Underwater Logging
The logging industry in the Upper Midwest at the turn of the 20th century has become legendary, with an almost mystical history, in which the likes of Paul Bunyan were born. Pictures of the era depict a booming industry in the North Woods. Lumberjacks are shown clearing the huge virgin, old growth forests with simply an ax and the sweat of their brow. Many of us are drawn into this mystique when we see pictures of these proud men standing onto of towering fortresses of logs. These memories of the North Wood’s glory days have been revisited recently by the discovery and salvaging of submerged ancient logs from Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay. These huge timbers became waterlogged and sank, while being floated to the sawmills. My interest in learning more about this unique logging operation comes from my family’s logging activities on our property in northern Wisconsin. I hope to shed some light on the operations of this new, relatively obscure industry that hopes to recover the lost treasures of the past, and finally reward many of the lumberjacks for their hard work. Many people are surprised and intrigued by the fact that there are thousands of submerged logs in the large Wisconsin bay. These large timbers, which
Hauserman, Julie. 2000. “Underwater logging back, within limits.” “Waterlogging.” Smithsonian Magazine. 2000. http://www.sptimes.com/News/042600/news_pf/State/Underwater_logging_ba. Mitchen hopes that his company will be able to continue for another 20 years in the Cheqaumegon, recovering approximately 20,000 logs per summer. Some optimistic estimates have put the number of sunken logs in the bay at one million, but whatever the estimate it is a limited supply. That is why Mitchen’s company has been looking at many locations across the U.S., Canada, and even Brazil in the recovery of sunken logs. Wherever underwater logging practices are continued in the future, economic and environmental benefits will surely be realized. The recycling of this timber is environmentally friendly and is able to take advantage of quality timber that has already been cut down. The economic impact felt on Ashland, Wisconsin has been substantial, as tourism and employment have increased since operations commenced. On a final note, environmental quality to the lake ecosystem must be carefully monitored throughout this process in order to prevent unnecessary damage. Taken as a whole, I believe that underwater logging will continue to provide an environmentally and economically intelligent industry for the future. in a virgin market.” http://www.diveweb.com/commdive/features/uw-
Some topics in this essay:
Water-Logged Lumber,
Lake Superior,
Thompson Environmental,
Midas DF-1000,
Chequamegon Bay,
Ashland Wisconsin,
Canada Brazil,
Woods Lumberjacks,
Russell Madalyn,
Wisconsin Salvaging,
sunken logs,
northern wisconsin,
logging operation,
water-logged lumber,
superior water-logged lumber,
superior water-logged,
operation superior water-logged,
logs surface,
lake ecosystem,
operation superior,
“underwater logging,
lake superior’s chequamegon,
superior’s chequamegon bay,
quality wood,
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Approximate Word count = 1319
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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