Pioneer Logging - FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does one apply for a Job at Pioneer Logging?
Licensed Timber Operators interested in working with Pioneer Logging can submit their resume and references to support@pioneer-logging.com.
How high can logs be loaded on a log truck?
The legal height for a loaded truck is 14 feet.
Are Logging Operations available year-round?
Yes, weather permitting. The winter season usually focuses on emergency logging operations.
What are the legal consequences if a LTO is not used for a logging operation?
In the State of California, strict enforcement of Licensed Timber Operators (LTOs) is in place. Use of non-licensed operators can result in fines of $1,000 or more.
How much actual lumber can be realized from a timber harvest?
Determination of the gross and net volume of logs from a timber harvest id referred to as Log Scaling. Conventional scaling involves measuring log diameters and lengths, and applying an approved set of rules to deduct for defects. Weight scaling may also be utilized, especially when materials being weighed are close to or of the same value.
What Insurance Coverage does Pioneer Logging carry?
Pioneer Logging has loggers broad form insurance and is bonded, with liability insurance coverage of $2,000,000 general aggregate.
Does Pioneer Logging support Subcontract logging opportunities?
Yes, our services are structured to support subcontracting opportunities as well.
Does Pioneer Logging work directly for a Saw Mill?
We are a separate entity from the saw mills, but have contracted with them.
Can Private Land Owners contract directly with Pioneer Logging?
Yes, private land owners can contract directly with Pioneer Logging.
What Demographic area does Pioneer Logging support for logging operations?
Pioneer Logging supports logging services through-out the Sierra Nevada Region.
Can an individual log on private land without a license?
No, in order to log on private land in California you must hold a STATE ISSUED TIMBER OPERATORS LICENSE.
Where can I find out if Fire Restrictions are active in an area?
For the Sierra National Region, you can contact one of the Sierra National Forest Offices Monday-Friday (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM):
  • Bass Lake Ranger District Office: 559-877-2218
  • High Sierra Ranger District Office: 559-855-5355
  • Supervisors Office: 559-297-0706
Or visit our webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/sierra.
Is there an estimation process utilized to support Timber sales?
The process of Timber Cruising is often utilized, which involves measuring the forest stands to determine stand characteristics, such as average tree sizes, volume, and quality. The primary objective of cruising is to obtain a volume estimation to support timber sales.
Are there different types of licenses for cutting timber?
Licensed Timber Operators have three different types of licenses depending on the kind of timber operations they are authorized to conduct.
Licenses which begin with the letter "A" authorize the licensee to conduct any type of operations. Licenses which begin with the letter "B" restrict the licensee to only the removal of minor forest products such as firewood and Christmas trees. Licenses which begin with the letter "C" restrict the licensee to only conduct timber operations on their own property only.
How does one verify a timber operator is properly licensed?
You may verify a timber operator is properly licensed through CAL FIRE's website (http://calfire.ca.gov/resource_mgt/downloads/LTO/Valid_LTO_List.pdf), or by contacting CAL FIRE's LTO Program by telephone at (916) 653-7211 or (916) 651-6025 or by email at calfire.ltoprogram@fire.ca.gov.*
You can check the status of a licensed contractor on the CSLB's website (https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx) or by calling their help line (1-800-321-CSLB).*
Are there other legal requirements, besides being properly licensed, that are related to Timber Harvesting?
Yes. Commercial timber operations subject to the Forest Practice Act and Rules also require a timber harvesting plan or an equivalent harvest document. You can learn more about the requirements of the Forest Practice Act & Rules at http://www.fire.ca.gov/treetaskforce/downloads/Draft_Tree_Removal_Guidelines_3-1-16.pdf.*
Can I collect firewood for personal use without a permit?
No, before you can collect firewood you are required to obtain a firewood cutting permit. Permits are available at Forest Service offices.
When are personal firewood permits available?
Each year, from April 1st to November 30th, the Sierra Nevada Forest makes available personal fuel wood gathering permits for the public.
* This information was provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) and The California Office of Emergency Services (CalEOS).

Frequently Asked Questions

How does one apply for a Job at Pioneer Logging?

Licensed Timber Operators interested in working with Pioneer Logging can submit their resume and references to support@pioneer-logging.com.

How high can logs be loaded on a log truck?

The legal height for a loaded truck is 14 feet.

Are Logging Operations available year-round?

Yes, weather permitting. The winter season usually focuses on emergency logging operations.

What are the legal consequences if a LTO is not used for a logging operation?

In the State of California, strict enforcement of Licensed Timber Operators (LTOs) is in place. Use of non-licensed operators can result in fines of $1,000 or more.

How much actual lumber can be realized from a timber harvest?

Determination of the gross and net volume of logs from a timber harvest id referred to as Log Scaling. Conventional scaling involves measuring log diameters and lengths, and applying an approved set of rules to deduct for defects. Weight scaling may also be utilized, especially when materials being weighed are close to or of the same value.

What Insurance Coverage does Pioneer Logging carry?

Pioneer Logging has loggers broad form insurance and is bonded, with liability insurance coverage of $2,000,000 general aggregate.

Does Pioneer Logging support Subcontract logging opportunities?

Yes, our services are structured to support subcontracting opportunities as well.

Does Pioneer Logging work directly for a Saw Mill?

We are a separate entity from the saw mills, but have contracted with them.

Can Private Land Owners contract directly with Pioneer Logging?

Yes, private land owners can contract directly with Pioneer Logging.

What Demographic area does Pioneer Logging support for logging operations?

Pioneer Logging supports logging services through-out the Sierra Nevada Region.

Can an individual log on private land without a license?

No, in order to log on private land in California you must hold a STATE ISSUED TIMBER OPERATORS LICENSE.

Where can I find out if Fire Restrictions are active in an area?

For the Sierra National Region, you can contact one of the Sierra National Forest Offices Monday-Friday (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM):

  • Bass Lake Ranger District Office: 559-877-2218
  • High Sierra Ranger District Office: 559-855-5355
  • Supervisors Office: 559-297-0706
Or visit our webpage at https://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra.

Is there an estimation process utilized to support Timber sales?

The process of Timber Cruising is often utilized, which involves measuring the forest stands to determine stand characteristics, such as average tree sizes, volume, and quality. The primary objective of cruising is to obtain a volume estimation to support timber sales.

Are there different types of licenses for cutting timber?

Licensed Timber Operators have three different types of licenses depending on the kind of timber operations they are authorized to conduct.

Licenses which begin with the letter "A" authorize the licensee to conduct any type of operations. Licenses which begin with the letter "B" restrict the licensee to only the removal of minor forest products such as firewood and Christmas trees. Licenses which begin with the letter "C" restrict the licensee to only conduct timber operations on their own property only.

How does one verify a timber operator is properly licensed?

You may verify a timber operator is properly licensed through CAL FIRE's website (http://calfire.ca.gov/resource_mgt/downloads/LTO/Valid_LTO_List.pdf), or by contacting CAL FIRE's LTO Program by telephone at (916) 653-7211 or (916) 651-6025 or by email at calfire.ltoprogram@fire.ca.gov.*



You can check the status of a licensed contractor on the CSLB's website (https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx) or by calling their help line (1-800-321-CSLB).*

Are there other legal requirements, besides being properly licensed, that are related to Timber Harvesting?

Yes. Commercial timber operations subject to the Forest Practice Act and Rules also require a timber harvesting plan or an equivalent harvest document. You can learn more about the requirements of the Forest Practice Act & Rules at http://www.fire.ca.gov/treetaskforce/downloads/Draft_Tree_Removal_Guidelines_3-1-16.pdf.*

Can I collect firewood for personal use without a permit?

No, before you can collect firewood you are required to obtain a firewood cutting permit. Permits are available at Forest Service offices.

When are personal firewood permits available?

Each year, from April 1st to November 30th, the Sierra Nevada Forest makes available personal fuel wood gathering permits for the public.

* This information was provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) and The California Office of Emergency Services (CalEOS).

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