Sustainable forestry depends on skilled professionals who are committed to safety, best practices, and environmental stewardship. Working with logging contractors who meet the highest standards is a priority at PotlatchDeltic, where rigorous training programs and certification processes prepare crews to operate responsibly in working forests. Through structured education and ongoing compliance monitoring, the company safeguards both forest resources and the people managing them.

Before working on company land, contractors must meet strict training and certification requirements. PotlatchDeltic has developed a multi-step vetting process to ensure that every contractor is well-prepared for sustainable operations. This process begins with state-recognized logger training programs, followed by company-led environmental and safety sessions and annual refresher courses.

Beyond initial training, contractors participate in ongoing education tailored to the specific challenges of the landscapes they operate in. In addition to technical proficiency, they must demonstrate adherence to best management practices (BMPs) for water quality, wildlife conservation, soil protection, and safety. Regular site inspections reinforce these standards, ensuring that every contractor remains aligned with the company’s commitment to sustainability.

Effective training is about more than just compliance; it is a proactive strategy to reduce risk and enhance operational efficiency. Annual workshops provide hands-on instruction in emergency response planning, first aid readiness, and operational best practices. In regions with distinct environmental challenges, training is tailored to site-specific risks.

For instance, in Idaho’s steep terrain, contractors learn advanced safety protocols, including helicopter evacuation procedures and development of emergency response plans. In the Southeast, where water crossings pose environmental risks, training focuses on erosion control and sedimentation prevention to protect aquatic habitats. By equipping contractors with knowledge specific to their operating environment, PotlatchDeltic fosters a culture of safety and environmental stewardship.

Well-trained contractors bring significant benefits to both forest management and conservation efforts. In recent years, trained crews have played an essential role in identifying and reporting protected species and habitats, such as red-cockaded woodpecker cavities, gopher tortoise burrows, and northern goshawk nests. Their ability to recognize sensitive areas allows foresters to implement conservation measures before harvesting operations begin.

Training has also strengthened fire prevention protocols. Following a severe wildfire season in Idaho, PotlatchDeltic partnered with the Idaho Department of Lands on a cooperative effort to introduce enhanced fire safety training, improving contractors’ ability to quickly detect and contain spot fires. These efforts have reduced fire-related damage, reinforcing both operational resilience and environmental protection.

Maintaining a highly skilled contractor workforce is not just about meeting today’s forestry needs, it is about preparing for the future. Contractors who consistently uphold BMPs and safety protocols require less oversight, allowing foresters to focus on optimizing forest health and productivity to meet the needs of future generations.