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Celebrating 17 Years of Dedication: Keith Buck’s Journey at Cummings Lumber

Today marks a significant milestone for Keith and Cummings Lumber – a remarkable 17 years of dedication and hard work. Keith’s journey as a Machine Operator has been one of unwavering commitment and exceptional skill, contributing to the growth and success of the company.

What’s it like to be a Machine Operator?
Check out Keith Buck’s Employee Anniversary Video on YouTube and find out!

Here’s to Keith – may the years ahead be filled with continued success and fulfillment. Thank you for being a part of our journey. Congratulations on this impressive milestone!

PASSING THE TORCH: The Art of Mentorship

In the heart of a small town, the sparks fly—not just from the cutting torch, but from the connection between a seasoned expert and an eager apprentice. Johnny Quick, with years of experience under his belt, takes on the role of a mentor to young Ty Barrett, who’s eyes are full of ambition and hands, ready to learn.

Thank You Ernie Foulkrod for sharing the photos.

Early Morning Light

Jim Van Noy’s recent photograph captures more than just a load of logs ready to be hauled; it encapsulates the essence of the trucking life. The early morning light, the quiet anticipation of the journey ahead, and the steadfast presence of the truck itself. This image is a powerful reminder of the hard work and dedication that goes into each haul. Thank you for the awesome photo, Jim, and more importantly, thank you for your service. Keep on trucking!

FY 2024 Spending Package Included Boost for Biomass

Biomass was the largest source of total annual U.S. energy consumption until the mid-1800s.  In 2023, biomass accounted for nearly 5% of U.S. total primary energy consumption.  Biomass is used for heating and electricity generation and as a transportation fuel. 

Most electricity generated from biomass is produced by direct combustion. Biomass is burned in a boiler to produce high-pressure steam. This steam flows over a series of turbine blades, causing them to rotate. The rotation of the turbine drives a generator, producing electricity. Biomass can also serve as substitute for a portion of coal in an existing power plant furnace in a process called co-firing (combusting two different types of materials at the same time).  Bioenergy, or energy derived from biomass, is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels because it can be produced from renewable sources, such as plant and woody-mass, that can be continuously replenished.

Biomass is technically a “renewable” energy source, in that trees can be replanted after they’re harvested.  And many lawmakers have argued that because trees store carbon as they grow, replacement forests will gradually remove the carbon dioxide emitted when the previous trees were burned for energy, making the whole process carbon neutral—that is, putting no net emissions into the atmosphere. The massive fiscal 2024 federal spending bill includes a provision urging the heads of EPA, the Energy Department and the Agriculture Department to adopt policies that “reflect the carbon-neutrality of forest bioenergy and recognize biomass as a renewable energy source.”  In Aril the US Congress approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 spending package that includes language classifying biomass as carbon neutral across federal agencies.

3-21-24 is World Wood Day

Our forests are the lifeblood of Pennsylvania, influencing and enhancing our daily lives in countless ways. Imagine a world without clean water, fresh air, and abundant wildlife. They provide us with refuge, inspiration, and a renewable source of valuable resources like food, paper and world-renowned wood for products such as flooring, furniture, cabinets, and much more. Through science-based management, Penn’s Woods will not only endure but flourish, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. Let’s cherish our forests and the vital role that they play in our lives.