Humboldt County Fairgrounds to Host 88th Annual Redwood Region Logging Conference

The rumble of diesel engines and the scent of fresh-cut redwood filled the Humboldt County Fairgrounds in Ferndale last week as the 88th Annual Redwood Region Logging Conference brought Northern California's timber industry together for three days of competition, education, and commerce.

The conference ran March 19–21 at 1250 Fifth Street, drawing loggers, families, students, and industry vendors to what organizers describe as the region's largest annual timber-focused event. Logging trucks carrying redwood logs lined the fairgrounds while chainsaw artists turned thick rounds of wood into detailed sculptures, sending curls of sawdust into the spring air. Modern equipment displays ran alongside historic logging exhibits, pairing the industry's past with its present technology.

"Education is probably our most important component of the conference and we're going to have 744 3rd through sixth graders attending," said Judy Fulton in a pre-conference interview. "They will each have their own tour guide who is a timber professional and they are going to see the logging sports show. They're going to have a wildlife show. They will see historic logging displays. They're going to check out all of the new technology."

Shasta College brought equipment simulators for students to try, and vendors who previously handed out pencils and promotional items reportedly raised their game after the conference began letting students vote for their favorite exhibitor two years ago.

Thursday night featured a beer-and-wine gala with fresh oysters grilled by RRLC directors, a catered dinner by Doris and Daughter, and a commemorative RRLC glass. Friday brought a separate dinner and auction. The full three-day program also included the traditional Gin Fizz Breakfast, Industry Insights panels, and logging sports competition.

New to this year's lineup was a Natural Resource Career Day, held Friday, March 20, giving students and job-seekers a structured introduction to forestry careers alongside the broader conference program.

The RRLC rotates annually between Ferndale and Ukiah as its host venue. Schools from Del Norte, Trinity, and Humboldt Counties whose students attended Education Day on Thursday may submit bus transportation reimbursement invoices to the RRLC office at 5601 South Broadway in Eureka, with documentation due by May 15, 2026. Reimbursement is capped at $250 per bus for approved school activities covered by the school's liability insurance. The RRLC office can be reached at 707-443-4091.