Becker Looks To Share Timber’s Story, Highlight Technology

For many communities across the Northwest, logging used to be a major if not the primary driver of the local economy.  However, a lot has changed over the past 40 years, but that doesn’t mean the timber industry doesn’t have an important roll to play in natural resource management.

That’s where Ryer Becker looks to come in.

Becker filled a new position at the University of Idaho in late 2024, as Extension specialist of forest operations and production manufacturing.  He said while not as large as it once was, the logging industry still plays an important role.

“Throughout the state, it supports families, it supports communities in a really big way," Becker said.  "And a lot of the changes have come with technology and mechanization, that brings about a lot more safety into the industry that has always been, I don't want to say struggle, but just the reality of logging is that it was a hazardous profession. And with new technologies, with new mechanization coming, and that's changed a lot.”

Becker added those new technologies have changed the jobs within the industry, providing more opportunities for people who may not have seen themselves in the logging sector.

He added, despite narratives to the contrary, loggers care deeply about the environment.  Yes, occasionally clear cuts still happen, but that’s the exception, rather than the norm. 

“Loggers aren't just going and doing that on their own free will," Becker said.  "As you mentioned, they're working with the foresters and land managers and taking a multidisciplinary approach to managing that ground to make sure that they're doing it sustainably, that what they're doing in the ground can be repeated in 30, 40, 50 years because they reset the cycle and they replant.”

Becker added those not familiar with the logging industry don’t appreciate that more often then not, timber companies go in and replant after a cutting, whether that’s a selective harvest or clear cut. 

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com