Certified Logging Professional Survey Results

Established in 1991, the Certified Logging Professional (CLP) program is a testament to the collective efforts of loggers, landowners, environmental specialists, and safety consultants. This joint initiative aimed to benchmark professionalism in the Maine woods. By providing professional development and certification for Maine loggers, the program’s immediate objective was to address the high rate of logging accidents and the resulting significant Worker’s Compensation costs.

Today, the accident rate for loggers is significantly lower than when the program began, and as a result, certified mechanical loggers have earned a Workers’ Compensation rate 48% lower than non-certified mechanical loggers, and the conventional CLP logging rate is 83% lower than in 1988. With immense pride in what the program has accomplished over the years, Maine TREE Foundation and the CLP program asked logging professionals and individuals in related career fields to complete a survey about their certification status, their thoughts on the existing program, and what they wanted to see the program prioritize in the future. 115 individuals responded to the survey, most indicating they are currently Certified Logging Professionals. 

When asked why respondents became Certified Logging Professionals (CLPs), the number one indicated option was that safety training was important to them. Secondary reasons were that they became CLPs because it significantly reduced their insurance premiums and that survey participants felt professional development was important to them. Respondents indicated that the primary beneficiaries of the program are logging contractors (73%) and operators (71%), while landowners (61%), insurance companies (58%), and mills (41%) also benefited from the program. These results show that logging professionals participating in the program are motivated to do so for various internal and external reasons, and the benefits permeate throughout the forest sector. 

Respondents characterized the current program as a safety training program, including other relevant topics such as regulations and operations. The findings indicated that the current curriculum remains relevant and flexible. Both conventional and mechanical loggers expressed that the program catered to the particular requirements of their logging methods. In terms of a tailored curriculum, "Safety Training" continues to be recognized as the highest priority amongst survey participants, closely followed by the program serving as an "introduction to the logging profession” and training on Best Management Practices. This underscores the desire and necessity for foundational training to assist in the growth of new entrants to the industry.

According to the survey, a significant 84% of loggers have accumulated 11 or more years of work experience. When focusing on conventional loggers, the percentage rises to an impressive 94%, with nearly 72% of them having logged for 21 years or more. These figures illustrate the widespread challenge across the industry in attracting and retaining new, younger talent.

Respondents offered anonymous  praise for the CLP program, saying:

“I was involved with the program from the early years, and it has saved many lives over the years. Best program out there for chainsaw operators especially .”

“I am and have been certified and licensed as a timber harvester in 6 northeastern states. Maine CLP is the best. CLP tries hard to adapt and develop new training to broaden the knowledge of professionals.”

“More workers get home safe and work more efficiently when they are CLP trained.”

We’d like to thank everyone who participated in the survey. The survey results and productive discussions between Maine TREE staff and industry representatives over the last couple of years will inform and determine the new strategic plan for the CLP program. Having successfully achieved the original goals of establishing a culture of safety and professionalism, reducing the rate of on-the-job injuries, and decreasing worker's compensation insurance rates, Maine TREE is eager to enhance the program to meet today's primary industry needs, including workforce development and expanded professional development opportunities. The first step in this exciting initiative is to hire a Certified Logging Professional Program Director. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about our ideal candidate, please check out our job board at mainetree.org/careers!