County

Grand County: Where there’s a mill, there’s a way

With all the timber made available by the bark beetle epidemic, obtaining wood hasn’t been a problem for the mills in recent years.
RBC I The smell of fresh-cut pine, the steady sound of heavy machinery and the sight of semi-trailers dropping off regular truckloads of logs are clear indicators that Grand County sawmills are alive and kicking.
Colorado’s timber industry has seemingly been in dire straits in recent years. After decades of struggling to stay afloat in a flagging wood products market, the industry faced the mountain pine beetle epidemic, which left behind millions of acres of dead lodgepole pine. Yet three determined sawmill owners in Grand County have managed to remain successful by finding regional markets for beetle-kill and other local timber. They obtain the majority of this wood from timber sales on local private lands, where forests are harvested based on advice and assistance from the Colorado State Forest Service.
“These guys are actually processing high volumes of wood harvested from beetle-kill areas,” said Ryan McNertney, forester for the CSFS Granby District. “This is wood that many people incorrectly assume is of low quality, but these mills have managed to find ways to process and market it effectively.”
One thing the owners of Grand County’s three largest sawmills agree on is that adaptability is vital to success. Each owner has found a way to meet niche demands in the current wood products market, which means they have a heavy focus on beetle-kill wood. All three businesses are family owned and operated.
“They’re each taking the same wood and doing something different with it,” McNertney said.
The mill owned by Leonard Peeling in Fraser, a second-generation operation in existence since the 1940s, cuts and peels lodgepole pine logs to produce fence posts and corral poles. The semi-processed lumber ships to wholesale wood treatment facilities, which weather-proof it before remarketing the finished product to farmers, ranchers and homeowners. Owner Rick Leonard says that a major advantage of having a smaller mill operation is the ability to adapt to a changing market.
“We’re flexible. If I have a customer who wants a nine-foot post, I can cut a nine-foot post,” he said.
Farther north, near Granby, Ranch Creek LTD also focuses on the wholesale market, but with a heavy emphasis on rough-sawn dimensional lumber, such as crating material for pallets, banding boards for pipes and landscape timbers. And while Leonard Peeling and Ranch Creek focus on providing unfinished product to the wholesale market, Hester’s Log and Lumber in Kremmling focuses on selling custom products directly to the retail market, such as decorative beams, flooring and wood paneling – much with the distinctive blue-stain signature seen after a beetle outbreak. Ironically, a glut of beetle-kill wood has been a boon to the success of the local mill owners.
“The beetle has definitely been a boost for our business,” says Kent Hester, owner of the Kremmling mill and a former forester.
The mill owners know that wood quality is unaffected by prior mountain pine beetle infestation, and are grateful that consumers also now recognize this fact. As a result, the blue-stain quality of the wood actually has increased in popularity with some consumers — including many who reside out of state. The processed wood from these mills is shipped to addresses in Colorado and at least 10 other Western states. Hester says he has even shipped product as far away as Hawaii. And Mike Jolovich, owner of Ranch Creek LTD, says his goal is to market 20 percent of his product outside Colorado. He attributes his success in part to finding clients who are willing to spend a few extra dollars for a higher quality finished product.
“We’ve tried to stay away from the main line to make a little more revenue,” says Jolovich.
Although much of the wood-milling process can now be automated — Ranch Creek has an electronic merchandising system that uses an optical scanner to cut and sort logs by size —these Grand County sawmills still create and support many local jobs. Together, the mills employ approximately 50 full-time workers. They also support many more local and regional jobs upstream and downstream from milling operations: loggers, truck drivers, treatment plant workers and even businesses that ultimately sell the finished product to the consumer, such as Lowe’s and Home Depot. And then there are the jobs they provide for themselves and their family members.
“My desk is right in there,” Leonard says, pointing inside the cab of his mechanized log cutter.
Jolovich, who now employs 23 year-round workers at Ranch Creek, says that a year ago he had only 11 on staff. And the money that goes to his employees stays local. He points out that they buy local hardware and go to local restaurants and grocery stores. “I don’t know what you call that. Good business, I guess,” he says.
“These are local businesses with local wood employing local people,” said McNertney. “They’re all smaller operations, but they’re critical for this economy.”
Besides creating jobs, the mills provide inexpensive wood resources for area residents. Much of the unusable lumber becomes firewood that is sold for nominal prices, or even given away free if of lower quality. And Hester sells compost produced from sawdust and wood peelings, while Leonard’s peelings end up as animal bedding and other products.
“I’ve been here 27 years, and we haven’t hauled anything off to the landfill,” Hester said.
With few exceptions, only local wood is utilized by these sawmills, and most of the current supply comes from standing dead trees lost to the mountain pine beetle epidemic. Leonard says that it’s better for both the environment and the economy to remove the timber now.
“Use it now before it falls on the ground and becomes useless,” he said.
Leonard’s operation alone takes in approximately four truckloads of logs per day, or more than 100 tons of wood. The other mills process a similar amount of wood. Each day, their operations collectively take in roughly 1,500 trees from up to 12 acres of land – land that desperately needs active forest management. McNertney said utilization of the beetle-kill wood makes a truly significant impact and helps foresters like him better manage the land.
“These mills are outlets for the products that result from forest management practices,” McNertney said. “To prevent future forest health issues, we need to keep them in business.”
With all the timber made available by the bark beetle epidemic, obtaining wood hasn’t been a problem for the mills in recent years. They get most of their wood from timber sales on local private lands, where forests are being harvested based on advice and assistance from the CSFS, but also obtain logs from federal and state lands.
“We’re one of the biggest benefactors of what the Colorado State Forest Service does,” Jolovich said.
The other major benefactor could be considered the forests themselves. Local timber harvests help landowners manage for healthy forests and clear hillsides of standing dead timber, but accessible beetle-kill timber in adequate milling condition will eventually run out.
“As this timber ages, it becomes tougher and tougher to utilize,” said Jolovich. He says that once wood-rot starts in dead trees – which happens much faster as they fall down – the wood no longer will be usable. Most lodgepole pines killed by bark beetles are predicted to fall within approximately a decade of infestation.
McNertney says increasing public acceptance of long-term forest management is a key factor in making wood available to the industry. This will allow public land managers to continue timber sales, and encourage private landowners to allow loggers on their own lands. However, if land managers and private landowners opt not to make timber available in the near future, the outlook for Colorado sawmill owners, those they employ and the forests around them could be bleak.

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  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
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  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
2 hours ago
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It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
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View on Instagram |
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Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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View on Instagram |
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Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
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Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
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Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
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