Latest news with #O'Kelley
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Family-owned company shares secret to multi-generational success: 'You come to some grim realities quickly'
Collins Pine Co., a family-owned timber company based in Chester, California, has operated for over 80 years using an approach that keeps forests healthy for generations, reported the Plumas Sun. The secret? "Live on the interest, don't dip into the principal," says Eric O'Kelley, forest manager for Collins Pine. The company selectively removes weaker trees from its 135,000 acres, giving stronger ones room to grow. It returns to the same areas every 15-20 years, maintaining a natural balance. This method, called uneven-aged management, earned Collins the first Forest Stewardship Council certification in North America. The company's founder, Truman W. Collins, pioneered this approach in 1942 after seeing other timber companies run out of trees. The Chester facility produces 80-100 million board feet of lumber yearly and employs 122 people. "There are always opportunities to walk in off the street and have a career," says former operations manager Murray Caton. These jobs support the local economy while maintaining sustainable forest practices. The company adapted quickly when the 2021 Dixie Fire burned 60,000 acres of its land. "You come to some grim realities quickly," Caton says. Collins is now planting over 1 million trees annually, up from its usual 30,000. It focuses on drought-resistant species, such as ponderosa pine, planted at lower densities to create more resilient forests. "The forest will tell you what will grow," O'Kelley explains. The company stays current with technology too. Modern equipment makes logging safer: the Chester facility recently celebrated its first year without workplace accidents. Its mill uses artificial intelligence to grade lumber quality, boosting efficiency while maintaining its commitment to sustainable practices. Should the government be able to control how we heat our homes? Definitely Only if it saves money I'm not sure No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Collins manages 95,000 acres in its Almanor Forest and 40,000 acres near Westwood. Its lumber reaches markets worldwide, including Japan, though locals can still buy directly from its Chester builder supply store. This mix of global reach and local presence helps maintain a stable business model. The company's success demonstrates smart forest management can build strong local economies. The approach creates jobs, maintains healthy forests, and supplies sustainable wood products. It's showing how businesses can thrive by taking care of natural resources. As O'Kelley puts it, "The best feeling is when you're taking out trees that are weak, giving the mill a good product, but still improving the stand." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘It impacted a lot of our students': Over 100,000 items donated to Baldwinsville apartment fire victims
BALDWINSVILLE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — A rallying cry came from to the village of Baldwinsville this weekend. Over 100,000 items were donated in a 48-hour span to multiple families that lost everything in the Legacy Apartments fire Friday night. Northwest Fire District Assistant Chief Robert O'Kelly helped fight it. Senate confirms Scott Bessent as Trump's Treasury secretary Speaker Johnson brushes aside economic concerns associated with ICE raids Syracuse crews work to keep roads clear despite salt shortage 'It impacted a lot of our students': Over 100,000 items donated to Baldwinsville apartment fire victims Republicans back tax cuts 'I came around to the back side of the building and saw they had more fire on that side of the building, so I upgraded it to a second alarm just because of the amount of fire and reports of people still inside the structure,' O'Kelley said. Not even 24 hours later, thousands of donations poured in as the Baldwinsville Central School District rallied to help those affected. 'It impacted a lot of our students' families. Eight families. Given the size and scope of how many families it impacted, we knew we needed to do something,' said superintendent Dr. Joseph DeBarbieri. It may not be easy for those affected to start over, but these donations will help. Items include toiletries, food, and toys. There's also plenty of winter clothing for them to restock their wardrobes. 'It was great for the community to show support for the victims of the fire. My wife and I donated to the cause also,' O'Kelley said. The school district is making sure students are alright back at school with assistance from counseling services. 'Number one was being present. Working with teachers, prepping them as to what to look out for in terms of warning signs, conversations, when to refer, when to give a call, what do you need,' said Assistant Superintendent of student services Karrie Lamacchia 'Baldwinsville, that's just what we do. The folks here in this community always pull together,' said Dr. DeBarbieri. If you'd like to still donate, you can drop off items at the Baldwinsville Community Center. The donations made over the weekend will start going out to those affected tomorrow. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
