy got tired of rolling logs and invented the choker! What’s great is that every time someone does something like that the whole industry takes another step foreword. We have been able to adapt and meet challenges, while still being able to provide lumber, paper and other wood products to meet the demands of society.

The equipment on display here today shows once again that the innovation that has kept the industry going and growing continues to shine. These are tough times for our industry and unfortunately we are seeing some mill closures but, I believe, the innovation driving these new ideas, new products, and new approaches to doing business will continue to push the envelope and carry us through hard times.

A few days ago, we had Earth Day 2008; a time to celebrate the planet and a time to show ways that people can make a difference in how we treat the planet. This show today is an extension of Earth Day- we are looking at equipment that is easier on the land and can do more than ever before. Today, this equipment and this technology can utilize more of the tree than our ancestors ever thought possible. We can and do create products ranging from biomass and biofuels to fine furniture, newspapers, and the house you live in.

Today is Arbor Day. It’s our national “plant a tree day.” Arbor Day is a great way for people of all ages and backgrounds to see what a forest is and, more importantly, to see what a working forest can and does accomplish. Working forests are always going to be a big part of Montana; they are sustainable, and sustainability is a key management concept for any working forest. It’s critical to keeping that forest healthy and productive. All of the equipment we have here today is designed with sustainability, efficiency, effectiveness and a lighter touch on the land in mind. It’s a great thing to see.

Thank You.

Roger M. Ziesak
Forest Practices Specialist
Forestry Assistance Bureau
2705 Spurgin Road
Missoula, MT 59804
Office (406) 542-4338
Cell (406) 239-9881