At 84 probably last logging job.
An honorable career sir.! ffcool
Fun questions? Do you know how many harvests you've overseen?
Have you been part of multiple cutting cycles . As in cut, plant,thin, thin, final harvest in the same stand?
Not sure I'm asking that right? But must be satisfying as heck to have been able to work the same stands over that long
Rough estimate would be over 700, didn't keep count. I was involved in every type harvest out there, some tracts I harvested 2, 3,4 times. Some clear cuts for stand improvement, take out the trash and replant.
I prefer the uneven age management but clients did not always agree, so I gave the best job I could, or turned down the job.
I have worked family land for clients for two generations. Most of my old clients left land to kids who did not follow the parents path, cut the timber and sold the land. I gave them the best I could. That tract pictured is 100 acres that I had cut 50 years ago, or so, when I thinned it again 25 years ago, or so, and now a final "real estate" cut for the daughter. She said she inherited my when her father died.
The land will be up for sale since the owner is the last of the family.
Sounds like a great run TR! Congratulations!
Maybe taper off so you do not withdrawal? Good luck, whatever you do. ffsmiley :thumbsup:
Well done sir. Hope there are more behind you with your dedication to keep cutting as a career.
You had a good career.
Congrats TR. I wonder if that means that I can retire in two years?? :huh?
Has to be bitter sweet. Congrats on a great run.
Quote from: Magicman on July 02, 2025, 10:21:35 PMCongrats TR. I wonder if that means that I can retire in two years?? :huh?
Magic, only semi retired, slow down and die. Not there yet . I see you still going when you reach my advanced age!
Quote from: customsawyer on July 03, 2025, 06:17:19 AMHas to be bitter sweet. Congrats on a great run.
Jake, thanks bud, cannot do the woods like I used to, but this trip was a look back, beautiful drive through woods to the middle of no where. This tract is surrounded by Rainier plantations, they do a good job. Picture does not show it, but average dbh on pine saw logs was 28 inch. I should have been able to log it 6 years ago when the stumpage was double what it is now, but obstinate landowner. Could have gotten another 25 year cycle going, but me and the landowner would be dust by then.
Well done TR and congratulations on your long land management career. One knows when it's time to leave the woods. :wink_2:
After 38 years with the USFS in 3 states and another 25 years as a Consulting Forester in Michigan I finally gave up at age 87 and passed all my work on to a younger consultant.
Clients kept me going longer than I had planned with "just one more job", but the old body started slowing down and told me it was time to quit.