ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Loggers from throughout Michigan and Wisconsin are in Escanaba this weekend for a major event.
Preparations are underway for the 77th annual Great Lakes Logging & Heavy Equipment Expo at the U.P. State Fairgrounds.
The event will showcase the latest technology in the timber industry, including log splitters, firewood processors, and chainsaws. Attendees can also view equipment demonstrations and learn from classes related to the industry.
According to Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association Executive Director Henry Schienebeck, the goal of the expo is to bring members together to see recent developments in logging. The association also aims to educate the public about sustainable forest management.
“Our mission as an industry is to make sure that we never run out of trees and that we never have a lack of access to those trees,” Schienebeck said. “We need loggers to harvest the trees that know what they’re doing on the ground. It’s about wildlife, habitat, water quality, recreational opportunities.”
The Great Lakes Logging & Heavy Equipment Expo opens on Thursday, September 7, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. It continues Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Admission costs $20 and is valid for each day of the expo. Those under 18 will be admitted for free. Click here for more information.
WZMQ 19 will have a look at some of the machines in action and more information about the expo on Thursday’s newscasts.