Speaker: Hank Starkey
Trees are not only natural wonders, they are the largest crops we 'farm'. The talk will include facts about one of Indiana's top ten industries and an industry that was and is important to the Northwest US. It will include old and new saw mill engineering.
Hank Starkey is a long-time Scientech Club member. He was born in Dayton, OH, graduated from Carmel HS and has training in real estate, auctioneering and as an arborist.
Program: A1970’s Logger Talks about Trees
Speaker: Hank Starkey, former logger and more, Scientech Club member
Introduced By: Rick Whitener
Attendance: NESC: 80 Zoom: 39
Guest(s): Tom Mute, Donna Holl, Gary Frazier
Scribe: Alan Schmidt
Editor: Ed Nitka
Talk’s Zoom recording found at: https://www.scientechclubvideos.org/zoom/02022026.mp4
The meeting started with a summary of the Club’s financial position:
Total Operating Expenses for 2025 …. 21,667.91
Total Income for 2025 ………………….. 24,757.17
Cash Balance – January 1, 2025 ……... 41005.26
Cash Balance – December 31, 2025 …. 44,094.52
Speaker Hank Starkey is a long-time Scientech Club member. He was born in Dayton, OH, graduated from Carmel HS and has training in real estate, auctioneering and as an arborist.
Trees are not only natural wonders, but they are also the largest crops that we farm. The talk included facts about one of Indiana's top ten industries and an industry that was and is important to the northwest US. Hank included information about logging history, old and new saw-mill engineering, and agriculture's relationship with forestry in Indiana.
Sharing his background in logging and forestry, Hank detailed his early experiences in logging in Aberdeen, Washington, with the techniques and tools used in logging, such as "high lead" and "slackline" methods, and his work as a sawyer cutting logs and operating heavy machinery. A sawyer has responsibilities of cutting down trees and processing logs into lumber to maximize their grade and value. Sawdust and bark can be used in kilns. With an emphasis on utilizing every part of the tree, sawyers help ensure sustainable practices in logging, contributing to a more responsible forestry industry.
Hank narrated experiences about the historical importance of logging, its evolution into a vital industry, and the challenges faced while operating heavy machinery in tight spaces. He described logging techniques and equipment such as use of high lead carriages to lift logs for transport, or the use of whistles for communication among workers a quarter mile apart during logging operations. Hank illustrated the historical narrative of logging in the Pacific Northwest with the role of bullwhackers and oxen in transporting logs. He described the evolution of logging practices and the equipment used over the decades. Loggers, typically wear hickory shirts, suspenders or braces. Contemporary challenges in the logging industry are the need for precision and safety while operating machinery and the importance of communication among workers for efficient operation.
The first cut of a tree often has taper and flukes, which may lead to it being less valuable. The second log from a tree is generally more valuable, as it has better quality and less taper. A spruce tree example showed that first logs might be sent to markets like Japan, while more valuable second logs are kept for future use. Burl from a western red cedar, potentially over 2,000 years old, is a notable find, highlighting the value of preserving rare items. An oak forest in Pensacola is growing for large timbers to keep repairing the historic Ironsides ship in Boston Harbor. Collecting items like elk horns and other unique pieces reflected a personal connection to logging history.
Logging has evolved significantly over the past 50 years, moving from manual methods (e.g., misery whip) to more modern techniques. The speaker recalled how topping trees and using pulleys was common in earlier practices. During a tree work incident, a pine tree's top unexpectedly bounced back, illustrating the unpredictable nature of logging. Modern logging employs processors that efficiently remove limbs and assess logs for optimal cutting, vastly improving productivity. Innovations such as using bandsaws and computerized monitoring systems have improved cutting efficiency in mills.
Reforestation and sustainable practices are important. After clear-cutting, areas often turn into wildflower fields, showcasing nature's resilience to the changed environment. Replanting strategies have become more sophisticated, with trees chosen based on their growth needs (e.g., sun vs. water) for the particular location. The importance of sustainable yield practices was emphasized, particularly in the context of forestry management and wood usage. Hank noted that forest management today focuses on diversity and long-term health of forests, adapting to changing conditions. The transition from older methods to modern practices reflects broader changes in the industry over generations. The significance of oak trees in industries like bourbon aging illustrates the economic ties between forestry and local economies. Discussion of timber diseases, such as emerald ash borer disease, raised concerns about the future of forestry in Indiana.
Hank shared memories of old growth trees and their ecological importance, including carbon storage implications. Questions arose about the emotional aspects of cutting down old trees and the responsibility to maintain old growth forests, but the sawyer likes getting paid. The concept of carbon credits and the market for carbon storage was discussed, presenting a potential avenue for forest conservation financing. The loss of biodiversity, including the decline of cicada populations in the speaker's area, raises concerns about ecosystem health. The speaker reflected on the relationship between local communities and forestry management, emphasizing the importance of conservation. Discussions about the historical significance of timber and forestry practices revealed a deep-rooted connection to the land. The conversation highlighted the need for education around sustainable practices and the impact of forest management on local ecosystems. The discussion of timber rustling and illegal logging practices showcased ongoing challenges in forestry management. The speaker shared personal anecdotes about living in a wooded area and the changes observed over decades, underlining the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts.
Hank Starkey
