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Keri Libby sits in the operator s cockpit of the de-barker machine at Moose River Lumber in Jackman on May 10. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel
Lumber has become a hot commodity over the past year – more than doubling in price by some measures – but the spike in demand isn’t likely to benefit most wood suppliers in Maine.
Demand for building materials has jumped during the pandemic, caused at least in part by the hot real estate market that has led many to buy land away from the big cities and build a new home in a safer, rural community. Home renovations and expansions are also booming, as many people forced to work from home have decided that a purpose-built home office would work better than a converted bedroom.
Spike in lumber prices not helping most Maine wood suppliers
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Creation of a Maine Forest Advisory Board draws sharp comments from both sides
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Creating Maine forest panel draws sharp comments from both sides
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By Staff
A federal bill that would allow owners of small logging businesses to train 16- and 17-year-old family members in Maine forest products careers is being backed by the state s congressional delegation.
The Future Logging Careers Act addresses one of the biggest issues in Maine s forest industry the aging workforce and lack of young workers to fill the gap. Industry leaders, looking to add $3.5 billion to Maine s forest-related economy in the next five years, have said expanding or even maintaining workforce levels is the biggest challenge.
The labor shortage in the logging industry is reaching a crisis point, with an estimated 2,000 loggers and heavy-duty truckers about a third of the industry s workforce reaching retirement age in the next eight years, according to a recent University of Southern Maine study.