The illustrious career of Mike St. Peter

Mike St. Peter has been the face and force behind the Certified Logging Professional Program since its inception. As he steps back into semi-retirement, we want to reflect on his career and the CLP program. Mike began working in Occupational Safety and Health in the forest products industry in 1977. He started doing fieldwork for compliance with a workers' compensation insurance group that covered logging and sawmill risks. He was a part of the initial conversations between loggers, logging contractors, and other industry stakeholders in 1990 and was there at the start of the Certified Logging Professional program.

Mike’s substantial contacts in the industry helped establish the CLP program to improve occupational safety and health and reduce astronomically high workers' compensation costs. His four and a half decades of experience in general industry and logging safety training helped the program meet its initial goals. Currently, accident rates and, correspondingly, workmen's compensation rates are at a historic low. 

“No one in Maine’s forest products industry has been more focused on the health and safety of individual loggers than Mike St. Peter. Without exception, Mike's singular focus has been the individual closest to the stump whether it be someone with a chainsaw or in a cab. The consistency and passion with which he has promoted safe practices over the past 35 years is unmatched. Whenever Mike had the responsibility to share the misfortune of a logger’s accident, it was apparent how personally affected he was for the welfare of the logger and his family. His eventual departure will represent the end of an era and leave huge safety boots to fill”.  - Pat Sirois

“(Mike’s) devotion to the program was obvious, seen by the many hours spent away from home in hotels, working late in the evening on curriculum, or traveling throughout Maine and abroad teaching or inspecting job sites.”  said Yves Levesque, who worked for Mike for 20 years, adding, “ As a true leader, (Mike) stayed focused on the main objective, helping CLPs return home at night.”

Reflecting on his long career with the Certified Logging Professional Program, Mike estimated that he had had thousands of interactions with different individuals and companies, saying that overall, it had been a very positive experience for him. “Trying to get people to change their behaviors can sometimes get a little adversarial. That's not always easy, particularly with adults,” he said, elaborating that “Sometimes, the delivery is as important as the information to get the buy-in.”

For nearly five decades, Mike has demonstrated a strong passion for safety in the logging industry, ensuring that loggers can work safely. This passion and empathy have contributed significantly to his success in this role. 

The logging industry has changed considerably since Mike began working with the CLP program. In the early days, conventional loggers dominated the field, but today, due to technological advancements, there are many more mechanical loggers. These changes have also shifted the risks associated with logging jobs. Mike highlighted the difference in risk between a logger operating within the cab of a large harvesting machine and a logger hand-felling trees directly beneath the canopy.

Mike takes pride in helping people become more efficient in their work. He believes that increased efficiency leads to greater safety and a stronger commitment to environmental consciousness. As he puts it, "If you're more efficient, you're going to be safer and more environmentally conscious. I want everyone to understand that the efficient way to accomplish tasks benefits all; it’s a rising tide that lifts all boats."

“Promoting the idea that people will return home to their families in the best possible condition is an essential part of risk assessment. When evaluating a job and its associated risks, improving task efficiency ensures that everyone comes home safe and sound, with all their fingers and toes intact.” Mike said. Mike mentioned that working in the industry today is somewhat easier than when he first started. He attributes this shift to the realization that being responsible stewards of the land, adhering to regulations, and prioritizing safety is more beneficial than the alternative. He believes this is one of the most significant changes he's observed in the industry. Through the efforts of CLP and various professional organizations, landowners are beginning to understand that a safe, efficient, and sustainable industry is the goal they aspire to achieve.

“Mike St Peter and crew have done an excellent job with this program. The safety training I received has undoubtedly saved me from serious injury during the past 14 years. It has also given me insight into managing the 700 acres of land here in Greene that I hope to conserve.”  - anonymous CLP survey respondent.

When asked about his future plans, Mike expressed his intention to continue working. “I’m not one to just retire. I’ve got hobbies, and social interaction is probably just as important as anything regarding your work life, especially if you enjoy what you’re doing. I plan to stay involved in the industry in a limited capacity, allowing me to choose the jobs I take. Last year, I was in Panama and Costa Rica, where I provided felling instruction. Opportunities that blend work and pleasure are always welcomed,” Mike shared.

Mike and his partner of nearly 30 years, Katie Wolf, also hope to travel more, not just for his job. He looks forward to spending more time on his hobbies, which include an annual grouse hunting trip, golfing, and walking his cocker spaniel, Hobie, in the woods. Additionally, Mike has a small fishing boat that he hopes to use more often. Having grown up in Aroostook County, he has always lived in rural areas and appreciates the qualities of living in rural Maine.

“Mike St. Peter has led the Certified Logging Professional program for several decades, playing a vital role in promoting a culture of safety within Maine's professional logging community. Maine TREE is deeply grateful for his dedication and service over the years and wishes him a well-deserved semi-retirement,” said Logan Johnson, Executive Director of the Maine TREE Foundation.

We invite everyone in the industry to join us at this year's CLP Banquet to celebrate his career and the significant achievements he, along with all those who have participated in the Certified Logging Professional program, has accomplished over the years.

Tickets can be purchased at https://www.mainetree.org/event-details/certified-logging-professional-annual-banquet