We are incredibly fortunate to live and work where we do. A few weeks ago, I spent the afternoon biking along Detroit’s revitalized riverfront and across Belle Isle before settling in at the Renaissance Center to watch the fireworks show hosted by the Parade Company. Between pedaling along the water and cooling off in my room as dusk fell, I found myself reflecting on what I’d missed during my ride and on two glaring gaps in our urban landscape.
First, despite riding alongside the Detroit River for miles, there was only one public access point where you could actually reach the water to dunk your feet and cool down. Second, nearly the entire corridor lacked mature shade trees, leaving cyclists and pedestrians exposed to full sun.
That contrast hit home because much of my work takes me to the forests of northeast Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, northern Michigan. In those regions, dense canopies line every road, and small lakes and rivers dot the rolling hills at every turn. If you didn’t know where you were on a map, the landscape might seem interchangeable, but the one constant is how welcoming it feels to anyone seeking shade or a place to swim.
Back at the recent Wisconsin SFI State Implementation Committee (SIC) meeting, a lively discussion sprang up. Should logger training completed in one state be recognized in another? The conversation didn’t yield a definitive answer, though mill representatives agreed they accept SFI training regardless of which state the logger received their training. That got me thinking if our natural resources look and function so similarly, and our logging practices and challenges overlap, why don’t we form a regional SIC?
A quick online search revealed that the Central Rockies already have a joint SIC spanning Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota. Why can’t Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan do the same? Three major mills participate in SICs in all three states, while two other mills participate in two. Our industry networks are already deeply intertwined. Beyond that, our Best Management Practices manuals differ only in minor details.
Imagine the possibilities and the cost savings of a truly regional approach:
Each of these directly advances the goals of our various SICs. I may not hold a voting seat on any committee, but it’s clear that merging our efforts would streamline operations, eliminate redundancies, and unlock real cost efficiencies.
By uniting Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan into a single Midwestern ISC, we’ll not only streamline training and outreach but also amplify our grant-writing power and policy influence. Together, we can pool resources, cut costs, and build healthier forests Let’s seize this chance to forge a truly regional partnership and secure our industry’s future.
Speaking of coming together, get ready to gear up the 79th annual Great Lakes Logging and Heavy Equipment Expo returning to the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba, Michigan, September 4th–6th. I can’t wait to see familiar faces and meet newcomers alike. If it’s been a while since you last attended, make this your year to come back and say hello. You’ll find me roaming around the fairgrounds. Just commit my ugly mug shot at the top of the page to memory, and you’re set!
But this expo isn’t just about showcasing impressive machinery. It’s a proud celebration of the dedicated professionals who manage the rich, diverse forests of the Great Lakes region for the benefit of future generations.
We kick things off on Wednesday with the Earl St. John Education Fund Golf Outing at the Island Resort & Casino in Harris, Michigan. I’ve personally never played in it because by the third hole, I tend to get bored and start pretending I’m Rusty Wallace in a NASCAR race, bumping carts left and right. Don’t judge. Thursday is packed with excitement, featuring the official Opening Ceremony, followed by the President’s Kickoff Party later that evening. The skilled operator competitions also begin on Thursday and run throughout the duration of the expo.
The President’s Kickoff Party brings a taste of Escanaba, serving up Elmer’s famous Croatian Chicken dinner with all the fixings, delicious pie, and hopefully ice cream from Debacker Family Dairy. I may need to sweet-talk Denny for that scoop! The party also features a silent auction benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network Log A Load for Kids. This is a great cause paired with good food and great company.
As of this writing, we’re thrilled to have 122 exhibitors, including 21 first timers. Let’s extend a warm welcome to them all and show what the generous logging community is all about. This year, we’re adding a brand-new Chainsaw Competition on Saturday morning, plus a hot breakfast hosted onsite by the Gladstone Area Knights of Columbus.
This event is a true tribute to the forest industry and the hardworking individuals who represent it. There’s something for everyone from equipment demos and competitions to camaraderie, great eats, and celebration. I can’t wait to see you all there.
Mike Elenz
GLTPA President