The MLA's 1st 50 Years

Since its founding in 1976, the Montana Logging Association (MLA) has evolved from a small group of concerned contractors into a unified voice for nearly 500 timber related businesses.

Founding and Early Advocacy (1970s)

• 1976: The MLA was formally incorporated in Deer Lodge, Montana. The original incorporators were John E. Bruns of Dillon, Donald Wozny of Townsend, Calvin Stokes of Deer Lodge, Don Moullet of Livingston, Art Perry of Belgrade, Donald Roedel of Dillon, and Don G. Buck of Deer Lodge to address economic instability, environmental regulations, and a crisis in the state's workers' compensation system.

• Late 1970s: The association launched its first major member benefits, including a health insurance program through Blue Cross.
  

Safety and Policy Leadership (1980s – 1990s)

• 1980:  Keith L. Olson was hired as the MLA’s Executive Director.  A landmark partnership began with the State Compensation Insurance Fund  to promote safety and loss control.

• 1981: The MLA’s 1^st Logger Safety 1^st aid and CPR courses were offered. The Montana Logger magazine becomes a monthly publication.

• Mid 80s: The MLA launched the "Safety Rangers" program to improve industry safety standards. Bud Clinch was hired in 1983.

• 1987: The association became heavily involved in the debate over forest practices following federal amendments to the Clean Water Act.

• 1988–1989: The MLA participated in a multi-stakeholder group that developed Montana’s voluntary Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) to protect water quality during timber harvests.

• 1991: The MLA influenced the passage of the Streamside Management Zone (SMZ) Act, which regulated logging activities near state waters.

• 1994: The MLA’s Accredited Logging Professional Program is implemented. Montana Extension Forestry’s newly developed program is offered to professional loggers in Montana.  The 1^st Forest Stewardship Workshop for Loggers is held at Yellow Bay. 

  The American Loggers Council is born. The MLA is the coordinating office for the ALC during the 1^st three years. MLA past president’s Sherm Anderson and Ken Swanstrom have served as ALC presidents.

• 1996: The board voted to adopt the Log a Load for Kids program - raising funds for CMN hospitals. The MLA Log a Load for kids program benefits Shodair Childrens Hospital in Helena.

• 1997: The Professional Logger Hauler Program is initiated.

• 1998: Reflecting its growth, the MLA moved to its own permanent headquarters east of Kalispell.

Modern Professionalism (2000s – Present)

• Early 2000s: The MLA, MLA Services, begins a new work comp program with the Associated Loggers Exchange.  The MLA adds fire training as part of the annual 1^st aid CPR spring training.  The American Forest Resource Council is formed, MLA exec, Keith Olson is nominated to the board of AFRC

• 2010: The association faced new challenges in member health coverage following the passage of the Affordable Care Act, adapting its benefit programs to remain compliant while supporting members.

• 2014: The new non-profit, Montana Timber Legacy Foundation is formed to create funds to commemorate, preserve and advance Montana’s timber harvesting heritage. The Timber Heritage License Plate becomes available at local DMV’s.

  The MLA begins relationship with Colorado State University and High Plains Intermountain Center for Ag Health to create a detailed survey of accidents in the logging industry and to use that information to develop a more relevant and successful 1^st aid/CPR training program.

Mid to late 2000s:  The MLA begins participating in opportunities to engage high school students in the industry as part of a work force development initiative.

Grant funding from Colorado State University allows the MLA to purchase an equipment simulator to use for training and allowing students a chance to see a feel operation of logging equipment.

Participating in Forest Products Week student tours, sponsoring and participating in FFA Career Fairs and various high school career fairs across the state the MLA has had the opportunity to talk to 1000’s of students about the importance of healthy forests and career opportunities in the wood products industry.

The MLA becomes a sponsor of the REAL Montana Program, designed to develop leaders in the natural resource community through educational opportunities around the state. MLA members and two staff members have benefited from this valuable program.

Developed and implemented the MLA’s first formal 5-year strategic plan in 2017 with an update created in 2022.  MLA staff use the plan as a tool to focus on the priorities of the membership.

Keith Olson retires in 2018 and the MLA shifts staffing to an Administrative Director and three regional representatives who along with in the field safety, handle state and federal policy and education and training.

The partnership with Colorado State University provides additional funding to continue creating relevant and updated logger safety training during the pandemic. This program continues to evolve each year with the help of Ally Safety, another partner in our endeavor to provide a relevant safety program.

2026: The MLA is proud to continue a strong working relationship with our partners at local, state, regional and national levels to advocate for polices that support domestic timber supply and active forest   management.  May 15/16, 2026 the MLA holds its 50^th Anniversary Celebration in Butte MT.