Montana Log Truckers Association events

Darby is hosting its 3rd Annual Logger Day's on July 16 & 17, 2004...2 blocks south of Darby. Two days of fun-filled family events are planned. In addition to the Logger events, there will be Kids events, Truck Convoy, Live Music, Retail and Educational Booths, Raffles, and Great Food & Spirits. Shane Clouse & Stomping Ground will perform 7pm-Midnight on Saturday. Friday night, (the 16th) will bring Lawn Mower Races and family events all beginning at 6:00pm at the event grounds.

The Truck Convoy is an exciting part of Logger Days. We welcome anyone who would like to join us and help open the day with a bang. The trucks will be congregating at Muralt's Truck Stop in Missoula Saturday morning. Please be present and lined up "Ready To Roll" by 7:00am. The route will be Reserve Street to Hwy 93S. down to Darby. Any forest use vehicles are welcome, ie: log trucks, semi-trucks, horse, snow mobile, or 4 wheeler trailers, rafts, etc. Please remember to be courteous to all other traffic along the way and follow normal highway laws. If you would like additional information, contact Sharon Evers at 821-3648 or 800-700-3880

We would also like to invite all competitors to enter our Logger's Day Competition. The competition will begin at 10:00am and will consist of 15 logging events. There is an entry fee of $5 per event or $50 for all. First through fourth places will be paid. First prize in each event is $200, 2nd place receives $150, 3rd $100 and 4th $50. The type of chainsaw for the competition will be stock only using regular mix saw gas. Call Robin Conner at 821-4864 for an entry form.

Camping and hotels are nearby. R.V.'s and tents are welcomed on a first come, first serve basis at the event ground. No services are provided. No dogs, glass, or coolers, please.

*Main goal and purpose of Timber Worker's United is the prudent and sustainable use of our forest and rivers by the public.

*W agree that all citizens deserve to enjoy and partake in responsible employment, recreational enjoyment, and multiple uses from within our forest.

Flint Creek Valley Days will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 23, 24, and 25^th in Philipsburg. All of the logging-associated events/happenings will take place on Saturday the 24th.

There will be a live demonstration of the Ponsse cut-to-length system (harvester & forwarder) on Saturday morning at a stand of bug infested/diseased timber on the east end of Philipsburg (owned by the city and possibly BLM).

There will be transportation back and forth from downtown P-burg to the site via a hay wagon, probably on a 1/2 hour schedule.

Logs from the site will be forwarded or trucked through the hubbub to the ice skating rink 1/2 block off of the main street. At the skating rink we will have a portable mill set up where some demo milling can be observed.

At noon on Saturday there is a parade, with logging machines and trucks the featured vehicles (line-up begins at 10:30). We would love to see as many logging-related entries in the parade as possible.

Immediately following the parade, there will be logging competitions at the skating rink.

The Granite County Commissioners have agreed to purchase (with title III forest reserve funds) 500 copies of "Evergreen Magazine" to be handed out during the festivities.

Also, I've been in touch with Roy Anderson, MSU Extension Specialist - Forest Products Marketing, and he said extension forestry will supply handouts about forestry and forest stewardship education.

Western States Equipment in Missoula will be bringing up several pieces of equipment, including a skid steer with a shearhead. They had wanted to do a live demo, but the ground we'll be on may be too steep. In any event, the equipment will generate interest and questions.

The impetus for this show began as we've watched the changing face of Granite County , with more and more people moving in that do not understand natural resources. Forest Health education at a local level is vital as our demographics change rapidly. We need to become passionate about loggers getting involved in their communities -- we don't have a store front so we tend to be discounted.

Come join us in P-burg July 24th…

Thanks, Lori Mann