Earlier this year, Louisiana logger Travis Taylor and Louisiana U.S. Forest Service employee Holly Morgan proposed a forestry machine operators’ program in the state. The outgrowth of their suggestions, which included the curriculum, was a pilot project—the first forestry machine operators’ class in Louisiana—which was completed September 20.
Several of the 11 participants are now working full time in the woods. Most said they signed up because of family tradition or because timber harvesting work pays better than many other types of vocational alternatives in north central Louisiana. All said they would recommend the training to others.
Housed at the Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) (Huey P. Long Campus) in Winnfield, the course was taught by volunteer instructors, including loggers, who also provided the needed equipment. The Louisiana Forestry Association also assisted.
Proponents are pushing for the training of additional students, which could occur at any of several CLTCC locations in state, but note that finding the funding and additional volunteers is a challenge. Those interested should contact the Louisiana Forestry Association at 318-443-2558 or visit https://www.laforestry.com/site/.