Celebrating 60 Years
As we all come together to celebrate our 60th Anniversary, it is only right that we take some time to celebrate our founders. Those independent log and log haulers who set aside their differences to create a unified voice called the Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho were ahead of their time and they did it right. They developed a mission with just a few important points, that were attainable and would stand the test of time.
Today, 60 years later, the ALC is still working on “programs that are instrumental in helping our members reduce costs,” and “defining the issues, providing solutions and building coalitions.” What worked for the ALC in 1966 is working for the ALC in 2026.
So much has changed since 1966. The state of Idaho had a population of 667,000 in 1960 and today the state has surpassed 2 million in population. The ALC has survived several economic downturns, a couple of major recessions and several global conflicts.
The logging industry itself has changed dramatically since 1966. What was once an industry dominated by chainsaws and ground crews is almost all mechanized now. ALC membership continues to grow with over 500 logging or log hauling owner/operators and over 90 associate members.
With all of this change nationally and within the State of Idaho, the mission of the ALC has not changed. Much like the United States Constitution, which was designed to withstand tremendous change in the country, the ALC Mission holds true.
Congratulatory Messages
Shawn Keough
2000-2024
Debbie Critchfield
In a state that consistently ranks among the nation’s top timber producers, the role ALC has played over the past six decades cannot be overstated. Your leadership, collaboration, and commitment have helped shape not just the industry itself, but the broader economic landscape of Idaho. With timber sales accounting for the vast majority of land management revenue, the impact of your work reaches far beyond logging—it supports communities across the state.
As Idaho’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, I see that impact firsthand. Timber sales managed by the Idaho Department of Lands are a primary funding source for our public school endowment, directly benefiting Idaho’s students and educators. At the same time, we are working to expand career pathways in forest products, ensuring students have access to meaningful, well-paying opportunities close to home.
As you mark this milestone, I hope you take pride in what ALC has meant to Idaho’s past—and in the role you continue to play in shaping its future. Your work supports not only an industry, but also our workforce, our schools, and our communities.
Thank you for your continued commitment to a strong, safe, and thriving forest products industry in Idaho.
Brandon Woolf
Congratulations to Associated Logging Contractors, Inc. – Idaho on celebrating its Diamond Anniversary and 60 years of service to Idaho’s logging and log hauling community.
Since its founding in 1966, ALC Idaho has represented loggers and log truck drivers across the state, helping address industry challenges, promote safety, and strengthen the professionalism of Idaho’s logging community.
Idaho’s timber industry remains an important part of the state’s manufacturing economy. The wood products sector supports more than 13,800 jobs and contributes over $1.7 billion to Idaho’s economy, demonstrating the strength of the forest products supply chain from logging and transportation to the manufacturing of building materials and other wood products.
The work of Idaho’s loggers and log truck drivers forms the foundation of that supply chain and supports manufacturing, construction, and rural communities throughout the state.
As ALC Idaho celebrates this 60-year milestone, we recognize the contractors, drivers, and families whose dedication continues to sustain Idaho’s forest products industry.
Congratulations on six decades of leadership and service to Idaho’s timber community.
Dan Musselman
My recollections of the ALC go back a long ways, clear to 1966 when I was a high school student in Pierce and the loggers were meeting at the Headquarters Bar & Cafe. I certainly didn’t understand their issues at the time, but I did recognize many of the faces as important people in our community who were not only family friends but employers of many of my friends’ parents.
Forward to 1975 when we, my parents and I as Musselman Construction Co. first joined the ALC as members. The biggest meeting issues of the time were log scaling and attempting to have an influence on federal forest planning. Seems as though success was attained on the scaling issues, forest planning not so much.
1979 brought one of our membership’s biggest accomplishments with the formation of the Associated Loggers Exchange. This was simply the result of years of failed relationships with insurance companies…the old issue of coverage being good for one year and the company running over you after that. We were the original ALE policy holders and also signatories on personal notes guaranteeing the success of the company. In a conversation I had in later years with Ray Coon about those notes he made the comment, “I don’t know about you guys but if they had called in my note, I would have folded like a tent!!” We laughed and agreed we would have all been in that tent together. Nothing out of the ordinary though, loggers have always been willing to reach for whatever they felt would provide opportunity.
In 1995 my company discontinued our logging and road building and transitioned into equipment sales and rentals. This took us away from ALC issues although we did remain members. In 1999 I sold my interest in the company to my brother Jerry as my heart was actually still in the woods. I knew there was something out there for me although I had no idea what it was. Come 2004, it showed up! At the continual prodding of Don Hull and David Kludt, I applied for the Safety Position with the Association. I felt fairly knowledgeable of most issues at hand and was excited that it would provide me the opportunity to once again work with those people I felt closest to. I started to work in March 2004 and it was immediately apparent to me that Safety wasn’t going to be my only challenge. Also on the table was reconnecting with all of our members, expanding our ALC membership, and promoting the value of being an ALE insured and thus providing additional income for the parent organization. The idea of creating a body to handle all of the loggers insurance needs was already floating around and it did not take long for it to transpire. At the annual meeting in 2005 the board decided to create their own insurance agency to handle not only ALE business but to secure opportunities for all other insurance lines that a logger would need. Toni Graham and I were given the task to see what we could create, and it actually worked out very well. The support of our logging membership gave us instant credibility and the foundation to grow to what you have today, a very viable insurance program that ALC members own. From what I remember of the late 70’s, that was the idea all along!!
My original thoughts were to work for 5 years and then retire for good. Those 5 years turned into 18 years! Time flies when you have good people to work with. The staffs of ALC, ALE, and AIS are good, dedicated people here to serve their constituency. And the folks they serve, TOP NOTCH. There is a reason ALC is celebrating 60 years, the people!!
I have seen a lot of changes in our organizations over the years but I think the original idea of the group remains intact today…INDEPENDENT BUT ASSOCIATED.
My heart is and has always been with this group.
Dan Musselman, former ALC member/ former safety coordinator / former AIS Agent
John Graham
Happy ALC 60th anniversary! It’s an honor to partner with such a reputable and professional company. Deep gratitude to the founders. From initial ideas to today’s reality, the ALC has become a stellar Association of members and continues to gain strength and recognition.
Thank you for the values ALC has brought. May the ALC keep succeeding and may we have more great cooperation opportunities. May all the ALC’s strategic goals become reality and exceed expectations!
Here is to a great future!
John Graham, Associated Loggers Exchange
Trevor Stone
On behalf of Rayonier, I would like to extend our sincere congratulations to the Associated Logging Contractors, Inc. on the occasion of your 60th anniversary (1966–2026). Reaching this milestone is a testament to ALC’s enduring commitment to Idaho’s forest products industry and the professionalism of its members.
As a timber company owning and managing 624,000 acres of timberland in Idaho, Rayonier (formerly PotlatchDeltic) has long recognized the essential role that ALC and its members play in the responsible stewardship of the state’s working forests. Over the years, we have worked closely with ALC members to safely, efficiently, and sustainably manage timberlands that support rural communities, family wage jobs, and a reliable supply of forest products.
ALC’s leadership in promoting safety, training, and sustainable forestry practices has strengthened the entire industry and helped ensure Idaho’s forests remain productive and resilient for future generations. We value the strong relationship we share with ALC and deeply appreciate the dedication and expertise of your members.
Congratulations again on sixty years of service and success. We wish ALC continued growth and achievement in the decades ahead.
Trevor Stone, Director Idaho Timberlands at Rayonier