The Oregon Logging Conference has launched a ‘fire relief fund’ for loggers who suffered losses caused by catastrophic forest fires in 2020. The organization is seeking donations to raise $1 million to benefit loggers.
The wildfires “have shaken our industry to the core,” the OLC fire relief committee, made up of president Scott Melcher, manager Rikki Wellman, and committee chair Heidi Leib, said in a letter to “friends and colleagues.”
“It will take months, possibly years, to realize the extent of the damage, estimated to be over one hundred million dollars in equipment loss alone. We believe the success of one depends on the success of another, which is why the Oregon Logging Conference has started a ‘fire relief fund’ for loggers who suffered losses in these catastrophic fires.”
Donations will be used specifically to help logging companies that suffered loss of equipment. Funds will be allocated to help defray costs of removal, repair, replacing of equipment, tools, and supplies. They will be managed by the Oregon Logging Conference.
The wood products industry accounts for over 61,000 jobs in Oregon, they noted, and “is the backbone of our economy, and right now it needs your help. We invite you to participate in rebuilding Oregon by making a financial contribution to our “Repair & Recovery Fire Relief Fund.”
Checks should be payable to the Oregon Logging Conference Fire Relief Fund. They may be mailed to: Oregon Logging Conference Fire Relief Fund, P.O. Box 10669, Eugene, OR 97440.
For questions or more information, contact Leib at heidileib@bc.com or
(503) 457-8527 or Wellman at firerelieffund@oregonloggingconference.com or (541) 954-2477.
