The logging industry goes green

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Story Published: Feb 22, 2007 at 8:28 PM PDT

By Sophie Soong

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Eugene - As technology advances, so does the logging industry and the development of the equipment is playing a big role in helping the environment.

Take the Clyde/West dealership for example. Not only do their machines comply with the latest environmental standards, but they're saving money doing it too.

"Volvo is absolutely a leader in fuel economy. One of the things we strive to get our point across is that we burn--Volvo burns, less fuel," Rick Semke said of the company.

Another growing sector is wood-recycling, which turns waste wood into mulch. Peterson's Incorporated is based right out of Eugene and its CEO says the growing concern for sustainability and conservation has contributed to his company's success.

"It's a growing trend right now in the Northwest and other places to use more wood since it's a renewable resource and it doesn't convert to green house grasses," Larry Cumming said.

What's also interesting is comparing the past with the present. Where old machines with diesel engines used to belch out black smoke, some of the new equipment emits nothing at all.

This year's show is expanded to include more trucking and construction equipment.

The conference continues through Saturday.

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