Image20250109114601

We Are the National Voice for Professional Loggers

The American Loggers Council is dedicated to supporting the logging industry by advocating for fair opportunities for loggers and providing reliable information about the sector. We unite independent loggers and log truck contractors across the nation, working to improve their rights and promote sustainable forestry practices.

American Loggers Council

Our Purpose

The American Loggers Council is the only national organization fully focused on representing the rights and interests of independent loggers and log truck contractors. Through collaboration with state and regional logging associations, we positively impact the industry with resources like education, networking, research, legislative advocacy, and promotion.

Our Mission

Our mission is to enhance the logging profession by providing a unified voice on key issues, supporting sustainable forestry practices, and advocating for favorable national legislation. We cooperate with public, industrial, and private timberland owners to ensure the success and sustainability of the industry.

Our History

Formed in 1994, the American Loggers Council was created to give American Loggers a consistent and strong voice in the face of national challenges. The adoption of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) marked the beginning of our journey, which now represents 45 states across the U.S., strengthening the industry and supporting the professionals who sustain it.

Loggers Working for Loggers

Described as “loggers working for loggers,” the American Loggers Council is committed to leveling the playing field for professional loggers and providing accurate information about the logging industry to stakeholders, including forest products companies and landowners. American Loggers Council serves as a vital communication network linking local, state, and regional organizations across the country.

Our Leadership

The American Loggers Council is guided by an Executive Council and Board of Directors, consisting of experienced leaders from logging associations across the U.S. These dedicated individuals ensure the council's mission and values are upheld and continuously advocate for the improvement of the logging profession.

Executive Committee

  • President: Mike Albrecht
  • 1st Vice President: Dave Cupp
  • 2nd Vice President: Freddy Tidwell
  • Secretary/Treasurer: Chuck Ames
  • Northeastern Delegate: Andy Irish
  • Midwestern Delegate: Matt Jensen
  • Southern Delegate: Richard Schwab
  • Western Delegate: Bruce Zuber

Board of Directors

  • Charles Langley, Independent Logging Contractors of Alabama
  • Freddy Tidwell, Alabama Loggers Council
  • Rusty Ledbetter, Arkansas Timber Producers Association
  • Russ Hawkins, Associated California Loggers
  • J. Harry Sanders III, Southeastern Wood Producers Association
  • Tim Christopherson, Associated Logging Contractors - Idaho
  • Chuck Courtney, Green River Loggers Council - Kentucky
  • John Keith, Louisiana Logging Council
  • Darrell Franks, Louisiana Loggers Association
  • Chuck Ames, Professional Logging Contractors of Northeast
  • Joe Doyle, Michigan Association of Timbermen
  • Peter Wood, Associated Contract Loggers & Truckers of Minnesota
  • Brian Smith, Mississippi Loggers Association
  • Dan Leeds, Southwest Loggers Association
  • John Evans, Missouri Logging Council
  • Ken Swanstrom, Montana Logging Association
  • Heath Bunnell, New Hampshire Timber Harvesting Council
  • Jason Tew, Carolina Loggers Association
  • Henry Gundlach, Northeastern Loggers Association
  • Ryan Redoutey, Logging Standards Council - Ohio
  • Bruce Zuber, Associated Oregon Loggers
  • Joseph "BoBo" Seckinger, South Carolina Timber Producers
  • Greg Williams, Southern Loggers Cooperative
  • Graham VanDusen, Texas Logging Council
  • Judd Smith, Virginia Loggers Association
  • Ed Bryant, Washington Contract Loggers Association
  • Bill Robinson, West Virginia Loggers Council
  • Matt Jensen, Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association
  • Bob Verrier, Rhode Island Wood Operators’ Organization
  • Donnie Reaves, Individual Logger Member Representative
  • Robert Carrington, Connecticut Professional Timber Producers Association

Past Presidents

  • 1995-1996: Earl St. Johns (MI)
  • 1996-1997: Dick Schneider (ME)
  • 1997-1998: Gerald Truesdell (SC)
  • 1998-1999: Jerry Birchem (MN)
  • 1999-2000: Joe Cherry (TX)
  • 2000-2001: Kerry Charlton (CA)
  • 2001-2002: Sherm Anderson (MT)
  • 2002-2003: Bob Luoto (OR)
  • 2003-2004: Steve Hannington (ME)
  • 2004-2005: Tom Van Slyke (WA)
  • 2005-2006: Ken Swanstrom (MT)
  • 2006-2007: Charles Johns (FL / GA)
  • 2007-2008: Ezell Castleberry (AL)
  • 2008-2009: Allen Ribelin (AZ)
  • 2009-2010: Mike Wiedeman (OR)
  • 2010-2011: Matt Jensen (WI)
  • 2011-2012: Steve Sherick (ID)
  • 2012-2013: Travis Taylor (LA)
  • 2013-2014: Brian Nelson (MI)
  • 2014-2015: Myles Anderson (CA)
  • 2015-2016: Richard Schwab (FL / GA)
  • 2016-2017: Ken Martin (MS)
  • 2017-2018: Mark Turner (OR)
  • 2018-2019: Chris Potts (AL)
  • 2019-2020: Shannon Jarvis (MO)
  • 2020-2022: Tim Christopherson (ID)
  • 2022-2023: Andy Irish (ME)
  • 2023-2024: Mike Albrecht (CA)
American Loggers Council

Our Code of Practice

We advocate for sustainable forest management, ethical conduct, and responsible logging practices. Our members strive to meet or exceed industry standards, ensuring that logging operations are safe, sustainable, and beneficial to landowners, the environment, and communities. We are committed to training, innovation, and building positive relationships within the logging industry and beyond.