Kevin Kanduch - Presidents Message

As we move deeper into the summer, the heat is setting in, conditions are drying out, and fire season is now in full swing across much of Montana. Like many of you, we're keeping a close eye on changing conditions while continuing to work safely and efficiently every day.

It's no secret that the rising cost of fuel continues to put pressure on all of us. In a market where margins are already tight, every increase at the pump makes a difference. Despite those challenges, I'm continually impressed by the resilience and determination of our members. The logging industry has always been made up of hardworking people who know how to adapt, solve problems, and keep

moving forward, even when conditions aren't ideal.

One bright spot I'd like to recognize is our Blue Collar Scholarship Program. I'm proud to announce that we have selected two outstanding scholarship recipients this year. Congratulations to Justin Grant, who works for CRD Timber, and Sean Grant, who works for Intermountain Forestry. We're proud to support both of these hardworking individuals as they continue building their careers in Montana's forest products industry. Congratulations to both of you, we wish you the very best.

Here at KLM, we've continued to stay busy. Our logging crews are still hard at work on projects in Salmon and Clinton, while our mastication crews have been traveling throughout the region helping improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk. Our excavation division continues to impress me every day with the quality of work they're producing and the professionalism they bring to every project. I'm incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished this season.

As always, the Montana Logging Association remains committed to advocating for our members, promoting responsible forest management, and supporting the hardworking men and women who keep this industry moving. Your involvement and support are what make this organization successful.

On a more personal note, I was lucky enough to get married to Lauren at the end of June. We did a small ceremony in Vegas surrounded by loved ones. While I was down there for the wedding, I had some time to reflect (mostly because I ran out of gambling money almost immediately) on what matters most and how astonishingly lucky I am in so many ways, with roulette being the exception apparently. I have such amazing people in my corner rooting for me and supporting me. It reminds me of the Association, and this industry. It is all about the people that you surround yourself with, both personally and professionally, I am doing exceedingly well on that front. 

I'll leave you with this: challenges have never defined Montana loggers, our response to them has. Through rising costs, changing markets, difficult weather, and long days, this industry continues to prove its resilience time and time again. Every load hauled, every acre treated, every road built, and every stand harvested represents the pride, grit, and craftsmanship that keep Montana's forests healthy and our communities strong.

As summer continues, take care of yourselves, look out for your crews, and never lose sight of the important work you do. Better days are built by people who refuse to quit, and if there's one thing I know about Montana loggers, it's that grit has never been in short supply.

Stay safe, keep your heads up, and I'll see you in the woods.

Kevin Kanduch

President, Montana Logging Association