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timberbeast · 7th November 2007, 08:34 PM

Timberbeast, here!
I cut professionally in the logging industry as a Southeast Alaskan "cutter" for a number of years. There are still jobs to be had there!

The primary tree species in Southeast is Western Hemlock and Sitka Spruce. Also found are red and yellow cedar as merchantable timber. The average diameters are between 3 and 5 feet. I cut some trees that had over 10,000 board feet in them (one tree!).

The pay is good. I was offered a heli-logging job there in April 2006 that paid over $7,200 / month. The locations are remote - man camps.

There is some active logging on the Kenai Pennisula (below Anchorage), although much of it is mechanized and has gone for pulp. They've had a helluva' beetle infestation there. The primary species there are black and white spruce, which is found throughout the interior as well. Very limited logging in the interior, mainly due to logistics, slow growth rates, and "pecker poles" (small timber).

There are a few arborcultural businesses in Anchorage that seem to always be looking for climbers - although the pay generally is not as good as it is in logging operations.

The deciding factor on whether you get hired or not will most likely be determined by your experience, particularly with big timber in Southeast. You want to be frank about this one, as I have seen people that have "fudged" on their experience, flown out to the bush, only to work a few hours and be put back on the plane.

You can check out some video and pics of my experience in Alaska by clicking on the link below:

Timberbeast

The best of luck in your endeavors.

- Timberbeast

P.S. Check out this link for current job offers in Timber at:
Alaska Job Center Network or call the Ketchikan Office at Phone: 225-3181 Fax: 247-0557 For Urban Forestry (in Anchorage), check the yellow pages for Tree Services.

7th November 2007, 08:34 PM	#5 (permalink)
timberbeast Sappling Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: North America Posts: 6	Re: alaskan doozies Timberbeast, here! I cut professionally in the logging industry as a Southeast Alaskan "cutter" for a number of years. There are still jobs to be had there! The primary tree species in Southeast is Western Hemlock and Sitka Spruce. Also found are red and yellow cedar as merchantable timber. The average diameters are between 3 and 5 feet. I cut some trees that had over 10,000 board feet in them (one tree!). The pay is good. I was offered a heli-logging job there in April 2006 that paid over $7,200 / month. The locations are remote - man camps. There is some active logging on the Kenai Pennisula (below Anchorage), although much of it is mechanized and has gone for pulp. They've had a helluva' beetle infestation there. The primary species there are black and white spruce, which is found throughout the interior as well. Very limited logging in the interior, mainly due to logistics, slow growth rates, and "pecker poles" (small timber). There are a few arborcultural businesses in Anchorage that seem to always be looking for climbers - although the pay generally is not as good as it is in logging operations. The deciding factor on whether you get hired or not will most likely be determined by your experience, particularly with big timber in Southeast. You want to be frank about this one, as I have seen people that have "fudged" on their experience, flown out to the bush, only to work a few hours and be put back on the plane. You can check out some video and pics of my experience in Alaska by clicking on the link below: Timberbeast The best of luck in your endeavors. - Timberbeast P.S. Check out this link for current job offers in Timber at: Alaska Job Center Network or call the Ketchikan Office at Phone: 225-3181 Fax: 247-0557 For Urban Forestry (in Anchorage), check the yellow pages for Tree Services.